The curated list is a tribute to the legacy, art, and craft of the unsung heroes in the industry: the agaveros, los jimadores, tequileros, and mezcaleros. For centuries they have honored a past that connects tradition, the magic of the land, and its people,” Quiñonez emphasizes. “The tequilas and mezcales that I selected are the finest representation of Mexican heritage, in my opinion…not only for their exceptional taste but in the manner with which they’re produced. All use mindful and sustainable cultivations practices. Several continue to use pre-Hispanic milling methods such as the tahona—an art and rarity in the 21st century. There’s the fractional aging of reposado and añejo tequilas; techniques seen in aging fine Sherry wines; and the hand selecting of the most mature agaves to deliver the most remarkable profiles, styles, and flavor combinations. And although Cinco de Mayo is not traditionally celebrated in Mexico, it does represent the most important holiday for tequila and mezcal sales in the United States. I only hope that whatever agave-based spirit that you choose to celebrate with, you appreciate not only its great taste but its unique origins.” During the 15-minute drive from Arandas to his distillery, Camarena manages to smoke three cigarettes in between taking big gulps of his oversized coffee and elaborating on his obsession with tequilas and agave. (To say that he's an intense person would be an understatement.) He tells me that out of the thousand visitors he's had this year, only a handful were Mexican nationals. He also claims that, thanks to narco culture, most Mexicans now prefer Scottish whiskies like Buchanan's over tequila. Don Julio is named after the brand’s founder, Don Julio Gonzalez, who started making Tequila in 1942 when he was 17 years old. The flavour profile of Don Julio Blanco is hailed as a classic, balancing creamy and peppery characters with a vegetal note, some lemon, pastry and a clear minerality. Alc 40% El Tequileño Reposado Rare is absolutely unique, not only for its aging method—as they blend añejo tequilas that have been aged for over six years in a ‘pipon,’ which is a wooden oak tank that’s able to hold more than 23,000 liters of tequila—but for its depth of flavor and deep finish,” Quiñonez says. “With its elegant notes of dried fruit, ripe pineapple, honey and cooked agave, I recommend using a tequila glass or a champagne flute to truly take in the expression’s bold flavors and luxurious taste.”

G4 is naturally sweet and smooth as it goes down nicely with literally no burn or a bad bite. How to drink G4 Blanco?

The Best Tequilas To Try Right Now

G4 Reposado Single Barrel update: hand selected by Maple Lake Wine & Spirits (Illinois). This tequila is aged 10 months in American Oak barrels, but what makes this one special is that this batch of 120 bottles is all from the same barrel making it unique from all other batches. Notes of agave, oak, flowers, vanilla, and chocolate, and a touch smoother than the regular G4. 88 rating.

I highly recommend that you record the day and time you taste this,” Quiñonez insists. “This is yet another masterpiece from destilería La Tequileña, where only the finest most mature agaves are able to make the cut. Their use of fractional aging, combined with the different styles of barrels used for maturation, such as French Limousin oak, American white oak, and wine casks deliver an exceptional liquid with an even more exceptional finish. Notes of cooked agave, dried fruit, spice and caramel offer a sensational añejo style for any agave connoisseur.” After cooking the piñas are pressed and shredded to release the sugary juice, which is left to ferment for 24-96 hours. It is then distilled to produce tequila. Based on my experience, spirits have an indefinite shelf life if stored at room temperature and away from sunlight.The Orandendain Family have been a well-respected family of producers for a long time,” Bailon says. “For me, my first experience with Arette was in a Tommy’s-style margarita. But my first love of the brand came from waking up across the street from the distillery in the town of Tequila. Wafts of fresh cooked agave pouring through my window makes me instantaneously thirsty at the thought. Bright citrus notes and little lingering hint of celery leaf balances this lovely expression.”

In the glass it’s perfectly clear and clean with tears that definitely linger. The expected mouthfeel is something to look forward to.

This is the perfect dessert-style reposado, to sip neat or with a large cube of ice,” says Quiñonez. “It has a velvety feel with notes of chocolate vanilla, cinnamon, and butterscotch with complex spices such as chile de arbol and clove. Expressive from nose to finish. The pretty bottles make for interesting conversation as well.”

G4 Blanco stands out as an additive-free Tequila, free from coloring, sweeteners, and other chemicals. Felipe J. Camarena Curiel is often lauded not just as a master distiller but also as an innovator who employs his engineering acumen to refine and elevate the tequila production process. Under his watchful eye, G4 Tequila has become a spirit that is deeply rooted in tradition while gracefully reaching into the future, ensuring the Camarena legacy is not only preserved but evolved. This meticulous and considered approach towards tequila production is what places G4 Tequila in a distinctive position in the market, adored by tequila connoisseurs and casual sippers alike. While the majority of tequila is produced in the state of Jalisco, some municipalities in other states are also allowed to make this spirit. One of these other states is Guanajuato, and this is where Corralejo is based. Its Blanco is a creamy, citrusy tequila with flavours of lime zest, agave syrup, zippy white pepper, pencil shavings and vanilla, which accentuate the lime and agave flavours in a Margarita. Alc 38%

My journey has seen me as an owner of sophisticated bars and renowned liquor shops, and even as a Mezcal distiller, honing the craft from scratch. El Tequileño Reposado Gran Reserva is a favorite among tequila drinkers, judges, and connoisseurs. El Tequileño, located in the heart of el Valle de Tequila with its 60-year-old tradition and legacy, has created one of the best-tasting reposado tequilas in the market,” Quiñonez says. “This blend of eight-month-old reposados and reserve 18-month añejos create absolute perfection from start to finish. Bold notes of vanilla, nuts, dried fruit and spice. I really enjoy sipping on this with a large cube of ice and great company.”