The Best Sipping Tequilas in 2023

The Best Sipping Tequila In 2023 The Three Drinkers

The enlightenment is in full swing as drinkers in their droves flock to tequila for high-quality sipping. The world’s fastest-growing spirit has had some prejudice to overcome, with memories of throat-burning shots, salt licking and lime sucking scorched into people’s minds. None of that should be anywhere near these sophisticated sippers.

So, if you want to try a smooth, burn-free, and flavoursome tequila that stands head and shoulders above the competition, we’ve got the best from each category for you. Vamos!

BEST BLANCO SIPPING TEQUILA

Fortaleza Blanco

The Best Sipping Tequilas in 2023 The Three Drinkers Best Blanco Sipping Tequila  Fortaleza Blanco

Once somewhat written off as old-fashioned, the family-run Fortaleza is now known for some of the finest tequila in production. Their Blanco is the benchmark, and what so many agave aficionados settle on as the best. It uses exclusively stone crushed agave and is bursting with fresh vegetal agave, exactly what you want from a Blanco. Floral notes and spice lead into bursts of olive butter, earthy pepper, and citrus swirling throughout. Add in one of the most aesthetically pleasing bottles we’ve seen, and it’s the complete package.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV:
40%
Find here:
UK £57.45 // US $149.99

BEST REPOSADO SIPPING TEQUILA

Panchos Datos Tequila Reposado

The Best Sipping Tequilas in 2023 The Three Drinkers Best Reposado Sipping Tequila Panchos Datos Tequila Reposado

Another beautiful bottle to keep, Panchos Datos Reposado rests for 6 months in oak barrels once used to mature bourbon whiskey, imparting inviting caramel and vanilla into the blend. Rounded out by green vegetal notes from start to finish, this is one of the fullest-flavoured and smoothest feeling reposados out there. If you want to convert someone to tequila, go for this.

Size: 700ml
ABV:
40%
Find here:
£50.53

BEST AÑEJO SIPPING TEQUILA

VIVIR Tequila Añejo

The Best Sipping Tequilas in 2023 The Three Drinkers Best Anejo Sipping Tequilas  VIVIR Tequila Añejo

12-year-old double distilled agave is blended with volcanic spring water from the region and aged for 18 months in American Oak bourbon casks. Once you pop the bottle open and pour, you will see for yourself the success of the process. The agave roots aren’t lost, but joining them is a waft of smoky oak, roasted banana, butterscotch vanilla, and silky chocolate to make a wonderfully rich sipping tequila. The fullness and depth of flavour are why this Añejo has picked up not only international best tequila awards and Great Taste stars but also best overall spirit gongs too. It’s simply out of this world!

Size: 700ml
ABV:
40%
Find here:
£52.95

BEST EXTRA AÑEJO SIPPING TEQUILA

Tapatio Excelencia Gran Reserva Extra Anejo Tequila

The Best Sipping Tequilas in 2023 The Three Drinkers Best Extra Anejo Sipping Tequila Tapatio Excelencia Gran Reserva Extra Anejo Tequila

Tapatio is the flagship brand of the prestigious La Alteña Distillery, founded in Jalisco in the 30s by Don Felipe Camarena. These days, his grandson Carlos is presiding over the same pristine nectar. Tapatio Excelencia Gran Reserva Extra Anejo Tequila is a mouthful in more ways than one; four years of aging in a combination of casks imparts layer upon layer upon layer of flavour. Intense peppery agave is joined by buttery vegetal notes, mellow oak, toasted brown sugar and traditional spice weaving in and out. Rich, elegant and classy, if you’re a seasoned tequila sipper and want something new, treat yourself (you get a litre after all!)

Size: UK 1L // US 750ml
ABV:
40%
Find here:
UK £203 // US $249.99

BEST BLENDED SIPPING TEQUILA

Maestro Dobel Diamante Tequila

The Best Sipping Tequilas in 2023 The Three Drinkers Best Blended Sipping Tequila Maestro Dobel Diamante Tequila

This tequila is pure master craftsmanship. It contains blends of reposado, añejo, and extra añejo which would usually result in colouring, but Maestro Dobel has filtered it out while keeping the beautiful creaminess and complexity from the process. This ‘Cristalino’ expression carries much more vibrance and spice than similar projects, with a palate that represents both the characterful agave and ageing. Think maple, honey and earthy nuttiness all wrapped up in luxurious mouthfeel. The agave isn’t front and centre like some blends, but with the depth of flavour, you won’t mind one bit!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV:
40%
Find here:
UK £54.90 // US $57.99

BEST SIPPING TEQUILA FOR WHISKEY LOVERS

Storywood Tequila Double Cask Añejo

The Best Sipping Tequilas in 2023 The Three Drinkers Best Sipping Tequila for whisky lovers Storywood Tequila Double Cask Añejo

Luis and Michael melded their expert knowledge of agave and oak ageing to create a super innovative tequila/whisky crossover that we love. Each one beautifully bottled, we’ve praised their Speyside Reposados and Añejo before, and now we want to draw your attention to this globetrotting number – the Storywood Tequila Double Cask Añejo. Mexican Añejo spends 14 months in both Scotch whisky barrels and Spanish Oloroso sherry casks before being bottled at a lip-smacking 53% ABV. Sweet, honeyed agave is prominent, flanked by jammy dark fruits and figgy, oaky spice. If you love scotch and tequila, don’t be precious about keeping them separate, try this! And if you just want to try something inventive and tasty, this is your bottle too. Tequila innovation done right.

Size: 700ml
ABV:
53%
Find here:
£57.95

BEST SUMMER SIPPING TEQUILA

Código 1530 Rosa

The Best Sipping Tequilas in 2023 The Three Drinkers Best Summer Sipping Tequila  Código 1530 Rosa

That’s right, pink tequila! This is very different from the rest of the list because that inviting rose tint is there due to one month resting in ex-Cabernet Sauvignon barrels. Sometimes, bottles like these can be nothing more than a gimmick designed to look good on the shelf, but not in this case. The finish brings a tantalising brightness and vibrance through floral aromas and notes of red fruits that lift the earthy agave wonderfully. This really makes those summery tequila cocktails that bit more sun-kissed, but to be honest, we’d serve it just over ice.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV:
35%
Find here:
UK £49.45 // US $59.99

BEST CELEBRITY SIPPING TEQUILA

Casamigos Blanco

The Best Sipping Tequilas in 2023 The Three Drinkers Best Celebrity Sipping Tequila  Casamigos Blanco

Famously fronted by George Clooney with a mystery master distiller behind it, Casamigos needs no introduction. This is one of those fantastic liquids that pleases most card-carrying tequila heads whilst remaining completely approachable to newbies. The softness, the rich vanilla, the citrus, the herbal undertones – it’s easy to sip through but interesting at the same time. 

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV:
40%
Find here:
UK £52 // US $42.99

If you’re into your tequila but have for some reason dismissed or never tried mezcal then you’re missing out, especially if you’re searching for new flavours because the variety is incredible. Check out our Top Sipping Mezcals if nothing on this list tickles your fancy!