In recent years, agave has surged in popularity, celebrated not only for its versatility but also for its unique flavors derived from the heart of the plant. Brands that excel in agave products often prioritize sustainable farming practices and authentic production methods to capture the rich heritage of the source plant. As discerning consumers cultivate a refined palate, they seek the finest brands that promise quality and tradition in every sip or bite. Below, we explore some of the top brands that have carved out a niche in the agave market with their exceptional offerings.
Illustration of agave
Best brands of agave in 2025
Clase Azul
Clase Azul, founded in 1997, is a renowned producer of premium tequila, utilizing 100% organic Blue Weber Agave, which is grown in the Los Altos region of Jalisco and harvested after at least nine years of maturation. The agave is then slow-cooked for 72 hours in traditional brick ovens to enhance its flavors. Their Reposado is aged for 8 months in American whiskey casks, the Añejo for 25 months in ex-Bourbon barrels, and the Ultra is aged between five and seven years in ex-Sherry casks. Every bottle is presented in handcrafted ceramic decanters made by local artisans, each taking two weeks to produce.
Herradura
Herradura, established in 1870 at Hacienda San José del Refugio, is a renowned Mexican tequila producer, crafting 100% blue agave tequila using traditional methods like clay oven cooking and natural fermentation with wild yeast. They are also credited with inventing the Reposado category in 1974, aging their Reposado for 11 months and their Añejo for 25 months. Furthermore, they were the first to create an Extra Añejo in 1995. Now, the brand has over 25 million agave plants cultivated on 25,000 acres, ensuring a consistent supply. The distillery ages its liquid in 55-gallon charred American white oak barrels. You can find more about their products on their official website.
Patron
Patron, founded in 1989 by John Paul DeJoria and Martin Crowley, is a premium tequila brand that uses 100% Weber Blue Agave, handcrafted in Jalisco, Mexico, using traditional methods like the tahona process, resulting in a spirit that has 40% ABV and is known for its smooth and easily mixable nature, with a unique bee logo symbolizing its connection to the agave plant. For more detailed insights, visit Patron Tequila's official website.
Don Julio
Don Julio, established in 1942 by Don Julio González in the Jalisco Highlands, is a premium tequila brand that meticulously cultivates its agave, planting them 1.5 meters apart to allow for optimal growth and nutrient absorption, and harvesting only the mature plants, some of which take up to 12 years, to produce high-quality tequilas like the aged Don Julio 1942, which is aged for at least 2 1/2 years. The brand is now the largest in value and eighth largest in volume. For more information, visit the official Don Julio website.
El Tesoro
El Tesoro, established in 1937 by Don Felipe Camarena, is a renowned tequila producer that uses 100% estate-grown agave from the Jalisco highlands. They slow-cook the agave in traditional ovens for 48 hours and crush it with a two-ton volcanic tahona stone. The juice and pulp are then fermented in open wooden vats before being double distilled in copper pot stills to achieve its 40% ABV, all without adding water or sugar. This meticulous process honors the family's time-honored methods, ensuring exceptional quality. For more details, visit their official website.
Fortaleza
Fortaleza, established in 2005 with roots dating back to 1873, is a renowned tequila producer that uses 100% blue agave, slow-cooked for 36 hours in a stone oven, then crushed using a traditional tahona process. The resulting "mosto" ferments naturally in open-air wood tanks, and is double-distilled in copper pots, producing a high-quality spirit with no additives that showcases pure agave flavors; the brand's dedication to time-honored techniques has made it a favorite amongst tequila connoisseurs and bartenders alike, with each hand-blown bottle reflecting the brand's artisan approach. For more details, visit their official website.
Casa Noble
Casa Noble, a premium tequila brand established in the 1990s, is renowned for its commitment to crafting 100% blue agave tequila, using estate-grown agave that matures for 11 years in the volcanic soils of Jalisco, employing a unique triple distillation process, and aging their Reposado and Añejo in new French white oak barrels, resulting in a smooth, complex spirit. They have earned several awards, including double gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2007 and 2009, and are certified organic by both the USDA and CCOF since 2009. The brand is also known for its eco-conscious practices that focus on energy conservation and product integrity and was named Mexico's Best Tequila by the Academia Mexicana del Tequila.
Mezcal Vago
Mezcal Vago, established in 2013, is a premium mezcal brand from Oaxaca, Mexico, known for its artisanal production methods using 100% agave, partnering with master mezcaleros like the Garcia family, who have been crafting mezcal for generations, and employing traditional techniques in small batches to create diverse flavor profiles. With a commitment to sustainability, they plant three agaves for each one harvested, aiming to end the use of wild agave by 2025. The brand also features a variety of mezcals, including the notable Vago Elote, and provides transparency by labeling each bottle with the mezcalero's name, village, batch size, and agave type.
Espolòn
Espolòn, established in 1998 at the Casa San Nicolas Distillery in Jalisco, Mexico, is a premium tequila brand crafted from 100% Blue Weber agave, and is known for its four expressions: Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Cristalino, each bottled at 40% ABV; it is also celebrated for its artistic bottles and has won multiple awards for its quality. The brand, now owned by Campari Group since 2009, also sponsors the Latin Grammy Awards and has a special 25th-anniversary edition bottle. You can find more about the brand at Espolòn Tequila.
21 Seeds
21 Seeds, founded in 2019 by three sisters, is known for its artisanal approach to tequila, using 100% blue Weber agave from the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, which is then double-distilled and infused with natural fruit flavors like grapefruit, cucumber, and orange, creating a smooth and refreshing spirit that maintains the integrity of the agave. The brand was created to offer a simple and casual approach to enjoying tequila, inspired by the founders' own practice of infusing tequila at home. With a focus on natural ingredients, 21 Seeds aims to connect people and make every drink special. You can explore their range of tequilas at 21 Seeds' website.
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