Nicolette Bonkowski, who is Bar Lead at Whiskey Neat in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, says, “When choosing to sit on tequila rather than making a cocktail with it, you’re making a conscious effort of wanting to taste the process of tequila distillation.” Other experts like John Cooper, General Manager at Vagabond DC, enjoy the unique flavor profile that the Fuenteseca Reserva Extra Anejo 21-year provides. He explains that it gets this unique profile from being aged in barrels and in two climates. From Cooper’s description, it’s clear that this brand is an excellent example that hits all the marks of a sip-worthy drink.
A few details to keep in mind as we get ready to jump into the article are that blanco tequila, silver in Spanish, is said to be the “purest expression of agave” and comes with elegance and crispness with every sip. In Spanish, Reposado means “rested,” which fits perfectly because these are aged in oak barrels for anywhere from two months to a year. This process softens the agave and adds subtle layers of flavor without diminishing its original character. Finally, Anejo, in Spanish, means “aged” and is done so in a barrel for one to three years. This helps to develop their rich flavors and deep color.
So, what are some bartender-recommended top-rated sipping tequilas out there? Let’s find out!
Bartenders’ Top Sipping Picks
Clase Azul Reposado
This tequila, launched in 2000, does an incredible job of blending art and tradition in a drink. Aged in bourbon barrels, typically for over nine years, it finishes with a wonderfully complex flavor profile, including vanilla, fix, roasted agave, and a subtle hint of wood. Something special about this sipping tequila is that it is made exclusively from blue agave.
Don Julio Ultima Reserva Extra Anejo
A credit to Don Julio Gonzalez, the founder of the Don Julio brand, Ultima Reserva Extra Anejo is aged in oak barrels and finished in Madeira wine casks. This unique aging process impacts the flavor profile, including honeyed agave, toasted almonds, and a hint of apricot!
LALO Blanco
Speaking of Don Julio, LALO is named after its founder, Eduardo “Lalo” Gonzalez, his grandson. Released in 2021, LALO is full of amazing flavors. He uses the same production methods as his grandfather, including cooking the agaves in masonry ovens for 20-32 hours and then resting them for up to 18 hours. This is highly recommended for those just starting their tequila-sipping journey!
Patron Anejo
Handcrafted and aged over one year in a blend of oak barrels, this tequila offers a sweet and smooth sip. Its flavor profile includes vanilla, honey, raisin, black pepper, and sandalwood. Its elegant, smoky finish is excellent for beginners and experts alike.
Tears of Llorona No. 3 Extra Anejo
Created by German Gonzalez, this tequila is aged for five years in various barrels, creating a complex combination of layers of dark chocolate, citrus, and vanilla. It’s said that this tequila will always reward those patients enough to sip.
Casamigos Reposado
When looking for a smooth tequila worthy of sipping but without breaking the bank, Casamigos is a common go-to. Founded by Rande Gerber and George Clooney, this tequila is aged only seven months, but it still walks away with a subtle smokiness and agave sweetness that will have you coming back for more.
Final Thoughts
There are many choices when it comes to tequila, and each is unique in its complexities, balances, aromas, and flavor profiles. Whether it’s double-barreled, chilled in the freezer, aged six months or 21 years, with balance, unique flavored profiles, and a special blend of complexity, tequila is more than just a drink that can have you waking up in the morning unsure of your actions from the night before. When you sip tequila, instead of mixing it or shooting it, you can actively taste the hard work and dedication that went into making it.
If you’re thinking about exploring tequila and learning to appreciate it through sipping, be sure to look out for tasting events as this can help you fully understand what flavor profiles are for you!
