Welcome to a new Distillerista series, Booze For Every Budget. Besides the fact that today is very conveniently National Tequila Day (!!!), I chose to feature Tequila first because it’s one of those spirits – at least in my opinion – that you just don’t want to get on the cheap… Seriously, I wouldn’t wish a shot of shit tequila on my worst enemy but that’s just me. Luckily good quality doesn’t necessarily translate to pricey when it comes to Tequila. To prove it, I’ve rounded up some great options for todos los budgets. Enjoy!

Under $20: Cien Añ os  On my first trip to Baja I asked a local to recommend me a good bottle of tequila at a reasonable price. He answered with Cien Años and I’ve been a fan of this value Tequila ever since. For a cool twenty bucks or less, it has a surprisingly smooth finish and is a great option for parties or big batches of margaritas

Under $30: Espolón About three years ago, Espolón started winning mad awards and consequently flew off shelves, not to be seen again for quite a while. Thankfully it’s back on the market and just as delicious as ever. The Blanco and Reposado are both conveniently between $25 and $30 if you prefer one style to the other.

Under $40: Herradura The Herradura brand is old favorite of mine. Consistently full-bodied and rich, it’s the perfect foil to tart grapefruit juice in a Paloma. Like Espolón, both the Silver and Reposado are under the forty dollar mark.

Under $50: Casamigos Blanco Casamigos is a relatively recent find for me. I usually don’t go for celebrity-endorsed brands, but Casamigos’ flavor profile stands on it’s own, with or without George Clooney’s laser-printed signature on the label. I prefer the Reposado if given the choice but the Blanco clocks in at just under fifty bucks and has great character for a silver tequila.

Splurge: Tequila Ocho Reposado ($60)  Tequila Ocho seems to be the current darling of the “craft” Tequila brands. Bottled in a shape one would most associate with Vodkas, Tequila Ocho’s packaging oozes class. It comes as no surprise the liquid in side does too. This would make for an ideal birthday, hostess or wedding gift.

Ball Out: Fortaleza Anejo ($80) Fortaleza was recently named Men’s Journal’s Best Premium Tequila in the World, and for good reason. Sadly I find it hard to spot this elusive Tequila around town so if and when you do see a bottle, be sure to snap it up. And for the love of God, do not make Margaritas with it. This liquid gold is best enjoyed neat in a Brandy snifter.

Any great Tequilas I missed? Let me know in the comments below!

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