Why Premium Tequila Brands Matter
Not all tequilas are created equal. Understanding what separates premium tequila brands from mass-market options helps you make smarter purchases and enjoy better drinking experiences.
Why Premium Tequila Brands Matter
Not all tequilas are created equal. Understanding what separates premium tequila brands from mass-market options helps you make smarter purchases and enjoy better drinking experiences.
By Mexican law, tequila must contain at least 51% Blue Weber agave. The remaining 49% can include other sugars, resulting in what's called "mixto" tequila. These cheaper bottles often cause harsh hangovers and lack the smooth, complex flavours that define quality tequila.
Premium tequila brands use 100% Blue Weber agave with no fillers or added sugars. This purity delivers a cleaner taste, smoother finish, and far more enjoyable experience whether you're sipping neat or mixing cocktails.
Authentic tequila can only be produced in five Mexican states: Jalisco, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Michoacán, and Tamaulipas. The town of Tequila in Jalisco remains the spiritual home of this beloved spirit, where traditional distilleries have perfected their craft over centuries.
When you buy tequila online from The Liquid Collection, every bottle is sourced from certified Mexican distilleries. For those seeking the finest expressions, we offer Clase Azul delivery in Singapore—one of the world's most recognised ultra-premium tequila brands.
Choosing the right tequila depends on how you plan to enjoy it. Here's a breakdown of the main categories to help you decide.
| Type | Ageing | Flavour Profile | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blanco (Silver) | Unaged or under 60 days | Crisp, citrus, pure agave | Cocktails, margaritas |
| Reposado | 2–12 months in oak | Vanilla, caramel, light oak | Sipping, versatile mixing |
| Añejo | 1–3 years in oak | Dark chocolate, dried fruit | Sipping neat |
Blanco is the purest expression of agave. Bottled shortly after distillation, it captures bright, crisp flavours with citrus and herbal notes. This type works brilliantly in cocktails where you want the agave character to shine through.
Reposado means "rested" in Spanish. Aged for 2 to 12 months in oak barrels, it develops a golden hue and softer flavour profile. Expect notes of vanilla, caramel, and subtle wood. This versatile category suits both sipping and elevated cocktails.
Añejo tequila ages for 1 to 3 years, resulting in deeper amber colour and richer complexity. The extended barrel contact introduces flavours of dark chocolate, dried fruits, tobacco, and oak. Best enjoyed neat to appreciate its full character.
The newest official category, extra añejo ages for over 3 years. These premium expressions rival fine cognacs and aged whiskies in complexity. If you're seeking the ultimate sipping experience, extra añejo delivers unmatched depth and refinement.
Shopping for tequila online offers convenience and access to bottles you might not find in local shops. Here's what to look for when making your purchase.
Always look for "100% agave" or "100% Blue Weber agave" on the bottle. If it simply says "tequila" without this designation, it's likely a mixto containing added sugars. Premium tequila brands always highlight their pure agave content.
Authentic tequila displays a NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana) number on the label. This four-digit code identifies the distillery and confirms the spirit meets Mexican regulatory standards. No NOM means it's not genuine tequila.
Buying guide based on use:
Tequila deserves more than a quick shot. Here's how to appreciate this remarkable spirit properly.
High-quality tequila tastes best at room temperature without ice or mixers. This allows you to experience the full spectrum of flavours the distiller intended. Pour a small measure into a proper glass and take your time.
The right glassware enhances your tequila experience.
Recommended options:
Tall flute: Traditional for tastings and premium sipping
For blanco and reposado, a single large ice cube can be refreshing without overly diluting the spirit. However, añejo and extra añejo expressions are best enjoyed neat to preserve their complex flavour profiles.
If mixing is your preference, tequila shines in these timeless drinks:
Tequila pairs beautifully with food when matched correctly. Lighter blancos complement seafood, ceviche, and citrus-dressed salads. Richer añejos stand up to grilled meats, dark chocolate, and aged cheeses.
The Liquid Collection removes the hassle from sourcing quality tequila. Our tequila delivery in Singapore service brings premium tequila brands directly to your doorstep.
Free delivery across Singapore with no minimum purchase
Delivery within 3 working days from order confirmation
Gift wrapping available for special occasions
Self-collection option at our warehouse
Authenticity guaranteed on every bottle
Whether you want a single bottle of reposado or Clase Azul delivery for a celebration, we handle the logistics so you can focus on enjoying your purchase.
If you're new to tequila, start with a quality reposado expression. The oak ageing softens the spirit and introduces approachable flavours like vanilla and caramel that ease newcomers into the category. Reposado works well both for sipping and mixing, giving you flexibility to explore. Look for bottles labelled "100% agave" to ensure a smooth experience without the harshness of mixto tequilas. Avoid very cheap options, as they often contain additives that cause unpleasant hangovers. A mid-range reposado from a reputable brand offers the best introduction to quality tequila.
Blanco tequila is unaged or aged for less than 60 days, resulting in a clear, crisp spirit with pure agave flavours, citrus notes, and herbal undertones. Reposado, meaning "rested," ages for 2 to 12 months in oak barrels, developing a golden colour and softer taste with vanilla and caramel notes. The ageing process mellows the spirit and adds complexity from the wood contact. Blanco excels in cocktails where you want bright agave character, while reposado offers versatility for both sipping and mixing. Your choice depends on whether you prefer fresh, vibrant flavours or smoother, oak-influenced complexity.
Yes, authentic tequila made from 100% Blue Weber agave is naturally gluten-free. The agave plant contains no gluten, and the distillation process further purifies the spirit. However, some flavoured tequilas or mixto varieties may contain additives that introduce gluten, so always check labels if you have coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity. Stick to premium tequila brands that clearly state "100% agave" on the bottle for complete peace of mind. The Liquid Collection stocks only authentic expressions, ensuring our tequila delivery in Singapore service provides safe options for gluten-free customers.
The best way to drink tequila depends on the expression and your personal preference. High-quality tequila is best sipped neat at room temperature to appreciate its full flavour profile. Pour into a proper glass, swirl gently to release aromas, and take small sips rather than shooting it quickly. For reposado, adding a single large ice cube is acceptable and can enhance the experience on warm days. Blanco tequila shines in cocktails like margaritas and palomas where its bright agave character complements citrus and other mixers. Ultimately, the right way to drink tequila is whatever way you enjoy it most.
Tequila labelled "100% agave" contains only sugars from the Blue Weber agave plant, with no fillers or additives. Mixto tequilas, which legally require just 51% agave, fill the remainder with cane sugar or other sweeteners that produce harsher flavours and worse hangovers. Pure agave tequila delivers a cleaner taste, smoother finish, and more authentic representation of the spirit's true character. The production process for 100% agave is also more labour-intensive and costly, reflecting higher quality standards. When you buy tequila online from The Liquid Collection, every bottle meets this premium standard.