The Best Tequilas for Gifting Right Now

Bold, zesty, savory aromas hint at fresh and pickled jalapeño. The palate is equally robust and complex, adding lemon peel and a steely, minerally midpalate. It finishes clean with an enticing mouthwatering saline note and flicker of cayenne heat. 94 Points  — Kara Newman 

The savory, spicy aroma hints at fresh tomato. The drying, astringent palate opens with a savory, herbal blast, rounding into sun-dried tomato earthiness, mouthwatering lemon peel and bright lemon-pepper on the long finish. The producer chose to go with the extra-proof “still strength” because “this is how Tequila was enjoyed over 125 years ago by my Great Great Grandfather.” The bottle, topped with a hand-painted agave piña, was hand-blown by bottle artisans in Mexico. 94 Points  — K.N.

The aroma suggests fresh-cut jalapeño, with a spicy hint that makes the nose prickle. Peppery notes follow on the palate. Jalapeño as well as bell pepper and black pepper are framed with hints of tarragon and graphite. Grapefruit-peel astringency and white-pepper sparks complete the lively finish. Sip or mix. 96 Points  — K.N.

The light vanilla scent includes hints of zesty citrus and bell pepper. A lightly sweet note opens the palate, followed by lots of bright lemon peel and vegetal hints of pepper and tarragon. The finish is clean and drying. 95 Points  — K.N.

This lively, bright tequila will please purists. A light hand with the oak means a straw hue and brisk aromas of jalapeño and citrus. The palate melds flavors of bell pepper, fresh rosemary and roasted jalapeño that lead into mild coconut and graphite notes on the midpalate, finishing with a fresh herb exhale. 96 Points  — K.N.

Look for a pale straw hue and fruity/funky aromas. The palate offers distinct tropical fruit notes, opening with lychee and a faint floral hint, plus a faint waft of ripe-banana funk midpalate. The finish is long and drying, showing grapefruit peel and pink peppercorn. Sip or mix into Palomas. Best Buy. 95 Points  — K.N.

This is a lean take on reposado, with a light straw hue and a perky fresh jalapeño aroma. The minerally palate opens with hints of citrus and sage, leading into white pepper, a faint whisper of vanilla and mouthwatering salinity. It’s lively, with just enough oak to mellow this into a sipping tequila. 93 Points   — K.N.

The citrusy, zesty aroma suggests grilled lemon and dried oregano. The palate opens lightly with coconut and almond, leading into a verdant finish laced with tarragon, sage and lemongrass. A faint jalapeño sizzle and lemony acidity yield a mouthwatering finish. 94 Points   — K.N.

Aged 6 months in charred barrels that previously held Cabernet Sauvignon, this drinks almost like a Tequila-whiskey hybrid. The liquid is tawny and bright, with aromas that suggest fresh apple drizzled with honey. The palate continues the orchard fruit, reading more like baked pear, leading into a distinctly nutty midpalate that starts with almond richness, then drying walnut. The finish is wonderfully bracing, with citrusy acidity and faint jalapeño heat. 94 Points   — K.N.

This is a limited-production Tequila matured for more than two years in oloroso Sherry barrels. The end result is a deep honey hue and fruitcake-like aromas: think golden raisin, dried fig, and roasted nuts. The palate mingles dried cherry with cranberry tartness and lemon peel acidity, plus hints of brown sugar and molasses, with a drying, lemony-tart finish. 90 Points   — K.N. 

The newest expression from the brand backed by Dwayne Johnson offers zesty jalapeño and vanilla aromas. Honey and butterscotch coat the palate, enlivened by bracing clove, cayenne and white pepper on the exit. The overall impression suggests a butter cookie rolled in spices. Best Buys. 93 Points   — K.N. 

Aged in a mix of casks that previously held Burgundy, Bordeaux and Loire wines, this complex Tequila is one to savor. Bell pepper and jalapeño aromas mingle with mild honey and cinnamon sweetness. The plush palate echoes that sweetness and spice, leading into a long finish tinged with cocoa and vanilla, plus a final zing of jalapeño heat. 97 Points   — K.N. 

Though relatively light-hued and subtly–flavored for an Añejo, this still is a pleasantly honeyed tequila with cooked agave and vanilla, pepped up with just a hint of jalapeño heat on the finish. The price point means it won’t hurt to use it as a cocktail base. Best Buy. 90 Points   — K.N. 

Complex aromas of wet earth, vanilla, jalapeño and campfire ash entice the nose. The palate opens with vanilla, transitioning to a peppery midpalate and finishing long, with delicate violet, coconut, black pepper and cinnamon notes. Best Buy. 93 Points   — K.N. 

The bright aroma mixes citrus and floral notes. Meanwhile, the palate opens with sprightly mint, leading into a lingering grapefruit and lemon-peel finish plus white-pepper sparks. Best Buy. 93 Points   — K.N. 

Herbaceous notes lead the nose and palate, with a bouquet of mint, tarragon and lemongrass that head to a mentholated finish. Fennel seed, bell pepper and lime peel exit with a final, sneaky burst of heat. Best Buy. 92 Points   — K.N. 

Overall, this is a mild, delicate tequila. Floral notes introduce the palate, tinged with grapefruit peel, ginger and coriander. The drying finish shows ginger and white-pepper heat. Best Buy. 91 Points   — K.N. 

Look for a bright, golden appearance and light aromas that mix coconut and fresh jalapeño. Lively and distinctly fruity, the palate opens with honey and coconut sweetness. Fleeting hints of pineapple and lime lead into a juicy, mouthwatering finish perked up with jalapeño and white pepper heat. Sip or mix into a luxe margarita variation. Best Buy. 93 Points   — K.N. 

A stunning limited-edition añejo. The golden color and caramel scent hint at what’s to come: sweet agave flavor, a lingering whisper of smoke and mellow notes of tropical fruit, Sauternes and butterscotch. 98 Points   — K.N. 

Vanilla, almond and baking spice aromas entice. The silky palate opens with vegetal jalapeño and bell pepper, sliding into a long, honeyed finish sprinkled with fiery cayenne, cinnamon and clove. Aged 49 months. 94 Points   — K.N. 

This is finished for five months in casks that previously held single malt whisky, and Sherry before that. The end result is a golden hue and subtle agave and baking spice aromas. The mouthwatering palate shows broad strokes of vanilla, oak and roasted nuts. Faint smokiness wafts into the finish, transforming the citrusy exhale into burnt grapefruit peel. 96 Points   — K.N. 

This Tequila was aged in French oak white wine barrels, filtered for clarity, then aerated in clay amphorae. All this yields a liquid with a faint straw tinge and slightly floral aroma warmed with cooked agave. The silky palate is lightly sweet, with toasted coconut and almond leading into a gentle, mouthwatering finish accented with lemony acidity and pink peppercorn. 96 Points   — K.N.