In the fast-paced world of bartending, keeping a top-tier selection of spirits is crucial. Tequila has seen a resurgence, and choosing the right brands can elevate your cocktail menu and impress patrons. The Bartender Spirits Awards 2024, judged by the best bartenders of the USA, has recognized some of the finest tequilas, each bringing its unique character to the bar. Here are 15 top-rated tequilas every bartender should consider for their bar this year.

1. DeLeón Añejo Tequila, Double Gold Medal (98 Points)

Crowned Tequila of the Year and winner of a Double Gold Medal at the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024, DeLeón Añejo Tequila boasts rich and bold flavors. The charred red bell pepper and barrel-aging give this tequila depth, while allowing the agave to remain the star. Its robust profile and strong finish make it a versatile option for cocktails and sipping alike.

Image Title & Source: DeLeón Añejo Tequila

2. Reserve Collection Añejo, Double Gold Medal (96 Points)

The Reserve Collection Añejo by Cierto Tequila scored 96 points and earned a Double Gold Medal. This añejo offers rich agave flavors with notes of butterscotch toffee and a hint of smoke, creating a well-rounded and indulgent experience. Ideal for slow sipping, this tequila provides an exceptional balance of sweetness and complexity.

Image Title & Source: Reserve Collection Añejo

3. Familia Camarena Tequila Añejo, Double Gold Medal (96 Points)

A Double Gold Medal winner with 96 points, Familia Camarena Tequila Añejo surprises with underripe banana and grassy notes, followed by a semi-sweet palate and a short, satisfying finish. Its unique flavor profile makes it a standout tequila for bartenders looking to experiment with new cocktail combinations.

Image Title & Source: Familia Camarena Tequila Añejo

4. Casa Noble Añejo, Gold Medal (94 Points)

Casa Noble Añejo, awarded 94 points, is a bold tequila with smoky oak and pepper aromas, alongside tropical fruit and vanilla on the palate. This strong, flavorful añejo makes it a perfect base for high-end cocktails, offering complexity and balance for bartenders looking to impress.

Image Title & Source: Casa Noble Añejo

5. Authentico Organic Tequila Cristalino, Gold Medal (94 Points)

With a Gold Medal and 94 points, Authentico Organic Tequila Cristalino impresses with its creamy body featuring notes of caramel, butter oak, and black pepper. The caramelized and clean finish makes this tequila a smooth, easy choice for lighter cocktails or a refined sipping experience.

Image Title & Source: Authentico Organic Tequila Cristalino

Also Read: Watch out for these 15 Award-Winning Whiskies from the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024

6. Pantalones Organic Tequila Blanco, Gold Medal (93 Points)

Winning a Gold Medal with 93 points, Pantalones Organic Tequila Blanco offers vegetative and herbal notes with hints of cooked agave and melon. Its clean, peppery finish makes it a versatile option for bartenders looking to create fresh, herbaceous cocktails.

Image Title & Source: Pantalones Organic Tequila Blanco

7. Gran Centenario Añejo, Gold Medal (93 Points)

A Gold Medal recipient with 93 points, Gran Centenario Añejo brings cooked agave, fruity aromas, and a touch of spice to the palate. Its long, warming finish makes it a fantastic option for tequila-forward cocktails that require depth and balance.

Image Title & Source: Gran Centenario Añejo

8. Southbound Tequila Blanco, Gold Medal (92 Points)

With 92 points and a Gold Medal, Southbound Tequila Blanco offers pleasant notes of spring meadow and oak, followed by a long, spicy finish with peppery and woody undertones. This tequila's balanced texture makes it a great choice for refreshing and complex cocktail creations.

Image Title & Source: Southbound Tequila Blanco

9. 1800 Blanco, Gold Medal (92 Points)

Awarded 92 points, 1800 Blanco features aromas of grass, vegetables, and cinnamon, with a pleasant mouthfeel of citrus and meadow flowers. Its medium finish with lingering grass and vanilla bitterness makes it a solid choice for a variety of cocktails, particularly those that require an earthy yet smooth tequila base.

Image Title & Source: 1800 Blanco

10. Jose Cuervo Tradicional Añejo, Gold Medal (92 Points)

With 92 points and a Gold Medal, Jose Cuervo Tradicional Añejo offers light smoke on the nose and strong agave on the palate, with a hint of vanilla and sherry from barrel-aging. The quick finish with drying oak notes makes this a versatile choice for classic cocktails and neat pours alike.

Image Title & Source: Jose Cuervo Tradicional Añejo

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11. 1800 Milenio, Gold Medal (91 Points)

1800 Milenio scored 91 points with a bold aroma of smoke and wood, alongside a metallic palate with mildly cooked agave. The dry, medium-long finish with spice and hints of sherry makes this tequila perfect for bartenders seeking a bold, complex option for refined cocktails.

Image Title & Source: 1800 Milenio

12. Añejo No. 7, Gold Medal (91 Points)

A Gold Medal recipient with 91 points, Añejo No. 7 brings a slight vanilla flavor and astringency to the palate, creating a high-quality sipping experience. Its balanced and sophisticated profile makes it a fantastic addition to any tequila offering.

Image Title & Source: Añejo No. 7

13. Pantalones Organic Tequila Añejo, Gold Medal (90 Points)

This Organic Añejo scored 90 points, offering mild cooked agave and grassy undertones on the nose, with bright agave and slight vanilla on the palate. Its slightly sweet finish lingers, making it a great choice for both sipping and mixing into elegant cocktails.

Image Title & Source: Pantalones Organic Tequila Añejo

14. Gran Centenario Leyenda, Gold Medal (90 Points)

With 90 points, Gran Centenario Leyenda impresses with its mild oak and baking spice aromas. The light body offers notes of cooked agave, dried fruits, and warming spices, followed by a short, sweet finish. This tequila is an ideal option for cocktails that require a delicate yet flavorful spirit.

Image Title & Source: Gran Centenario Leyenda

15. Private Collection Extra Añejo, Silver Medal (89 Points)

Private Collection Extra Añejo by Cierto Tequila earned a Silver Medal at the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024 with an impressive score of 89 points. This premium tequila stands out with its enticing agave aroma and soft citrus undertones. The tasting experience unfolds with rich chocolate notes, leading to a long-lasting and satisfying finish, balanced by hints of vanilla and sweet spice.

Image Title & Source: Private Collection Extra Añejo

Also Read: Must-Try Gins for Bartenders According to the Bartenders Spirits Awards 2024

Whether you're enhancing your bar's selection or adding depth to your cocktail menu, these award-winning tequilas from the Bartender Spirits Awards 2024 bring a unique flair, allowing bartenders to craft exceptional drinks patrons will love, in turn driving sales and profits. Explore the full list of winners to discover more premium spirits to elevate your bar’s offerings.

Header image sourced from Adobe Stock Images.

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