Top-Selling Tequilas in the U.S.
The top selling tequilas in America (for our purposes) are broken down by classification or styles. This list of top-selling tequila brands tracks sales and is not a commentary or opinion on quality or value.
Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the Blue Weber Agave (Agave tequilana) plant, primarily produced in the designated regions of Mexico, including Jalisco and parts of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. To be legally recognized as tequila, it must meet the standards set by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT) and contain at least 51% agave sugars, though premium tequilas are made from 100% Blue Weber Agave. Tequila is categorized based on aging: Blanco (unaged), Reposado (aged 2-12 months), Añejo (aged 1-3 years), and Extra Añejo (aged over 3 years). A newer category, Cristalino, is aged tequila that has been filtered for clarity. Tequila is widely used in cocktails such as the Margarita and Paloma but is also enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
This list of top-selling tequila brands tracks sales and is not a commentary or opinion on quality or value.
Categories of Tequila
Tequila is classified into several categories based on aging processes and characteristics:
- Blanco (Silver or White): This unaged tequila is bottled immediately after distillation or aged for less than two months in stainless steel or neutral oak barrels. It presents a clear appearance and retains the pure flavors of the agave plant. en.wikipedia.org
- Reposado (Rested): Aged for a minimum of two months but less than a year in oak barrels, reposado tequila acquires a subtle golden hue and develops a more complex flavor profile, balancing the raw agave taste with hints of wood. thetimes.co.uk+3en.wikipedia.org+3en.wikipedia.org+3
- Añejo (Aged): This category requires aging for at least one year but less than three years in small oak barrels. Añejo tequilas exhibit a richer amber color and intricate flavors, often with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spices, resulting from prolonged interaction with the wood. en.wikipedia.org
- Cristalino (Crystalline): A relatively recent addition, cristalino tequila is aged tequila that has undergone filtration to remove its color, resulting in a clear spirit. This process maintains the complex flavors of aged tequila while offering the appearance and smoothness of a blanco. en.wikipedia.org
RELATED ARTICLE: IS YOUR TEQUILA REAL?
Top-Selling Tequilas in the U.S. by Category
Please note that sales figures can fluctuate based on market trends and data availability. The following lists are based on available information up to the current date.
Blanco Tequilas:
- Jose Cuervo Especial Silver: A widely recognized brand offering a smooth and balanced blanco tequila.
- Patrón Silver: Known for its crisp taste and premium quality, Patrón Silver is a favorite among tequila enthusiasts.
- Don Julio Blanco: This tequila presents a clean and fresh agave flavor, making it ideal for cocktails.
- Sauza Silver: An accessible option that delivers a straightforward agave flavor profile.
- 1800 Silver: Offers a smooth and balanced taste, suitable for sipping or mixing.
- El Jimador Blanco: A 100% agave tequila known for its vibrant citrus notes.
- Cazadores Blanco: Features a bright and citrusy flavor, ideal for various cocktails.
- Hornitos Plata: Provides a floral and slightly woody taste, appealing to a wide audience.
- Milagro Silver: Known for its crisp and fresh agave flavor with hints of citrus.
- Espolòn Blanco: Offers a soft mouthfeel with light pepper and vanilla notes.
Reposado Tequilas:
- Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado: Aged in oak barrels, this tequila offers a smooth and mellow flavor. en.wikipedia.org
- Patrón Reposado: Combines the fresh clean taste of Patrón Silver with a hint of oak flavor.
- Don Julio Reposado: Features a rich and smooth flavor with hints of dark chocolate, vanilla, and light cinnamon.
- 1800 Reposado: Aged in American and French oak barrels, it delivers a rich and smooth taste.
- Cazadores Reposado: Offers a smooth taste with notes of citrus and tropical fruits.
- Herradura Reposado: Known for its rich flavor with notes of cooked agave, vanilla, and butter.
- El Jimador Reposado: Provides a rich flavor with notes of vanilla, toasted wood, and fruits.
- Espolòn Reposado: Features a bold, round palate with rich roasted agave and sweet tropical fruit flavors.
- Milagro Reposado: Aged in American oak barrels, it offers a robust flavor with notes of caramel and vanilla.
- Hornitos Reposado: Delivers a smooth and mature flavor with a hint of woody agave.
Añejo Tequilas:
- Don Julio Añejo: Known for its full-bodied flavor with notes of vanilla, chocolate, and caramel.
- Patrón Añejo: Offers a sophisticated flavor with a balance of wood, vanilla, and raisins.
- 1800 Añejo: Aged in French oak barrels, it presents a rich and complex flavor profile.
- Herradura Añejo: Features a smooth and sweet taste with notes of cooked agave, toasted oak, and dried fruit.
- Cazadores Añejo: Provides a rich and complex flavor with notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and caramel.
- El Jimador Añejo: Known for its rich flavor with notes of vanilla, hazelnut, and cinnamon.
- Espolòn Añejo: Offers a rich and complex flavor with notes of dried fruits, nuts, and spices.
- Milagro Añejo: Aged in American oak barrels, it delivers
Top-Selling Tequilas Have some Caveats
The authenticity of tequila has become a growing concern among industry experts due to the increasing presence of brands marketing their spirits as 100% Blue Weber Agave while not adhering to the official Denomination of Origin (DO) regulations. According to Mexico’s Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT), real tequila must be produced in one of the designated tequila-producing regions, including Jalisco and select municipalities in Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. However, reports indicate that some brands source agave or even produce tequila-like spirits outside these regions while still using the 100% Blue Weber Agave claim to appeal to premium tequila consumers.
Another major issue concerns additives and sweeteners. By law, 100% agave tequila should be free from additives such as glycerin, caramel coloring, or sugar-based flavor enhancers. However, an increasing number of brands—especially in the premium and luxury segments—are suspected of using these additives to create a smoother, sweeter profile that appeals to mainstream consumers. This has led to concerns over transparency, as many consumers believe they are purchasing an all-natural product when, in reality, it has been altered to mask flaws or enhance flavor artificially.
Industry watchdogs and tequila purists argue that these practices compromise the integrity of the category, misleading consumers and undermining the reputation of traditionally made tequilas. The CRT has taken steps to regulate and verify authenticity, but with demand for tequila skyrocketing in the U.S. and globally, enforcement remains a challenge. As a result, discerning consumers and industry professionals are pushing for clearer labeling requirements and stricter enforcement of tequila regulations.
For tequila enthusiasts seeking truly authentic tequila, looking for CRT certification, NOM numbers (which identify the registered distillery), and transparency in production practices remains the best way to ensure quality.
