Five premium blanco & cristalino tequilas to try
1 1800 Cristalino Añejo
£48-£58/70cl Amazon, Drinks Direct,
House of Spirits, Liquor Library, Master of Malt, Spiritly, Threshers
After ageing in new American and French barrels for 16 months, and a further six months in former Port casks, this añejo tequila is filtered, resulting in light coffee aromas paired with fresh citrus and an appealing grassiness, with distinct vanilla notes and a brisk finish. Alcohol 40%
2 Casa Dragones Joven
£280-£375/70cl Amathus Drinks, Hard to Find Whisky, Harvey Nichols, House of Malt, Master of Malt, Selfridges, The Whisky Exchange Technically neither blanco nor cristalino, this luxury expression combines elements of both, blending unaged tequila with a quantity of extra añejo before being rested in new American oak barrels and then filtered, cristalino-style, to remove colour. This has a gentle nose of white pepper and citrus pith, and a touch of spearmint, with a rounded, creamy palate. Alc 40%
3 Komos Añejo Cristalino
£165-£179/70cl Amathus Drinks, Hedonism, Selfridges
A remarkable cristalino from luxury-tequila maker Komos that has been aged in French oak white wine barrels. Refined aromas of honey and key lime pie lead to sweet coffee, chantilly cream and warming spice. A lovely texture and lingering vanilla pod on the finish. Alc 40%
4 Ocho Plata Puntas 2023
£99/70cl Back to Mine
A bottling of the coveted ‘distiller’s cut’, this limited release is deep and complex, combining chilli spice, celery salt and lemon cream on the nose, while butterscotch and lime peel are joined by more peppery spice on the warming palate. Alc 53%
5 Volcan de mi Tierra Blanco Tahona
£120/70cl Brunswick Fine Wines, Clos19, Hard to Find Whisky, House of Malt
Brand new from this producer, exclusively made from agave crushed with a tahona – a traditional volcanic stone – with no oak ageing, this opens with caramel, white pepper and menthol, as well as savoury tomato and sourdough, and a sweet herbal palate with salinity and baking spice. Alc 38%