Tequilas: 10 Best Cheap Brands

A few months ago, some expert bartenders and beverage consultants from the United States Bartenders’ Guild were asked what some of their favorite cheap bottles of tequila are, for sipping and/or for cocktails. Per Jonah Flicker‘s report in Liquor.com, the following were the results:

Best Overall: Espolòn Tequila Blanco — Region: Mexico | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Pepper, Pineapple

Best Blanco: Corazón Blanco — Region: Mexico | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Tangerine, Mineral, Black Pepper

Best Reposado: Cazadores Reposado — Region: Mexico | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Oak, Citrus, Vanilla

Best Anejo: El Jimador Anejo — Region: Mexico | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Pepper, Cinnamon, Spice

Best Sipping: Milagro Silver — Region: Mexico | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Vegetal, Citrus, Peppercorn

Best for Margaritas: Herradura Silver — Region: Mexico | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Agave, Oak

Best for Paloma: Olmeca Altos Plata — Region: Mexico | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Lime, Agave, Earthy

Best for Tequila and Tonic: Sauza Silver — Region: Mexico | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Citrus, Banana, Agave

Best for Old Fashioned: Mi Campo Reposado — Region: Mexico | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Chocolate, Pepper, Spice

Best Budget: Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver — Region: Mexico | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Citrus, Vanilla, Spice

Most of these bottles are in the neighborhood of $30. Of course, many of us have our opinions and might disagree. But as for me, I’ll be venturing out this summer to try one or two of the above that I haven’t already. I add my support for the Herradura Silver and the Sauza Silver. The Espolon Blanco is fine, but I’m not sure it deserves “Best Overall.”

Get out the lime & salt and let the games (Olympic, that is) begin!