In Mexico, it’s not unusual to seek out tequilas bottled at 35 or 38 % ABV, a energy well-suited for sipping neat. However North America can also be a cocktail tradition, and stronger tequilas—typically labeled as still-strength or fuerte (sturdy), and reaching towards tequila’s most authorized restrict of 55 % ABV—more and more play a task behind the bar. These bottles may give tequila cocktails of every kind an additional bump of taste and depth.
Wild Widespread Nonetheless Energy Blanco
Wild Widespread could also be a more recent model on the block, however its tequilas attain deep into custom. Made on the legendary Cascahuin distillery, Wild Widespread Nonetheless Energy Blanco is produced utilizing old-school touches like brick ovens, a stone tahona (in addition to a extra fashionable curler mill), and pure fermentation, giving this 100-proof blanco brilliant touches of citrus, a full, spherical texture, and ample flavors of mature agave. $85, nom170.com
Fortaleza Nonetheless Energy Blanco
Fortaleza founder Guillermo Erickson Sauza has 5 generations of household historical past in tequila, and his small-scale model has earned an outsize status amongst bartenders and tequila lovers. As soon as solely obtainable on the distillery, Fortaleza Nonetheless Energy Blanco is now in wider circulation. Bottled at 46 % ABV, the tequila is strong with vegetal aromas of cooked agave and inexperienced olives, and has an earthy, peppery high quality on the end. $94.99, oldtowntequila.com
Don Fulano Fuerte Blanco
Don Fulano co-founders Enrique Fonseca and Sergio Mendoza could also be greatest identified for his or her explorations with aged tequilas, however this 100-proof fuerte demonstrates they’re additionally adept at working with the great thing about blanco. Exuberantly fragrant with notes of jasmine and tropical fruit, the tequila has a wealthy texture and a dry, mineral high quality accenting the agave’s richness and warming spice. $59.50, bittersandbottles.com
Tequila Ocho Barrel Proof Reposado
Most higher-proof tequilas are bought as blancos, however this 101-proof reposado highlights what just a little age can do. Tequila Ocho helped pioneer the idea of terroir in tequila, and the agave on this reposado had been harvested from the Los Raíces property. Six months in used whiskey barrels provides this tequila touches of caramel and chocolate to enhance the flavors of agave, and an extended, spherical end. $99.99, sipwhiskey.com
El Tequileño Nonetheless Energy Blanco
Tony Salles, grasp distiller on the La Guarreña distillery, makes tequila in a lot the identical approach his grandfather—Don Jorge Salles Cuervo—did when he based the distillery in 1959. Bottled at 100 proof, El Tequileño Nonetheless Energy Blanco is briefly rested in oak, and presents aromas and flavors of cooked agave and contemporary citrus, with a sturdy peppery end. $61.99, topshelfwineandspirits.com
G4 Blanco Excessive Proof 108
This 108-proof blanco is as daring as they arrive, with a posh minerality mingling with touches of tropical fruit and heat spice. Made on the El Pandillo distillery, G4 is the creation of third-generation grasp distiller Felipe Camarena (whose brother, Carlos, is the grasp distiller of Tequila Ocho, and sister, Jenny, has the identical position for El Tesoro). $59.99, nom170.com