Finding the best Tequila to match your style can be tricky nowadays with the wide variety of premium tequilas available. Enjoying luxury liquor should never be a struggle, so to make this easier for you, we are giving you our best tequila recommendations.
Carry on reading to find out more about the top 5 tequila brands available in South Africa.
CONTENTS
- What is tequila?
- 5 of the best premium tequilas available in South Africa
- What’s the best way to drink tequila?
- Order premium tequila for delivery
What is tequila?
Tequila is a spirit made from the blue agave plant which is mainly found in the Mexican state of Jalisco. For it to be called tequila, the spirit must be made from at least 51% blue agave while the rest is usually made using other sugars. Tequila has a rich history and cultural significance in Mexico and is nowadays consumed and celebrated globally as a popular and versatile liquor.
How is tequila made?
Tequila is made through a multiple-step process and can take a few weeks to a few years before the tequila is deemed ready. Here is an overview of how tequila is made:
- Harvesting: The agave plant is harvested when it is between 7-10 years old. The leaves are cut to leave only the piña (heart) of the plant which is the only part used.
- Cooking: The piñas are cooked to extract the sugars from the plants which gives tequila its well-known flavour.
- Extraction: The cooked piñas are crushed to extract the juice. This juice is then fermented for a number of days where yeast turns the sugars into alcohol.
- Distillation: The fermented juice is distilled in copper plots which produces a clear liquid with an alcohol percentage of roughly 55%.
- Aging: Depending on the type of tequila, the clear liquid will be aged in oak barrels for anywhere between a few weeks to a few years.
- Bottling: Once the tequila has been aged for the desired amount of time, it is then filtered, bottled and now ready to be enjoyed.
Tequila is a labour-intensive process that has been mastered and refined throughout the generations. Every step is crucial in order to make the best possible tequila.
5 of the best premium tequilas available in South Africa
Bar Keeper has an expertly selected range of premium tequilas. We have helped you find the best ways to drink tequila. Now you can carry on reading below to find our recommendations for the best tequila.
1. DON JULIO REPOSADO TEQUILA
This premium spirit has been carefully crafted and aged to perfection. Don Julio Reposado Tequila is made from 100% blue agave, grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico.
The agave is aged for a minimum of eight months in American oak barrels, giving it a rich and smooth flavour profile with notes of vanilla, dark chocolate, and light cinnamon. This ageing process also gives this tequila a golden colour, adding to its visual and premium appeal.
The refined taste of Don Julio Reposado makes it a popular choice among tequila connoisseurs and is widely regarded as one of the finest reposado tequilas available.
Whether you’re a fan of tequila or simply looking for a premium spirit to enjoy, Don Julio Reposado is an excellent choice.
You can buy Don Julio Reposado Tequila from Bar Keeper and enjoy our fast, nationwide door-to-door delivery.
2. CLASE AZUL REPOSADO TEQUILA
Clase Azul Reposado Tequila is a premium spirit renowned for its exquisite flavour and smooth finish. Made from the finest blue agave plants, this tequila is crafted using traditional methods passed down for generations.
The Reposado version of Clase Azul is barrelled for at least eight months which gives it a deep and smooth taste with a hint of vanilla and caramel undertones. Clase Azul Reposado is a sipping tequila, best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
Besides the fantastic taste, the beautiful packaging is what sets Clase Azul apart from other tequilas. Each bottle is handcrafted and painted, making it a stunning addition to any bar or collection.
It is a luxury tequila that combines traditional methods, premium ingredients, and unique packaging to create an unforgettable taste experience.
Get your hands on the renowned Clase Azul Reposado Tequila by ordering it from Bar Keeper using our hassle-free delivery across South Africa.
3. 818 TEQUILA REPOSADO
Similar to the previous two Reposados, 818 Tequila Reposado is a premium tequila that is made using blue agave. It was created by American model, Kendall Jenner and the name 818 is a nod to the area code in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California, where the brand is based.
818 Tequila Reposado has a rich golden colour, with a medium-bodied flavour profile that is attributed to the months of ageing in oak barrels. Its smooth and well-rounded taste makes it a popular choice for those who appreciate fine spirits. In addition to its great taste, 818 Tequila Reposado is known for its unique packaging and branding.
Overall, this premium tequila blends the best of traditional Mexican tequila-making with a modern twist. Its smooth and well-rounded flavour, combined with its stylish packaging, make it a top choice for tequila enthusiasts.
Buy 818 Tequila Reposado from Bar Keeper with fast door-to-door delivery across South Africa.
4. TEREMANA BLANCO TEQUILA
Teremana Blanco Tequila is a premium tequila brand founded by actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who wanted to create a tequila that would honour his roots and the spirit of the people of Mexico.
Blanco means “white” in Spanish, and refers to the fact that this tequila is not aged in oak barrels, resulting in a clear and pure spirit. It is distilled using a slow-roasting process, which gives it a smooth and delicate taste profile with hints of citrus, agave and lemon zest.
It is a versatile tequila that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed into cocktails and is a great choice for those who appreciate high-quality spirits. In addition to its great taste, Teremana Blanco Tequila is known for its eco-friendly production methods.
Its smooth flavour, combined with its eco-friendly production methods, make it a top choice for tequila lovers and conscious consumers.
Buy Teremana Blanco Tequila from Bar Keeper with hassle-free delivery across South Africa.
5. CASAMIGOS MEZCAL JOVEN TEQUILA
Casamigos Mezcal Joven Tequila is a premium mezcal made from the finest Espadín agave plants. Casamigos is co-founded by actor George Clooney and is dedicated to producing high-quality mezcal that is smooth and easy to drink, with a focus on responsible and sustainable production methods.
Casamigos Mezcal Joven is distilled using traditional methods, giving it a smoky and earthy flavour with hints of green apple, citrus and spice. It is a versatile mezcal and can be enjoyed neat or mixed into delicious cocktails.
In addition to its great taste, Casamigos Mezcal Joven is known for its commitment to sustainability. The company works closely with local farmers to ensure that the production is environmentally friendly.
Buy Casamigos Mezcal Joven Tequila from Bar Keeper and make use of our fast door-to-door delivery available throughout South Africa.
What’s the best way to drink tequila?
We often get asked “what must I mix with tequila?” or “how to drink tequila?”. At the end of the day, the best way to drink tequila comes down to personal taste but hopefully our suggestions can help you find your preference.
Sipping is a great way to enjoy premium tequila. You must savour the tequila and sip it slowly in order to fully enjoy the flavours and aromas. A personal favourite of ours is a classic cocktail. Tequila is a popular base spirit for a variety of cocktails, such as a Margarita, Paloma, and Tequila Sunrise. You are encouraged to experiment with different recipes to find a cocktail that suits your taste. Our last recommendation is to pair your tequila with food. Everyone loves a good liquor and food combination that brings out the flavours in each other. Tequila is great to pair with certain foods, particularly those with a spicy or savory flavor profile. Try pairing tequila with Mexican cuisine, such as tacos or enchiladas, or with dishes that have a smoky or grilled flavor.
As we mentioned, the best way to drink tequila comes down to personal preferences but hopefully our suggestions can help you find your best way to drink tequila.
Order premium tequilas for delivery across South Africa
We hope we’ve helped you explore a little bit more about tequila and that you’ve found the perfect premium tequila to try!
You can also explore our tequila category to find more premium tequila to order online for delivery from Bar Keeper. You can also pair your order with mixers if you plan on preparing your favourite tequila cocktail(s).
If you’re also interested in sparkling wines and spirits, you may enjoy exploring our other posts “15 Best South African Brandies to Try in 2021!”, “15 Best South African Gins (2020)”, and “15 of South Africa’s Best Sparkling Wines & MCCs”