Everyone has an opinion about tequila now, but it used to be as controversial as whiskey or scotch. Clase Azul and other premium tequilas are not cheap. Some bottles can cost as much as a brand-new car, with prices starting at $130.
No matter how excellent the tequila is, that’s a lot of cash for just one bottle. Thankfully, we have some excellent news. Based on price, how good it would be on its own or with a little water, and how excited we’d be if a friend delivered a bottle to our door, we picked the best cheap substitutes for Clase Azul.
KAH Añejo Tequila
In search of an elegant bottle to complement that supper party, you find yourself in the liquor store. To have a successful experience, order the KAH Tequila Añejo. The Mayan word for “life” (kah) will make perfect sense when you taste this 80-proof tequila that is two years old. Depending on your area, this tasty and easy-to-drink tequila might be yours for $70 a bottle.
The velvety smoothness, caramel, toffee, and vanilla notes of this tequila aged in American white oak will revolutionize your perception of the spirit. Its long history of silver and gold medals from The Spirits Business proves that experts concur. Bottles are also a hit among us. The Day of the Dead sugar skull ceramic bottles hold KAH tequilas, which include the excellent Blanco and Reposado. You will want to hold on to these because they are so wonderful and because we appreciate items that can be reused and recycled.
123 Organic Tequila
Indulge in a glass of 123 Organic Tequila for yourself or to wow the men at the next poker night. This brand satisfies both the American and European organic requirements, and it has several great, award-winning products. Añejo tequila is a deep, woodsy choice for after-dinner, Blanco is a clear, agave-sweet beverage, and Reposado is perfect for sweets. Looking for something trickier? Give the Extra Añejo (Diablito) a shot or keep an eye out for special occasions. Prices range from $55 to $70, depending on the model.
Eight Reposado
Ocho Tequila employs agave that has been slow-roasted and harvested between seven and ten years old, making it one of the few artisanal tequilas made using the traditional method. Before being fermented, they are hand-cut, crushed, and cooked slowly in brick ovens. The effort will be well-rewarded. Making a tequila that retains its classic flavor without the aid of mixers was the primary objective.
Although we like all of Ocho’s cocktails, our favorite for mixing or sipping straight was the Reposado. Nutty and buttery with a touch of coffee and a richness that the Blanco doesn’t necessarily possess, it tastes like a dream. Even if you don’t have a special occasion, you may treat yourself to a bottle for $50 to $60 and enjoy a delicious after-dinner drink.
Enemigo 89 Cristalino
A poor shot of tequila can leave you with a nasty bite. We suggest the Enemigo 89 Añejo Cristalino to anyone afraid to try tequila again. Although it won’t empty your bank account, this tequila bottle will win over even the most hardened drinkers for just $70.
What makes it unique? Enemigo Tequila has all the characteristics of a high-quality tequila, including an age of at least one year. Enjoy it alone or mixed with a squeeze of lime or lemon; it’s milder and more citrusy than certain tequilas. The Cristalino clarity is achieved through the elimination of impurities through its triple-filtration process. Additionally, “89”? Improving this one required multiple rounds of testing.
Still Strong Fortaleza Blanco
Blanco Still Strength from Fortaleza tastes great when served on the rocks, even though Still Strength tequila is known to make toes curl. We also love it because it tastes just like agave—sweet and earthy, with hints of pepper, salt, and citrus, and just the right amount of bite without the sting. Getting a bottle of something that was once rare is exciting, and the fact that it’s 92-proof makes it even more special. Although tours of the distillery were formerly the exclusive means of acquiring its still-strength tequila, the cost was reasonable.
As a general rule, the price of a bottle ranges from $52 to $90. Be on the lookout for this one; purchase it at a discount and put it away for a special occasion.
Montelobos Mezcal
A doctor specializing in agave botany and a fifth-generation mezcalero collaborated to make Montelobos Mezcal. Combining scientific knowledge with traditional methods, the result is an outstanding product that has received rave reviews online and is widely recognized as a prime example of the qualities that set mezcal apart from other tequilas. If you want to experience mezcal in a way that is distinct from tequila, you should make the effort to do so because of its intense smokiness.
At around $40 per bottle, you may enjoy Montelobos’ mezcal, which has won multiple awards. Although the smoke could be overpowering, the smoothness makes it ideal for use over rocks. We also love it because of the way its smokey flavor complements sour ingredients in a sour cocktail.
Herradura
All of Herradura’s products are top-notch, thus we highly recommend them. Because of its excellent tequila, the distillery has persisted since the 1870s. The price of a standard bottle is about $50. You can rely on Casa Herradura’s competence because it is the birthplace of reposado and extra añejo.
Herradura’s Reposado keeps winning awards for its harmonious blend of agave and buttery, gingery sweetness. The award-winning Añejo offers a peppery and smoky flavor. Do you adore vanilla? When it comes to your favorite tequila cocktails, silver is a more affordable and equally excellent alternative. It is the same with all tequila cocktails, not just margaritas.
Casa Noble
Casa Noble is another dependable brand; a bottle will set you back $60. What makes it unique? At Casa Noble, barrels made of French oak are used instead of American wood. Every bottle has more nuanced flavors that aren’t going to leave you wondering if it’s caramel or vanilla, even though it sounds finer.
Which option is best for you? Whatever you choose, enjoy it neat or with a little water. Milder citrus notes characterize Blanco. Next, we’ll go over how to get the most out of your bottle if you enjoy buttery caramel flavors. Despite how tempting it may be, tequila is best served at room temperature. If served cold, some of the delicate aromas of Casa Noble will be diminished.
Rosa Codigo 1530
On occasion, a regular tequila bottle won’t do. A birthday bash, anniversary dinner, or romantic dinner for two would be perfect with the Codigo 1530 Rosa. Napa Valley Cabernet barrels are used to age this wine, which could introduce rosé to a wider audience.
Impressive, isn’t it? Indeed, it is the favorite of the outstanding Codigo 1530 tequilas according to BBC GoodFood, which has given it 5/5 stars. For several reasons, we enjoy this tequila’s surprising flowery and strawberry flavor. A lot of them feature caramel and vanilla or are sweetened with agave. Incorporating it into the routine results in excellent tequila. At $60 per bottle, it’s hard to go wrong with this as an introductory tequila gift for someone who might not otherwise try it.
1800 Añejo Cristalino
Just as you can’t always judge a book by its cover, you also can’t always judge a bottle of whiskey. Having said that, whether it’s for the top shelf of your home bar or the holiday dinner with the in-laws, there are moments when you simply desire a showpiece. When the price is right? It’s better for you. Included in the $65 bottle price of the 1800 Cristalino Añejo is a premium tequila.
Rooster Rojo
Newer, more innovative tequila brands can be just as successful as their more established counterparts. The Rooster Rojo is here. We enjoy a number of the unique varietals offered by this brand in addition to the standard Reposado and Blanco. An unparalleled smokiness characterizes its Smoked Pineapple tequila, which is made with pineapple puree and matured in bourbon barrels. Add depth and complexity to your cocktail recipes with its spicy and earthy Ahumado.
Rich and velvety with notes of fruit, vanilla, and wood, its Reposado is highly regarded. These, which retail for around $50 a bottle, are perfect for both everyday use and emergency stockpiling.