The 10 best selling tequilas in Mexico are produced in the Mexican state of Jalisco. Tequila is synonymous with Mexico, just like champagne is with France. The country’s warm climate and nutrient-rich soil are ideal for growing blue agave, from which tequila is made. The state of the soil is also important in determining the taste of the tequila. Tequila created in the highlands has a sweeter, floral and fruitier flavor than lowland tequila.
About 80% of all blue agave is grown in Jalisco, and almost all tequila distilleries are located in the state. So Jalisco is the main tequila producing region in Mexico. Mexican law also allows certain states like Tamaulipas, Nayarit, Michoacan, and Guanajuato to produce tequilas. Tequila has the denomination of origin status, which means that the spirit will only be called tequila if it is produced and bottled in the specific areas of Mexico mentioned above.
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Tequila can only be made from the blue agave, or agave tequilana, which is a desert succulent. Any quality tequila is labeled as 100% Blue Agave when made purely from the juices of the blue agave plant. The blue agave plant takes eight years to mature and is a one-time use plant. Hence, a lot of care and patience is involved in making the 10 best selling tequilas in Mexico. Once matured, their pinas (the heart of the agave plant which has the sweetest juices and looks like giant pineapples) are steamed, crushed, and fermented into tequila. Tequila is legally required to be only 51% blue agave. Tequilas are available in four variants – Blanco (silver or unaged), Reposado (rested), Anejo (aged), and extra Anejo (ultra aged) depending upon their aging time.
Tequila is of national importance for the Mexican economy and its production is highly regulated. The liqueur holds special cultural significance in Mexico and Mexicans have protected its spirit through various international trade agreements. According to Statista, tequila production in Mexico increased to 150.8 liters from 15.6 liters two decades ago. Today tequila is not only enjoyed in Mexico but also exported worldwide. It has become one of the most popular liqueurs in the world with sales in other countries almost doubling over the last decade. The global tequila market is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 3% by 2021, according to Technavio. With President Trump considering imposing a border tax and modifying the terms of NAFTA, tequilas might become more expensive in the U.S.
There is no specific way of drinking tequila. It can be mixed with drinks in tasty cocktails, sipped neat or gulped as a shot with a wedge of lime and salt. The most popular tequila cocktail in America is the classic Margarita.
Our list of the 10 best selling tequilas in Mexico, has been prepared based on the common choices between six websites including the Culture trip, Vinepair and the Street. The list has been divided into three groups, with the first group comprising tequilas that were the most common choices across the lists and so forth. We have ranked the tequilas based on the year they were introduced.
Group III
10. Patron
Year: 1989
Patron tequila is one of the best selling ultra-premium tequilas in Mexico. The pinas are baked in small brick ovens and are crushed by a two-ton Tahona wheel. The company uses an eco-friendly reverse osmosis irrigation system and also recycles the agave by-product. Patron spirits largely focus on the glass containers in which their tequila is bottled. Each bottle is hand-labeled and carefully inspected before declared as ready for sale. The Patron tequila can be enjoyed straight, with a Sangrita, or in cocktails.
9. Chinaco
Year: 1977
Chinaco tequilas are handcrafted and still use the same four-century-old formula for production. The drink can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in mixed drinks. It is 100% agave tequila and is known for its exceptionally smooth and legendary flavor. It is double-distilled and is made in Tamaulipas state, in the only tequila distillery, Chinaco.
8. 1800
Year: 1975
With more than 200 years of history, 1800 is a premium tequila that still uses its original formula and distillation process. It is, therefore, known for its unwavering quality. The brand is owned by the Beckmann family. 1800 tequilas are available in the silver, aged, luxury and special edition variants. This drink can be mixed as cocktails or enjoyed straight on the rocks too. 1800 has been named after the year in which tequilas began to first age in oak barrels.
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7. Tapatio
Year: 1940
In Mexico, Tapatio means a person from Guadalajara, a city in the Tequila-producing state of Jalisco. This spirit carries a reputation for quality, integrity, and authenticity, and is still produced using the same centuries-old method. Tequila Tapatio is 100% blue agave and is available in Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo variants.
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6. Ocho
Year: 1937
Ranking sixth on our list of the 10 best selling tequilas in Mexico is Tequila Ocho which was started by the Camarena family back in 1937. Ocho means eight in English. Approximately one liter of Ocho tequila is made using about eight kilograms of agave. Tequila Ocho heightens the agave flavor, as it incorporates a slow cooking process. Made with 100% Blue Agave, Ocho tequilas are available in Blanco, Reposado, Anejo and Extra Anejo variants.
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Group II
5. El Jimador
Year: 1994
El Jimador is one of the best-selling 100% agave tequilas in Mexico. El Jimador tequilas are known for their exciting flavors, rich aroma, and long-lasting finish. They are available in the silver, Reposado and Anejo variants and in lime, mango and cinnamon flavors. A jimador is a Mexican farmer who harvests agave plants used to make tequila and mezcal.
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4. Don Julio
Year: 1942
Founded in 1942, Don Julio is the world’s first luxury premium tequila and is made with 100% blue agave plant. Don Julio crafts tequilas in the Blanco, Reposado and Anejo categories, with Don Julio Blanco Tequila being the base from which all of its other variants are derived. Don Julio tequilas incorporate a variety of flavors ranging from hints of dark chocolate, vanilla and light cinnamon, to expressions of cooked agave, wild honey and oak-infused butterscotch. They also have an inviting aroma.
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3. Gran Centenario
Year: 1857
Gran Centenario tequila was created over 150 years ago and still maintains it proprietary “Seleccion Suave” process which was invented by the Gallardo family. It is a family-owned business and is crafted in the highlands of Jalisco. Known for a smooth texture, Gran Centenario is another 100% blue agave tequila and is available in the Blanco, Reposado and Anejo variants.
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2. Jose Cuervo Tradicional
Year: 1795
Jose Cuervo is the biggest owner of agave holdings in the world and one of the oldest, with 250 years of experience in making tequila. This tequila is popularly used for shots and mixed drinks or served very cold. It is aged slowly in barrels during which it acquires a rich woody aroma. Jose Cuervo is not only the best selling tequila in Mexico but is one of the largest-selling tequila brands in the world. The world’s biggest tequila producer made an initial public offering earlier this year.
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Group I
1. Herradura
Year: 1870’s
Herradura Tequila is 100% agave tequila produced in the heart of Mexico’s tequila region. It is Mexico’s finest premium tequila over the last 145 years and is handcrafted using traditional methods, fermented naturally with wild yeast and barrel-aged. The brand was bought by Brown-Forman Corp (NYSE:BF.B) in 2007. The tequila has a rich and smooth taste and can be drank straight, with a Sangrita or mixed in cocktails. It has tequilas in the Blanco, Reposado and Anejo categories. Herradura tequila not only rank amongst the 10 best selling tequilas in Mexico but also in countries like Europe, South America, North America and Asia.
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