Tequila is a distilled spirit that is enjoyable on its own and in cocktails, contributing to its uniqueness and global popularity. It is suitable for almost any occasion and is appreciated by many people. Alongside some OG tequila brands from Mexico, India also happens to be home to a few ‘agave spirits’ of its own! Let’s explore some of India’s best and most popular tequila brands.
Best Tequila Brands In India
- DesmondJi
- 1800 Tequila
- Calle 23 Tequila
- Dos Flamos Tequila
- Codigo 1530 Tequila
- Camino Real
- El Jimador Tequila
1. DesmondJi
We have homegrown gin, homegrown tonic water and now homegrown tequila! India’s first and best homegrown tequila brand is Desmondji Tequila, founded by Desmond Nazareth. We cannot refer to it as tequila because Mexican laws stipulate that it can only be called tequila if produced in Mexico. However, Desmondji’s agave spirits are essentially the same product under a different name.
Desmond, a master at making Margaritas, returned from the US only to discover that a key ingredient – tequila, was not readily available in India. This realization inspired him to start his brand. He even traveled to Mexico to perfect his craft to study the agave plant!
Today, DesmondJi, or DJ, sources its agave from the plants thriving on the Deccan Plateau’s volcanic lands, and the spirit is distilled in small batch pot-stills. The magic takes place at India’s first official craft distillery, spread across 44 acres in Goa. Currently, you can get DesmondJi in Karnataka, Goa, Puducherry, Maharashtra, Mahe, and Daman.
Price: INR 2,230 per 750 ml
Also read: 7 Best Tequila Cocktails You Don’t Want To Miss
2. 1800 Tequila
Another wonderful brand that is quite famous in India is 1800 Tequila. The name of the brand, 1800, is the same year in which it was launched, first introducing premium tequila to the world. This original recipe is still used today, just as the jimadores, the Mexican farmers who harvest agave, hand-harvest the plants in the fields of Mexico.
1800 Tequila happens to be one of the world’s most-awarded tequila brands, so you know you’re getting what your money is worth! 1800’s Reposado is one of its most popular tequilas and is also available in the subcontinent, making 1800 one of the tequila brands present in India. Reposado is characterized by its rich flavors, which include sweet and spicy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cocoa. It has a tart undertone with a hint of saltiness. Foods that go perfectly with 1800 Reposado are tacos, Mexican classics, and spicy food.
Price: INR 6,950 per 750 ml
Also read: 15 Of The Best Spirits Of 2022
3. Calle 23 Tequila
When Sophie Decobecq fell in love with agave, she flew all the way to Mexico to be able to truly study more about the plant. During her research, she studied the art and science of tequila fermentation. She then honed her skills in South Africa and applied them to assist distillers in Mexico. Soon after that in 2009, she launched her very own brand, and it’s a steal considering the price!
From the production to the cooking, milling, and fermentation, the whole process is carefully done to ensure every sip is rich and unique. It tastes crisp and fresh, with a clear taste of agave, apple, and pear, all of which are complemented by the taste of black pepper.
Price: INR 9,600 per 700 ml
Also read: How To Use Cocktail Syrups?
4. Dos Flamos Tequila
Produced by La Cofradia, a family-owned company in the tequila space for over 50 years, Dos Flamos is inspired by a fiery folklore love story, literally! Dos flamos is Spanish for ‘two flames’, and the volcano used in their branding represents this fiery love and passion. And trust us, one sip and you’re sure to fall in love with it yourself!
The distillation process of Dos Flamos is one that’s been in use by the La Cofradia family for over half a century now. The brand has two types of tequila, blanco (white) and oro (gold). While the Blanco is smooth, refreshing, and slightly sweet, the oro has a rich, zesty punch; you can find both types in India!
Price: INR 3,990 per 750 ml
Also read: Types Of Wine Glasses: A Guide to Finding the Right Glass
5. Código 1530 Tequila
Over the years, only a select few have had the pleasure of tasting Código 1530. This ultra-premium tequila has a recipe that has been kept private for more than a hundred years, crafted by just five Mexican families. In fact, it went by a different name too – El Tequila Privado.
Though it made itself widely available in 2016, it continues to be made following its age-old painstaking process. This involves using volcanic rock filtered water from freshwater pools in Amatitán, Mexico, a specialized chopper to extract the finest agave, and local yeast for fermentation! The entire process, from the jimadors selecting the finest agave to the fermentation and distillation stages, is conducted with care and artistry to ensure the best taste and flavor in every sip. In 2022, Pernod Ricard acquired a majority shareholding in Código 1530 Tequila, enhancing its international presence.
Price: INR 14,800 per 750 ml
Also read: 8 Best Brunch Cocktail Recipes
6. Camino Real
Introduced in the year 1960, Camino Real tequila is a well-known brand in India. With a history of 70 years, this brand of tequila only uses Weber blue agave plants to make its tequila. The plant is only grown in certain states of Mexico: Nayarit, Jalisco, Guanajuato, and Michoacan. The distillation process is done in their distillery, thereby keeping the brand authentic. The distillation process occurs in their distillery, ensuring brand authenticity. Camino Blanco tequila ages for 30 days in oak barrels.
Camino Real Tequila comes in three types: blanco, reposado, and gold. What makes it special among every age group and place is the variety it offers while being relatively affordable!
Price: INR 2600 per 750 ml
Also read: Flavored Beers For Those Who Don’t Like The Taste Of Beer
7. El Jimador Tequila
Another tequila brand that I highly recommend trying in India is El Jimador. This tequila is produced by Herradura, a distiller that was founded in 1870 and is based in Mexico. Herradura offers a range of products in its portfolio, making it a notable choice for tequila enthusiasts. El Jimador Tequila was launched in 1994 with the intention of introducing high-quality accessible tequila, and continues to be the best-selling tequila in Mexico! Maybe the secret to this is its production process.
In the footsteps of Herradura processes, El Jimador tequila is also estate-grown and bottled in the distillery that is in Amatitán, Jalisco. This takes an entire village of jimadors to make every drop worth the taste and effort.
The tequila gives a fresh and crisp burst of flavors and aromas in your mouth, making it a must-try. Lucky for you, El Jimador happens to be one of the tequila brands available in India! El Jimador offers three different types of tequila: Silver, Reposado, Anejo, and New Mix. You won’t regret it, as every sip will give you the feel of Mexico.
Price: INR 3,295 per 750 ml
Also read: What Is Vermouth?
Summing Up!
Now that you have an overview of the different types of tequila available in India, you can mix things up the next time you’re taking a shot. Just be sure not to try them all in one night!
FAQs
What Are The 3 Types Of Tequila?
The three types of tequila are – Blanco (bottled immediately followed by a distillation process, aged for a shorter period in barrels) Reposado tequila (longer ageing for around 2 to 12 months in barrels) and Joven (a blend of both Blanco and Reposado tequilas).
What Is The Smoothest Type Of Tequila?
Anejo tequilas are considered to be the best and smoothest types of tequila. The reason is that because of the ageing process, which lasts between 1 and 3 years, tequila tends to have a smooth texture and finish, making it easy to sip on.
Is Tequila Stronger Than Vodka?
Tequila isn’t stronger than vodka. Both alcoholic beverages are equal in taste and have the same amount of alcohol contained in them.
What Do You Mix Tequila With?
Tequila can be mixed and matched with different types of alcohol and mixers like triple sec and lime, grapefruit soda, orange juice and grenadine, tomato juice, crème de cassis and ginger, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda.
Why Is Tequila Good For?
The agave from which tequila is made contains agavins. They make the liquor sweet. But it helps in controlling and reducing sugar levels. This is why tequila is worth it, both drink-wise and health-wise.
Is Tequila Healthier Than Beer?
Although no alcohol is good for the human body health-wise, tequila compared to wines, ciders, and beers have no sugar, carbohydrates, and fewer calories.
Is Tequila Sweet Or Bitter?
Tequila falls on the sweeter side; it can be described as earthy, fruity, and sweet. Tequila flavors depend on their aging process. The more aged, the better the taste: smooth and rich in flavor.
