When it comes to tequila, Cristalino spirits are some of our favorites. Most are aged tequilas housed in American and French oak barrels and filtered with activated charcoal (also known as charcoal-filtered).
They’re crystal clear in color (like a silver tequila) with rich and aromatic flavors making for a great choice for any occasion. If you like to explore this type of tequila, we’ve listed the 15 best Cristalino Tequila you should try.
Top 10 Best Cristalino Tequilas To Try
10. Don Abraham Anejo Cristalino
Average Price: approx. $59.99/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Subtle agave aroma, hints of smoke, and earthy notes
Palate: Gently sweet start, earthy spices, caramel, cinnamon, and cooked agave.
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: The process of making tequila is carefully done to ensure that it’s made to satisfy the demands of the most discerning tequila lovers.
“Crystal clarity meets the finest taste in the best Cristalino.” – Liquor Laboratory
This tequila comes from aging tequila Blanco, then aged for around 14 months. We like the taste and flavor of this añejo, which exudes bright agave and vanilla notes.
9. El Tesoro Paradiso Extra Anejo Cristalino
Average Price: approx. $182/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Warm oak and vanilla undertones
Palate: Rich caramel and butterscotch flavors
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: El Tesoro Paradiso Extra Anejo Cristalino is a premium tequila renowned for its exceptional quality and unique character. This 80-proof spirit boasts a rich amber hue and smooth, complex flavors.
This 80-proof, clear Añejo gives an exquisite taste, making it a coveted choice among tequila aficionados worldwide. We find this a close competitor of Maestro Dobel. If you like Maestro Dobel Blanco tequila, you’ll also like this one.
8. Don Abraham Organic Single Estate Anejo Tequila
Average Price: approx. $59.99/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Warm notes of cooked agave
Palate: Velvety smoothness with notes of vanilla, honey, and a subtle hint of toasted oak
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: Don Julio 1942 Cristalino Añejo is an outstanding aged tequila giving a refined and luxurious drinking experience. It’s made from the finest blue Weber agave, making for its smoothness and elegant flavor profile.
Generally crystal clear in color, Don Julio exudes notes of agave and vanilla – a true taste indulgence for tequila connoisseurs. Don’t get confused; this is also the Don Julio 70 (1942).
7. Casamigos Añejo Cristalino
Average Price: approx. $61/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Pure and refined aroma with hints of caramel and vanilla.
Palate: Rich flavors of caramel and butterscotch
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Looking for an ultra-premium aged tequila? We highly recommend the Casamigos Cristalino Añejo because it is made from 100% Weber blue agave, aged in American oak barrels, and undergoes rigorous charcoal filtration.
This ultra-premium tequila is one of the finest agave spirits available due to its meticulous charcoal filtration process.
We like its brilliant clarity with rich, aged flavors. Also, its velvety texture, balanced sweetness, and notes of oak and caramel stand as a pinnacle of refined tequila enjoyment.
6. Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Anejo Cristalino
Average Price: approx. $59.99/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: caramel and chocolate aromas
Palate: Tobacco and butterscotch with hints of sweet agave, pineapple, and citrus.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Añejo Cristalino tequila is the pinnacle of Cristallino tequilas [2]. Its delicate hints of honey and agave spawn an unparalleled sipping experience.
The first whiffs reveal wax paper and black pepper, while aeration brings out notes of asparagus, broccoli, new leather, and herbal butter.
This oak-aged tequila has a spicy and slightly sweet taste with a smooth, spicy, and irresistibly pleasing finish.
5. Herradura Ultra Anejo Cristalino
Average Price: approx. $64.99/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Vanilla and anise
Palate: Delicate hints of cooked agave, honey, dried fruits, vanilla, wood, and almonds.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Although this tequila doesn’t have the original Cristalino elements (or traditional characteristics of Añejo tequila), we recommend this if you want to taste a subtle hint of pure agave nectar.
This tequila is best enjoyed neat or over ice to savor its rich vanilla flavors and agave notes. This is one of our go-to tequilas, alongside Don Julio 70 and Maestro Dobel.
4. Dulce Vida Extra Añejo Cristalino
Average Price: approx. $155/750ml
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Nose: Vanilla sweetness with chili-infused dark chocolate, cinnamon, and honey.
Palate: Velvety and smooth texture
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Dulce Vida Extra Añejo tequilas stand out for their remarkable smoothness, taste, and complexity. Among other aged tequilas, it has a luscious balance of sweet and savory flavors.
The agave [3], vanilla, black pepper, and oak notes deliver a memorable sipping experience. Besides, the citrus, cinnamon, and butter aromas exude a relaxing feel, much more than the Volcan de mi Tierra tequila.
3. Avión Reserva 44 Extra Cristalino Añejo Tequila
Average Price: approx. $130/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Notes of cappuccino and vanilla with hints of mango and tres leches cake
Palate: Dark berry, sweet spice, and cocoa notes seamlessly blend with rich agave flavor
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Avión Reserva 44, aged in American white oak barrels, is a captivating tequila for its impressive tasting notes. Its crystal-like appearance reveals a harmonious blend of vanilla, toffee, and roasted agave.
The palate delights with layers of rich flavors, including chocolate, dried fruit, and a lingering, smooth finish—a truly exceptional tequila experience, which I like more than Don Julio 70 or Maestro Dobel Diamante tequila.
2. Clase Azul Reposado Cristalino
Average Price: approx. $170/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Ripe agave, vanilla spice, sweet papaya, banana, and black pepper notes
Palate: Remarkably sweet, animating the hues of vanilla, ripe agave, and banana.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Clase Azul tequila is one of the favorite Reposado tequilas with a notable unique profile. Aged in oak casks, it oozes a perfect balance of smoothness and character.
Its crystalic appearance showcases notes of vanilla, black pepper, and roasted agave, culminating in a velvety, long-lasting finish. Also, this 80-proof reposado Cristalino is almost similar to Don Julio 70 (1942).
1. Patrón Extra Anejo Cristalino
Average Price: approx. $90/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Dried fruit, nuts, butter, and cinnamon
Palate: Agave, oak, roasted nuts, and caramel
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Patrón Extra Añejo tequila is a mild, approachable tequila reminiscent of whiskey [4]. We must say it’s a good sipping tequila, providing value for the price and a worthwhile addition to any collection.
Though not as rich as some Añejo and Extra Añejo tequila expressions, like Volcan De Mi Tierra or Maestro Dobel Diamante, its aroma and finish stand out.
I enjoy tequila, which has a strange effect on people, and it makes parties more fun than warm white wine.” – Simon Sebag Montefiore, British Historian
The notes of agave, vanilla, black pepper, and oak balance the overall flavor of this 80-proof añejo.
Note: Prices are based on Drizly, Total Wine, and the official product websites. The star rating was determined based on a blind taste test, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest rating. Each product was evaluated on its overall quality, flavor profile, complexity, smoothness, and overall enjoyment.
FAQs
Are Cristalino tequilas smooth?
Yes, Cristalino tequilas are generally known for their smoothness. The process of filtration the spirits undergoes helps remove impurities, resulting in a smoother texture and a more refined sipping experience. You can also check out other types of tequila here.
What is the best way to drink Cristalino tequila?
The best way to drink Cristalino is to savor it neat or over ice. This allows you to appreciate its unique flavors and smoothness.
However, personal preferences may vary, so feel free to experiment with cocktails if desired.
What sets the best Cristalino Tequila apart from others?
The best Cristalino Tequilas are characterized by their smoothness, complexity of flavors, and balance. They should retain the distinctive characteristics of tequila while offering a unique drinking experience.
What flavor profile should I expect from the best Cristalino Tequila?
The flavor profile of the best Cristalino Tequilas may vary, but they often exhibit notes of agave, citrus, vanilla, and oak, with a smooth and velvety texture.
Are there different aging periods for Cristalino Tequila?
Yes, some Cristalino Tequilas may be aged for varying periods before undergoing the filtration process, ranging from a few months to several years, which can influence their flavor profiles.
Which brands are known for producing the best Cristalino Tequila?
Some brands known for producing high-quality Cristalino Tequila include Casa Noble, Don Julio, Patrón, Herradura, and Clase Azul, among others.
Can Cristalino Tequila be used in cocktails?
Yes, Cristalino Tequila can be used in a variety of cocktails, including margaritas, palomas, and tequila-based mixed drinks, where its smoothness and clarity can enhance the overall drinking experience.
What are some recommended ways to enjoy Cristalino Tequila?
Cristalino Tequila is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks to fully appreciate its smoothness and flavor profile. However, it can also be used in cocktails where its clarity and mild flavor profile can complement other ingredients.
In Summary
Within the tequila industry, specifically, Cristalinos, we hail Patrón Extra Anejo as the best Cristalino tequila.
Its impeccable craftsmanship and exceptional flavor profile set it apart, surpassing the well-known Don Julio 70 (1942), Herradura, Maestro Dobel, Casamigos, and many more.
Its smoothness, remarkable complexity, and delightful notes of vanilla, oak, and agave stand tall as the unrivaled winner among the best Cristalinos available.
References:
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/tequila-distilled-liquor
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2020/03/07/cristalino-tequila-get-ready-for-a-whole-new-type-of-tequila/
- https://www.britannica.com/plant/Agave
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/whiskey
