What Is The Strongest Tequila? Answered (2023 Updated)
Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Lydia Martin
You can’t deny that tequila has a bit of a “party image,” as it’s the drink people turn to if they want to get drunk quickly.
As such, most tequila labels are at least 40 percent ABV, which is more than enough to get the job done.
This article aims to celebrate high-proof tequila. You would be surprised to know that besides the heat, good-quality tequila also has a nicely complex flavor profile.
So, what is the strongest tequila in the market? Let’s find out.
Top 5 Strong Tequilas You Should Try
5. Pueblo Viejo
Average Price: Around $40
Alcohol Content: 52%
Why We Like It:
Pueblo Viejo is a high-proof tequila at a whopping 104 proof.
It also has an impressive price point to boot, so you won’t have to worry about burning a hole through your wallet if you are thinking of trying this out.
It’s definitely boozier than other tequila labels, but surprisingly, its vegetal and peppery notes hold themselves exceptionally well in cocktails and mixed drinks.
Of course, if you knock this back in shots, expect a palpable burn in your throat due to its high proof.
4. Dulce Vida Blanco
Average Price: Around $40
Alcohol Content: 50%
Why We Like It:
Dulce Vida Blanco is made with 100 percent blue agaves and bottled at 100 proof. It’s pretty spicy owing to its high proof, but nothing too overwhelming.
The agaves — harvested from the Jaliscan Highlands — give it plenty of grassiness and floral notes.
Other flavor notes that jump out are green olives, mint, and citrus, making it one of the most complex tequilas on this list. [1]
This is a shooter, no doubt, but it’s also pretty enjoyable when sipped slowly with a large ice cube. The ice allows its nuance in flavors to shine better.
5. Herradura Reserva
Average Price: Around $100
Alcohol Content: 55%
Why We Like It:
Herradura Reserva is bottled directly from the still at a whopping 110 proof.
This expression was first released in 2015 as a limited edition bottle, so it can be difficult getting hold of one these days.
Its green agave and lime notes keep the flavor notes pretty interesting, especially since we recommend keeping things pretty simple and drinking this neat or with a spritz of lime juice.
“It [Tequila] is a bartender’s best friend.”
– Stelios Papadopoulus, Jose Cuervo Global Brand Ambassador
Herradura Reserva is also one of the best tequilas to pair with food, so don’t be afraid to experiment with having a tipple alongside a dinner of grilled squid or prawns.
Of course, you can drink this in shots, but do you really want to, considering you paid around $100 for it?
2. Tapatio Blanco
Average Price: Around $60
Alcohol Content: 55%
Why We Like It:
Tapatio Blanco is one of the best tequilas to mix in a high-proof Margarita. It has gorgeous sweet, cooked agave and fruity floral notes that cut beautifully through citrus.
It is distilled at 114 proof and bottled at 110, so what you’re getting is the closest thing you can taste right from the still.
It has a rich, sweet, and drying profile, perfect if you’re looking for a tequila that can make a bold statement.
If you ask us, though, the best part about Tapatio is its reasonable price point to match its quality.
1. El Luchador
Average Price: Around $50
Alcohol Content: 55%
Why We Like It:
“Luchador” translates to “fighter” in English, which tells you a lot about this tequila. It is bottled at a whopping 110 proof for your ultimate satisfaction.
It has an intense mix of flavors ranging from medicinal to earthy to peppery. Of course, the blue agave notes are still front and center, making this the punchiest tequila on this list.
This is our personal favorite for enjoying in a Margarita or Paloma, as its earthy tones balance the acidity of the fruit juices extremely well.
We must warn you, though — it can be easy to drink too much as El Luchador has virtually no burn.
FAQs
What tequila gets you drunk the fastest?
We have to say that El Luchador and Tapatio Blanco can get you drunk the fastest, owing to their 110 proof.
The higher the proof, the more alcohol there is in the spirit, and you won’t have to drink too much to get yourself drunk.
Is tequila the strongest alcohol?
No, tequila isn’t the strongest alcohol. The strongest alcohol currently in circulation is Polmos Spirytus Rektyfikowany Vodka, a Russian vodka label bottled at a whopping 192 proof (96 percent ABV).
Final Words
Tequila is one of the best party drinks, perfect for people looking to get drunk quickly.
The tequilas we’ve listed above are bottled at least 100 proof, which is higher than the standard 80.
Our personal favorite is the El Luchador Tequila at a whopping 110 proof, but we can confidently say that it has complex flavor notes to back the heat up.
It’s great in shots, but we especially love it in a high-proof Margarita or Paloma. Its earthy tones contrast beautifully with the acidity of the fruit juices.
Other high-proof tequilas include Pueblo Viejo and Tapatia Blanco, which are also great choices with reasonable prices.
Reference:
- https://www.cnbc.com/2015/07/24/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-tequila-commentary.html
