The Top 10 Best Tequila Brands to Drink in 2021
Tequila is enjoying a well earned resurgence as a spirit of depth and quality.
The growth of diverse brands (and famous faces investing), strong Mexican legislation and regulation, and advances in agave plant production and spirit distillation best practice has shifted the market.
Gone are the days when you’d pound down a couple of tequila shot as part of your night out, or whip some into a dirty margarita mix you’d share with the crew before you hit the club.
Whether you’re a sipper, slurper, or high wire mixologist, knowing what makes a good tequila brand now comes in handy, whether at home, dining, or out on the town.
The following list of 10 best tequilas to try in 2020 showcases a range of options at all points of the pricing spectrum, whether you’re on a budget or looking for the finest in Mexican spirits.
What types of tequila can I buy?
There are three main types of tequila; blanco, reposado, and anejo, although you’ll find joven (in between blanco and reposado) cristalino (filtered clear) and extra anejo tequila (matured longer) online as well.
There’s also Mezcal, a liquor akin to tequila with many different type of agave, including the wild agave pinas that grows on the mountain side.
Blanco tequila is unaged tequila that tastes more of the agave plant and citrus than the aged tequila versions. While it’s generally the cheaper priced option, there are versatile versions available for those who like a clean winded agave flavor.
Reposado and anejo tequilas are recommended for the experienced tequila enthusiast that’s looking for a specific taste. They are darker in color, generally aged in an American oak barrel, and gain a heavy but smoother flavor from their lengthier distillation process.
The longer tequila is aged, the more flavor and aroma it takes on from the ex-bourbon barrels or French oak casks used to store it. Often, you find that whiskey drinkers trying tequila for something different will respond well to the richness and complexity of their taste.
1. Tears of Lllorona Extra Anejo Tequila
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Tears of Llorona is a small batch extra anejo tequila aged five years in oak barrels that have previously held scotch, sherry, and brandy.
The combination of triple barreling and extra-long aging creates a complex, layered fusion that is more like a cognac or a very old whiskey with black cherry notes and crème brulee, but melded with the beautiful clear notes of agave.
Master Distiller Germán Gonzalez – a true industry legend whose line traces back to the Mexican presidency – harvests only high altitude, late season blue agaves which are known for sugar content.
The Tears of Lllorona – check out her story sometime – is a fabulous expression and the one I’d most recommend to lovers of whiskey crossing over to sipping tequila.
2. Tequila Casa Dragones Joven
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The epitome of smooth sipping premium joven tequila this one from Casa Dragones is the perfect mix of flavor (anejo) and balance (blanco) – it’s silky with not bitter aftertaste.
Casa Dragones Joven tequila is a small batch, limited edition, 100% Blue Agave tequila, which offers the flavor of pair and vanilla, while the finish offers hazelnut and clean air.
Casa Dragones is certainly a favorite of ours here at Next Luxury – it’s Blanco topped our list for Best Tequilas to try in your margarita cocktail or mixed drink.
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3. Espolon Blanco Tequila
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Espolon Blanco tequila honors Mexico’s art and history, and the story of Espolon – the spur of a rooster – is great for starting conversations.
With the lead in 750ml bottle priced from under $30 and crafted in Jalisco from 100% Blue Agave plant, it’s a good tequila at a bargain price.
Buying a tequila with versatility like Espolon Blanco can sometimes be the way to go – a party may break out after a quality tequila shot, mixed drink or cocktail loosens things up! A nice, simple tequila is useful to pour liberally than a more expensive Blanco tequila with similar clean agave taste.
4. Cincoro Tequila Extra Anejo
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Cincoro Tequila Extra Anejo tequila is a truly premium tequila – with the price tag to match, it’s by far the most expensive tequila brand on this list – aged underground at the Cincoro distillery for 40-44 months, far longer than mandated for Extra Anejo tequilas.
Cincoro Extra Anejo is a blend of reserve barrels specially selected for their individual attributes, then blended into a layer of complementary flavors.
The tequila’s color is deep copper from the additional time in barrel, with the aroma of cooked agave, toasted oak and dried tropical fruit.
It’s sweet agave is well balanced on the palate by notes of wood, raisin, fig, light coffee, dark chocolate. The long finish offers cooked agave and traces of cocoa.
5. Clase Azul Plata Tequila
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This Silver Tequila in the funky bottle is made from Tequilana Weber Blue Agave and offers a delightfully smooth flavor yet clean, complex taste of the sweet Agave.
It has a big mouth feel and signature tequila heat but eases into beautiful shades of vanilla and citrus. It’s one of the smoother silver tequila experiences you’ll have.
You can buy this for the beautiful glass bottle alone, which features a signature skinny shape, blue base, and silver agave badging.
6. Casamigos Reposado Tequila
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Casamigos Reposado Tequila is distilled from blue agave plants from the Jalisco Highlands, the heartland of Mexican tequila. Each agave is hand-selected for flavor, then slow cooked.
This Casamigos Tequila expression is aged for seven months in white oak barrels, which gives the reposado a chocolate woody taste, which makes it a great option for sipping or drinking neat.
The Casamigos reposado offers an aroma of vanilla, maple, spices and peanut shells, with the customary tequila heat balanced by sweet tropical fruit and oak.
Bonus: El Tequileno Reposado Rare
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This is limited edition tequila aged for 6 years in a large American Oak barrel called a Pipon, that can’t be called Anejo tequila due to the massive size of the barrel it’s aged in.
This is a killer expression for sipping, as the flavors from the oak seep deeply into the distillation, lending this Reposado a complex melding of flavors such as dried fruit, honey, vanilla, woody oak and spices.
Each bottle of El Tequileno Reposado Rare is individually numbered and signed by Gran Tequilero, Antonio Salles.
7. Gran Patron Piedra
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Patron can dominate a liquor cabinet at all levels, but this ultra-premium tequila goes next level.
Gran Patron Piedra is crafted by the traditional tahona stone, which mashes the cooked agave pina so that it can be pressed for distillation.
This luxurious caramel, vanilla and agave flavored tequila has been aged in a mix of French and American Oak bourbon barrels for four years to give it an almost unrivalled intensity of taste.
Put this expression on the top shelf of your home bar to bring out for those most special occasions.
8. Tequila Partida Reposado
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I’m looking forward to getting a crack at a bottle of Tequila Partida Cristalino soon, but the Partido Reposado is a quality rested tequila at the perfect price point.
Partida’s known for taking their agave flavor seriously throughout the process and it really shines through in this earthy expression.
It’s a smooth tequila for being only 6 months aged, with the flavors of butter, vanilla, caramel and charred oak from the barrel supporting the central 100% blue weber agave.
It’s a definite smooth sipping tequila for complete novices or tequila lovers alike.
9. Sombra Mezcal Joven Ensamble
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If you’re going to take on the wilder mezcal, this is the way to go for strong agave flavor. Only 2,000 bottles of this limited edition Joven Mezcal were created.
Sombra Ensamble is a blend of mezcals distilled from wild Tepeztate and Tobala agave pinas.
Ensamble is made from 61% wild Tepeztate agave (which Sombra took care not to overharvest) and 39% Tobala Agave, which yields small amounts of very sweet agave spirit.
The Sombra Ensamble Mezcal is packaged in a luxury gift box with an informational booklet and a hand-numbered card.
Bonus: Dos Hombres Mezcal Espadin
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Another quality Mezcal, this time a smooth blend of the finest Espadin agave, hand-selected from the hillsides e in Oaxaca.
Dos Hombres is best enjoyed neat or in a long glass to allow the wild roasted agave flavor and aroma to build up on the nose, before the rich taste of natural zapote fruits, mango, and the hint of smoke builds on the palate.
This is a reasonably priced mezcal with a premium quality flavor and is a good starting point for the tequila connoisseur looking to change it up.
10. El Jimador Anejo Tequila
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El Jimador Anejo is crafted from the finest hand-selected blue agave and then double distilled and aged in American Oak.
The dark amber tequila blends the classical taste of agave with smooth, buttery notes of caramel and walnut from the 12 month cask maturation, with a hint of cinnamon and spices at the finish.
While one of the cheaper tequilas on this list the El Jimador Anejo is a bottle you can buy with great confidence to enjoy an aged tequila flavor experience.
The Best 14 Leather Jackets for Men in 2021
With the winter months (hopefully) dwindling down, it’s time to start planning ahead to a time where we can wear thinner jackets and fewer layers. While it may be tempting to quickly shed your parka and grab for whatever piece of outerwear is nearby, don’t reach for last year’s wardrobe item just yet. Isn’t it time you try something new, like, say, a leather jacket?
Though it may seem all leather jackets are similar, there are actually many different designs and styles that work for different body types and tastes. In this article, we will take a look at the hottest leather jacket trends that have hit the market this season.
Best Buy
1. Aaron Brown Leather Bomber
The Aaron Brown Leather Jacket from The Jacket Maker is an excellent choice for any guy looking for that traditional bomber look. This awesome jacket features a slim cut and ribbed cuffs and waist. It’s made with incredibly tough, yet soft, goatskin leather, making it a great choice for guys that aren’t used to wearing leather jackets.
One of the best things about the Aaron is that it shirks the classic pouch pockets on the lower half of the jacket, opting for two buttoned patch pockets on the chest instead. This design gives it a more streamlined look than most bombers, without taking away from any of the authenticity.
2. Saint Laurent Leather Biker Jacket
There is a reason why leather jackets and bikers are usually associated with one another. Historically, many motorcycle riders have seen a leather jacket as a stylish way to protect themselves, not only from the elements but also from the possibility of a crash. While this may seem hard to believe – it’s not like leather comes with a large amount of padding, after all – leather has actually been shown to offer more protection than your average vinyl jacket or equivalent.
Maybe you’re not hopping on a motorcycle anytime soon, but you can still treat yourself to this biker-inspired Saint Laurent leather jacket. With a price tag surpassing $5,000, it’s certainly our premium pick on this list, but if you’re looking for the leather jacket of a lifetime, you have it right here. This pick is sure to come with the “for life” quality Saint Laurent is particularly known for.
3. Reiss Keith Leather Cafe Racer Jacket
Reiss is a British fashion retailer that’s been around since the 1970s. For the first 30 years of its brand history, it focused solely on men’s fashion before eventually expanding to carry items for women as well. However, the fact high-quality items for men are at the heart of this brand is very apparent through their simple wardrobe staples such as the Keith leather cafe racer jacket.
This Reiss jacket comes at a considerably lower price point than its counterparts, which makes it a pick that packs a lot of value. It’s made from super-soft leather and features a full lining. It’s the perfect choice for anybody who prefers a slim-fit jacket.
4. Lavendard Brown Leather Bike Jacket
The Jacket Maker has something for everyone, including guys that are a bit intimidated by purchasing their first leather jacket. Not only is the Lavendard incredibly affordable, but it also has a really approachable look despite its biker moniker. With open hem cuffs and a tailored fit, it looks great with badass-inspired outfits as well as everyday wear.
The Lavendard is made of real cowhide, which means it will take on a great patina over time. But it might be a bit stiff when you first get it. The more you wear it, the faster it’ll form to your body, break-in, and soften up. The fact that it goes with so many outfits will help speed up that process.
5. Ksubi Capital Leather Jacket
The Capital Leather Jacket from Ksubi comes in 100% authentic leather and is designed to have a biker fit. It’s heavy-duty with a protective interior quilted lining. It also features retro details such as antique zippers.
Kusbi is an Australian fashion label that’s existed since the 1990s. While the brand was originally focused on high-end denim, they’ve expanded their offerings over time to include other textiles such as leather. Items from Ksubi’s collections have been shown at such high-profile events as New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week, and the company operates a flagship store in New York’s SOHO neighborhood.
6. Acne Studios Off-Centred Zipper Biker Jacket
Swedish fashion powerhouse Acne Studios is well-known for their basic wardrobe pieces, so it makes sense that they would have the classic leather jacket look on lock. We love the way this off-centered jacket packs a punch of personality with its multiple buckles and zippers, but we love even more the way that it does not compromise softness or comfort at the expense of appearance.
This jacket comes with a high-end price tag, but it has the high-end materials to match. It is made of 100% genuine lambskin and comes with an interior lining of 100% viscose. Its unique off-center zip takes its inspiration from street style.
7. Airin G-1 Black and White Leather Jacket
There’s only one way to improve upon a traditional bomber: Add shearling fabric. The Jacket Maker’s Airin G-1 Bomber will have ready to strap into the cockpit, ready to fly over Europe on a midnight air-raid. It has a thick polyester-lined collar as well as ribbed cuffs and waist for a nice, snug fit that keeps the wind at bay.
The Airin is made with real sheepskin, so it’s soft but super durable, making it a great choice for almost any type of casual wear. The dual front pouch pockets are great for a phone and a pair of gloves, so if you’re wearing it on a motorcycle, you’ll have the storage you need.
8. Saturdays NYC Leather Harrington Jacket
If you’re unfamiliar with the brand Saturdays NYC, prepare to fall in love. As a laidback lifestyle brand, Saturdays NYC infuses its love for all things surfer culture in all of its fashion offerings. While primarily known for their loungewear, such as sweats and pullover sweaters, they also happen to make one of the best leather jackets on the market right now.
The leather Harrington jacket features a smooth design and has deep pockets for your convenience. It is made of 100% lambskin leather and features a lining made of polyester. Staying true to its brand’s carefree nature, this jacket features a more relaxed fit than many classic leather jackets.
9. Berluti Piped Venezia Leather Jacket
Unlike the other options we’ve included so far, Berluti is known less for being a fashion brand and more for being a leather maker. Since its inception in the late 19th century, the Paris-based manufacturer has been producing fine leather clothing items and accessories, from belts to bags to jackets.
Berluti’s piped Venezia leather jacket is the apex of luxury leather fashion. Made from a distinctive brown shade, this jacket line has been around since the 1980s – and it’s a style that certainly stands the test of time.
This jacket is made from 100% authentic patinated calfskin leather and features shoulder patches and a buttoned collar. For optimal breathability, the jacket even features ventilation eyelets.
10. Dean Black Leather Biker Jacket
Let’s be honest.. A traditional racing-style biker jacket is about as cool as it gets. With the high band-style collar and heavy-duty zippers on the front of The Jacket Maker’s Dean Leather Biker Jacket, you’re sure to get that badass look.
The Dean is made with 100% real cowhide leather, so it might be a little stiff at first, but it will break in and patina like none other. The Dean features three zippered pockets on the front as well as zippered cuffs, providing that authentic racing jacket-look without killing your bank account.
11. Kingsman Burnished Leather Jacket
Kingsman is a line of high-quality clothing pieces that exists as a collaboration between Mr. Matthew Vaughn, director of the film The King’s Man, and international online fashion retailer MR PORTER. The line features items that are inspired by classic military style and timeless sensibilities.
The burnished leather jacket from the Kingsman line is unique for its length as well as its appearance. It draws direct inspiration from an aviator jacket worn on-screen in The King’s Man, a period piece that takes place in the 1940s. The jacket is made out of sturdy cow leather and buttons made of buffalo horns. It also features two linings – one made of cotton, and one made of viscose.
12. AllSaints Milo Leather Biker Jacket
AllSaints is a British fashion brand from the United Kingdom. Since its founding in the 1990s, it has grown to an international presence that consists of more than 200 retail stores across Europe, North America, and Asia. The brand is mostly focused on fashion for women and men, though it also sells footwear and other accessories. It has primarily seen its popularity grow thanks to its popularity among a celebrity clientele.
AllSaints makes a number of leather jackets, but the Milo biker jacket is definitely one to write home about. This is a jacket that brings out the very best of two very different worlds – including a soft composition and sharp edges – since it is made of tender lamb leather and decorated to the nines with perfectly-placed zippers and buckles. It also has a distinctive slim fit.
13. Golden Bear Sherpa Jacket
San Francisco brand Golden Bear may have its roots in ship workers in the San Francisco Bay since the 1920s, but it’s evolved today to combine both utilitarianism and high-end style. Although not as recognized outside of its native northern California, to know the stylish jackets of Golden Bear is to love them.
The sherpa jacket, in particular, is exquisite. Like any Golden Bear clothing piece, it’s designed to be worn for life, and fortunately, it comes with a style that will be sure to stay in fashion for decades to come, with brown distressed leather and a notable shearling collar that can be detached.
14. Tom Ford Zip-up Leather Jacket
Tom Ford is well-known for their high-end scents and formal clothing, but they have a strong foot in the casual jacket sphere as well. Not that this zip-up leather jacket is something you would wear to a casual house party. Its sleek edges and formal design make it more than suitable for a fancy professional event or night out on the town.
True to its brand’s roots, no attention to detail was spared in the creation of this particular wardrobe piece. Its straightforward design features 100% authentic leather and a cotton and polyamide lining. It is truly meant to last for life. Made in Italy, this jacket has shallow pockets in the front and a zipper down the center.
Leather Jacket FAQs
While there are many different unique leather jacket configurations out there, there are four classic syles you should be most aware of. In no particular order, they are the leather bomber jacket (also called aviator jacket), the leather racer jacket (sometimes called moto), the trenchcoat, and the fencer. While bomber jackets and racer jackets tend to be more relaxed, the trenchcoat and the fencer are more dramatic.
If you care for your leather jacket correctly you should have a wardrobe piece that’ll last you a lifetime. Most leather jackets cannot be washed at home and must only be handled professionally. The first step to taking proper care of your jacket is to adhere to this rule.
You should also keep your leather jacket dry as often as possible and keep it away from extreme heat or cold air. If you are not going to be wearing your leather jacket for a period of time, such as during a warm season, then you’ll want to be sure that you are hanging it up correctly – this means out of direct sunlight and in a properly-ventilated area.
Determining how much to pay for a leather jacket is a very personal matter. For an authentic leather jacket, you will probably be paying, at a baseline, $500. However, this price can easily skyrocket from here, depending on the jacket’s materials and manufacturing process.
Some leather jackets can cost as much as $10,000! There is no right or wrong number – it’s instead about the brands you like and the style that you envision for yourself.
