Five Ultra-Premium Tequilas for Spirits Aficionados

Words by

Charlotte McManus

27th July 2022

From high-end expressions from recognised brands like Patrón through to artisanal small-batch stars, such as Mijenta, discover five exceptional tequilas to enjoy this summer

Ultra-Premium Tequilas for Spirits Aficionados

Clase Azul Tequila Gold

Infused shimmering gold flecks, this amber-hued, medium-bodied tequila joven is ideal for enjoying on special occasions. A new arrival to the UK, it blends Clase Azul Tequila Plata with a reposado tequila matured in French oak casks, along with an eight-year-old Extra Añejo that has been aged in American whisky casks and finished in sherry casks. Aromas of green apple and agave syrup give way to complex tasting notes of ginger, dark chocolate and charred wood. While Clase Azul's decanters are beautifully crafted as a rule, the Tequila Gold's is particularly special - shimmering glass fused with a dark ceramic base, using a technique that took the brand's artisans six years to hone.

From £450, claseazul.com

Mijenta Reposado

A recent arrival to the UK, Mijenta's Reposado expression is the second release from the artisanal tequila brand - following the Blanco, which came out in June. Crafted in the highlands of the Jalisco state of Mexico, this small-batch spirit is aged for up to six months in a combination of American white oak, French oak and French acacia casks. Like the Blanco, the Reposado is made with sustainability and the local community in mind. Mature and complex with an enjoyably long finish, it features notes of bergamot, honey and preserved cherry, delicately balanced with orange blossom and cacao.

£71.99, selfridges.com

Five Ultra-Premium Tequilas for Spirits Aficionados

Gran Patrón Platinum

Triple distilled and oak rested, this distinctively high-end release from Patrón is made using 100% top-quality weber blue agave plants. The crystal-clear tequila opens with fresh notes of citrus and ripe agave on the nose, which are intensified on the palate with heightened fruit flavours. The finish is long, smooth and tinged with black pepper. Gran Patrón Platinum also comes in an elegant hand-numbered bottle with a case, making it an ideal collector's item or gift.

£230, thewhiskyexchange.com

Código 1530 Rosa Blanco

Bucking the concept that rosé should be confined solely to wine, Código 1530 Rosa Blanco is one of the industry's only "rosa" tequilas, making it a popular choice at such venues as Annabel's and Chotto Matte. It is crafted by resting Blanco tequila for a month in un-charred Napa Valley Cabernet French White Oak casks, which infuses the spirit with a subtle pink tint as well as soft red wine notes, which harmonise with the tequila's lively agave character. Pale pink and light in taste, it makes for a supremely refreshing summer serve (make ours a Paloma cocktail).

£45.75, amazon.co.uk

Maestro Dobel Diamante

In another world first, Maestro Dobel's innovative Diamante expression is the industry's inaugural clear, multi-aged tequila. Its blend of Reposado, Añejo and Extra-Añejo 100% blue agave tequilas makes for an exceptionally smooth spirit that is as enjoyable to drink neat as it is to elevate cocktails. Diamante is also double-filtered to enhance its smoothness whilst removing any traces of colour, resulting in the 'cristalino' appearance that gives it its name. On the palate, subtly smoky, spicy notes are tempered with the sweetness of maple and caramel.

£70, harveynichols.com