Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Herradura has years of experience with awards that named them the best spirits. Bold, pure, fine, and complex ⎯ are some descriptions given by most drinkers who have tried their variants. What is in this tequila that made them a popular choice?
Let us find out the story behind in this in-depth Herradura Tequila Review.
What’s Herradura Tequila?
Herradura Tequila is a family-owned brand established in 1870 by Félix López in Amatitán, Jalisco, Mexico. They are known for their premium tequilas that are flavorful but with prices that are not out of reach.
The US-based company Brown-Forman acquired the company in 2007. In that same year, the Wine Enthusiast Magazine named them the “Best Distillery of 2007.”
Did You Know?
Distillation & Maturation Process
These tequilas are from ripe agave fruits cooked in stone ovens. These are fermented with wild yeast and are double-distilled after fermentation. They use open-air fermentation—the reposado tequila and the Añejos that require aging use ex-bourbon whiskey casks.
Base Ingredients
Tequila Herradura use Tequilana Weber agave harvested from Amatitan, Jalisco. The distillery uses natural spring water to mix with the extracted agave juices. There are no additives included in any of their tequila variants.
The flavors of the rested spirits are mainly influenced by the American white oak barrels that are used to store them as they are aged.
Bottling & Packaging
The manufacturers bottled all the variants with the image of a horseshoe which in Spanish is “Herradura.” Brown-Forman commissioned Kenneth Hirst to work with their design and unify the overall look of their tequila products.
The Silver Tequila is sold in the US with that label. However, they labeled the rest of the Blancos worldwide as Herradura Plata for familiarity.
Alcohol Content
The alcohol content of all the Herradura variants is 40% ABV, except for Herradura Ultra. Ultra contains 35% to 39% ABV, which is not very low. This is within limits set by the authorities in Mexico.
Best Ways To Drink It
Neat
Herradura’s fame is due to its flavor and texture. The best way to enjoy the slight sweetness of cooked agave with hints of citrus and cinnamon is by sipping it slowly. Allow it to linger in your mouth before swallowing it to let your senses absorb the flavor profile. There is no burn or harshness since these are pure agave tequilas.
Cocktails (Margarita)
Mixing Herradura Silver with your margarita ingredients is one of the best choices. Blanco tequilas are often harsh, but this has the right alcohol strength and taste that can enhance the overall savor of your cocktail.
The reposado mixture is also a good pick. It does not have an overwhelming taste, and it can add a nice citrus taste to the mix.
On Ice
The aged spirits are also best drank on the rocks. You can serve Silver, Reposado, or Añejo, in a rocks glass. The aromas will explode and hit your nose as soon as the ice hits the tequila.
Common Herradura Tequila Prices
| Bottle Type | Size | ABV | Average Price |
| Herradura Ultra | 750 ml | 35-39% | $59 |
| Herradura Silver | 750 ml | 40% | 38 |
| Herradura Seleccion Suprema | 750 ml | 40% | $370 |
| Herradura Reposado | 750 ml | 40% | $43 |
| Herradura Plata | 750 ml | 40% | 38 |
| Herradura Legend | 750 ml | 40% | $138 |
| Herradura Double Barrel Reposado | 750 ml | 40% | $66 |
| Herradura Aniversario | 750 ml | 40% | $518 |
| Herradura Añejo | 750 ml | 40% | $52 |
Buyer’s Guide For the Best Herradura Tequila
Herradura Ultra
Ultra was released in 2015 as their aged but clear tequila. This is a combination of Seleccion Suprema and a 25-month añejo, aged in ex-bourbon barrels. They use a proprietary filtering system (1) to remove the color. They also infused this bottle with added agave nectar to enhance the piña flavor and aromas.
Herradura Silver
Herradura Silver is the Blanco Tequila released in the US. However, other parts of the world have this Blanco labeled as Herradura Plata. It contains the same smooth, delicious-tasting tequila. There is no bitterness or burn but a bright, cooked agave savor with notes of black pepper, which is perfect for mixed drinks.
Herradura Seleccion Suprema
This tequila went through 49 months of aging. Many say this is the tequila for true connoisseurs. It has notes of citrus and spicy vanilla with a hint of wood. Its aroma is close to the reposado but has a deeper aroma and character.
Herradura Reposado
Herradura Reposado was launched in 1974 in Mexico and was the world’s first commercial reposado. This 80-proof reposado tequila has sweet lemon and vanilla flavors. This reposado has a long, light, and smooth finish everybody loves. Mixing this reposado in cocktails will also produce good results.
Herradura Plata
Herradura Silver is their Blanco tequila. The content of this bottle is the same as the Silver tequila release. Blancos released outside the US have been labeled Plata since 2010. The price of this variant is also very reasonable.
Herradura Legend
This variant is Herradura’s answer to the best sipping tequilas of big brands like Don Julio and Patron Tequila. This tequila is aged 14 months in heavily charred, new American Oak barrels.
Herradura Double Barrel Reposado
The Double Barrel Reposado went through 11 months of traditional aging and then five months inside King of Kentucky Whiskey casks. This reposado tequila blend tastes more defined with a much deeper color.
Read: The Butterfly Cannon Tequila Guide
Herradura Aniversario
This Extra-añejo tequila is a special release for Herraduras’ 150th anniversary. After a hundred months inside an American Oak barrel, it developed a complex taste.
Read: Gran Coramino Tequila Price Guide
Herradura Añejo
They made this tequila variant using the traditional ways in Mexico. It has rich and dark colors with savory agave with notes of spice. This Añejo is best enjoyed straight or in a snifter glass.
FAQs
Is Herradura real tequila?
Yes, Herradura is real tequila, made of 100% Blue Weber agave. They come from the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico.
Is Herradura Blanco a good tequila?
Yes, Herradura Blanco is good tequila. Many even regarded it as a better tequila than Patron Silver tequila. It has a solid flavor and an aroma that denotes sweet agave, caramel, and vanillas, the same with the palate.
Is Tequila Herradura good?
Tequila Herradura is renowned for its exceptional quality and rich heritage, making it a favorite among tequila enthusiasts worldwide. Crafted with care using traditional methods dating back to 1870, Herradura tequila undergoes a meticulous process, from harvesting the blue agave to distillation and aging in oak barrels. The result is a smooth, well-balanced tequila with distinct notes of agave, oak, and subtle spices. Whether enjoyed neat, in a cocktail, or as a sipping tequila, Herradura consistently delivers a memorable drinking experience. Its smoothness and depth of flavor have earned it numerous awards and accolades, solidifying its reputation as one of the finest tequilas available.
Is Herradura tequila top shelf?
Indeed, Herradura tequila is often considered top shelf. With its long-standing legacy of craftsmanship and commitment to quality, Herradura has established itself as a premium tequila brand. Its distinct flavor profile, smoothness, and meticulous production process set it apart from other tequilas, making it a favorite among connoisseurs and bartenders alike. Whether you’re seeking a tequila for sipping or crafting sophisticated cocktails, Herradura consistently delivers an elevated drinking experience that embodies the essence of top-shelf spirits.
Why is Herradura so expensive?
Herradura tequila commands a higher price point due to several factors. Firstly, Herradura employs traditional, time-honored methods of production that prioritize quality over quantity. From harvesting fully mature blue agave plants to slow-cooking the pinas in clay ovens, every step of the process is executed with precision and care. Additionally, Herradura tequila is aged in oak barrels, allowing it to develop complex flavors and smoothness over time. The investment in premium ingredients, craftsmanship, and aging contributes to the higher cost of Herradura tequila compared to mass-produced alternatives. However, many aficionados believe that the superior taste and quality justify the price tag, making Herradura a worthwhile investment for those who appreciate fine spirits.
Which tequila is rated best?
The title of the “best” tequila is subjective and often depends on personal preference and taste. However, several tequila brands consistently receive high ratings and acclaim from critics and enthusiasts alike. Among them, Tequila Herradura frequently garners praise for its exceptional quality, smoothness, and depth of flavor. Other top contenders include brands like Patrón, Don Julio, and Casa Noble, each offering unique expressions and characteristics that appeal to different palates. Ultimately, the best tequila is the one that aligns with your taste preferences and suits the occasion, whether you prefer a bold and robust blanco or a complex and nuanced añejo. It’s worth exploring a variety of tequilas to discover your personal favorite and expand your palate.
Key Takeaways
Herradura Tequila is a pride of Mexico. The product stayed at the top for over 150 years because each bottle is made of high-quality, pure tequila.
These products are not priced extremely high, except for the limited edition pieces. The aroma and flavor work hand-in-hand, regardless if this is a Blanco, Reposado, or Añejo.
Mexico will remain proud of this brand as it provides tequila-lovers drinks with impeccable flavors and a soft texture at a good price.
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