1800 Milenio Extra Añejo Tequila.
Sophia Lindenberger
If it feels like tequila-based drinks are popping up all over cocktail lists, rest assured: you're not hallucinating. Once the drink of choice for shotguns, or worse, hangovers, tequila has suddenly become everyone's favorite tipple.
Tequila is the second most popular distilled spirit in America, behind only vodka. Tequila is getting the attention it has been long overdue. Like bourbon, another North American spirit that has recently been rediscovered by drinkers, tequila's boom is largely due to the proliferation of high-quality brands on the market.
These premium and ultra-premium tequilas from Mexico have completely changed the way people view tequila, and while they still fit nicely into the party drink category, they're quickly gaining a wider following as a great sippin' and the perfect base for memorable cocktails.
Experts from the International Wine & Spirits Competition, one of the oldest and most prestigious events in the world, have announced the results of their 2024 event. The competition, held annually in London, awards scores of up to 100 points in a blind tasting format. This year, out of the thousands of bottles judged, 107 bottles were awarded Gold Outstanding medals for scoring 98 points or higher, including two tequilas. If you're looking for the best tequila on the planet, look no further. Best of all, both are available to buy now.
1800 Milenio Extra Anejo Tequila
1800 Milenio has continued to wow judges and drinkers with each year's release since it was first produced in limited quantities in 2000. One thing that makes this whiskey so special is its deep roots in Mexico. It's produced at the legendary La Rogenia distillery, the oldest active distillery in Jalisco, the birthplace of tequila, the same distillery that produces Jose Cuervo and Gran Centenario.
When 1800 Tequila was launched in 1975, the company became one of the first brands to exclusively produce premium tequila, helping to change people's perception of tequila. 1800 Milenio Extra Angeo is the company's masterpiece. Made from 100% Blue Weber agave grown on family-run ranches in Tequila, Mexico, and harvested at the peak of its season, Milenio's liquid undergoes a long and delicate aging process.
After aging for two years in oak barrels, the liquid is then aged for a short period in French oak Cognac barrels. This additional aging creates a tequila that is renowned for its well-balanced, soft flavor. It currently retails for around $249 per bottle and can be purchased here.
Here is what the judges had to say: “Rich aromas of stone fruit and red apple create a harmonious blend of alcohol and sweetness on the palate. This wine has a pleasant depth of flavour and a lingering spice flavour.”
Lunazur Primero Fumosa Blanco Tequila.
Sophia Lindenberger
Lunazul Primero Umoso Blanco Tequila
Lunazul Tequila was met with high expectations when it was launched in 2004. Founded by Francisco Beckmann, a seventh-generation descendant of Mexico's oldest tequila-making family, his mission was to create a high-quality, small-batch tequila that would introduce the world to the complex flavors of a misunderstood spirit.
To achieve this, he built Tierra de Agaves, a microdistillery, in the heart of one of the world's largest agave plantations, owned by the Beckmann family, which uses only locally sourced ingredients to consistently produce award-winning tequilas renowned for their robust flavor.
Lunazul Primero Humoso Blanco Tequila is a unique product that combines both the smokiness you expect from mezcal with the smoothness you expect from a traditional blanco. Once you understand that humoso means smoky in Spanish, you'll understand why.
By blending mesquite wood smoked agave with fresh Blue Weber agave, Lunazul has created a unique smoked tequila that is perfect neat or as the base for a variety of cocktails. It currently retails for $29.99 and can be purchased here.
Here's what the judges had to say: “Fresh grass and peppermint creaminess with a hint of smoke. Round and earthy with hints of root vegetables and tropical and citrus notes. Smooth and rounded, it balances vibrant fruitiness with earthy spice and leaves a lingering finish with balsamic and citrus notes.”
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