The Best Tequilas In The World-According To The 2023 Ultimate Spirits Challenge

Tequila producers are racing new products to the market, with over 1,400 products on the market today. While increased demand is great for the industry, it can lead to disappointment when what’s in the bottle fails to meet a drinker's expectations. Several prestigious annual spirits competitions shine a spotlight where it is needed.

The Ultimate Spirits Competition is one such event. Using a 100-point scale, every bottle entered undergoes a rigorous blind-tasting format judged by a panel of recognized industry experts. Any bottle that emerges from their judging with high marks is one to be sought out.

This year there were 154 entries across the tequila field split into six categories (Blanco, Reposado, Cristalino, Añejo, Extra Añejo, and Flavored) in six categories. Here are the tequilas awarded the Chairman’s Trophy and named the best in their group. Plus, each was also named to their Top 100 Spirits of 2023 list. You can find the full results for the USC here.

 

 

Partida Roble Fino Cristalino Reposado Tequila

While less well-known than the other tequila categories on this list, cristalino tequila is on the rise, for a good reason. Essentially it's an aged tequila that has been filtered to remove any naturally occurring colors picked up in the barrel. Made from tequila aged for at least six months in ex-bourbon barrels before aging another two months in ex-single malt, sherry-seasoned casks, this 95-point cristalino is a highly complex spirit that will surprise many. Here is what the judges had to say about it.

"The Sherry cask comes through aromatically with notes of dried fruits and a touch of nuttiness. Warm spices coat the palate with nutmeg, cinnamon, orange peel, crème brulee, and subtle vanilla. The agave core remains with peppery herbs and dried pineapple."

Priced at $109.00, it's ideal for an adventurous tequila lover.