Most Popular Tequilas in California
The popularity of tequila has exploded in recent years, thanks to a handful of brands that have gained celebrity status. But not all tequilas are created equal. Some are great for mixing, others are meant to be sipped.
Silver/blanco tequilas have long been the top-selling style of tequila on Drizly, but lately there has been a dramatic shift in the rankings. A combination of strong marketing and an increase in demand has propelled this subcategory to the top spot, with its share of the overall tequila market growing by more than 12 percent over the past year. The tequila category as a whole saw a healthy growth of more than 5 percent over the same period.
There are a variety of tequilas to choose from, with each crafted from different types of agaves. Some are distilled from the agave pia, while others are made from the agave cultito. Many tequilas are aged in wooden barrels to impart a specific flavor. Some tequilas are aged for only two months, while others are aging for three years or more. It’s important to understand the difference between each type of tequila so you can decide which one is right for you.
Unlike vodka, which is typically distilled in the United States, tequila must be sourced from Mexico to be called “tequila.” Tequila can be produced in the Mexican states of Jalisco, Nayarit, Michoacan and Guanajuato.
What is the Most Popular Tequilas in California?
A lot of people like to grab a shot or two of tequila when they’re celebrating with friends, and tequila shots are definitely fun at parties or as liquid courage before stepping up to karaoke. But tequila can be used in so much more, from cocktails and margaritas to pairings with food.
This is why there’s such a variety of ways to enjoy the spirit. It also helps that it happens to be National Margarita Day this week, which is a perfect excuse to pull out the limes and salt and get sipping.
Founded by model Kendall Jenner and her business partner, the brand 818 Tequila is named for the Los Angeles area code and made from family-owned farms in Jalisco. They offer a variety of tequilas, including blanco, reposado and anejo. Their resposado (aged for a minimum of 11 months) is a favorite. With its rich earthiness and notes of cracked pepper, it’s a smooth sipper that pairs well with a variety of drinks.
While this brand may not be as high-end as other options on the list, it is still a top-seller and is available nationwide. Its tannish hue is a result of being aged in 11 different oak barrels. The resulting complex flavors of vanilla, honey, figs and caramel make this tequila ideal for sipping or as the base of a cocktail.
Tequila is classified into different categories based on its aging process. Blanco or silver tequila is unaged and bottled immediately after distillation, offering a crisp and vibrant flavor with notes of citrus and agave. Reposado tequila is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months, resulting in a smooth and slightly caramelized taste. Añejo tequila is aged for at least one year, producing a deep amber color and complex flavors of vanilla, spice, and oak. Extra Añejo tequila is aged for a minimum of three years, offering a rich and refined taste.