Beginner’s Guide to Tequila

Tequila is so much more than just another shot. It’s evolved into a world of flavor, craftsmanship, and complexity.

From light and crisp blancos to rich and aged añejos, this spirit offers something for just about every kind of drinker. Here at Community Wine & Spirits, we’ve handpicked a lineup of the best tequila options, made from 100% blue Weber agave, the only plant that can be used in the true tequila production.

Whether you’re just starting out or curious about exploring more elevated pours, this beginner-friendly guide breaks it all down from what tequila is made of, how the types differ, and which bottles you might want to try first.

Alto Canto Tequila de Altura High Proof

Let’s Start with the Basics: What Plant Is Used to Make Tequila?

If you’re wondering, “what plant is used to make tequila?,” it’s important to know that all real tequila comes from a single plant, that is, the blue Weber agave. This spiky succulent grows primarily in Jalisco, Mexico, and it takes between 7 to 10 years to mature. Once fully grown, farmers harvest the piña (the heart of the plant), cook it slowly to release its sugars, then crush it to extract juice for fermentation and distillation.

The long growing period gives the spirit its layered, vegetal sweetness, something that cheap knockoffs can never replicate. In simple words, if it doesn’t say “100% blue agave” on the bottle, it’s probably not worth your time!

Tequila Types, Explained

One of the first things you’ll notice when shopping for tequila is the color. However, there’s more to it than just the color, and the difference mostly comes down to how long the tequila is aged.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Blanco: Mostly unaged, or aged for less than 2 months. Bright, punchy, and grassy. Often used for cocktails.
Reposado: Aged 2–12 months. Rounder flavors, often with notes of oak, vanilla, or caramel.
Añejo: Aged 1–3 years. Rich, deep, and often enjoyed neat.
Extra Añejo: Aged over 3 years. Being full-bodied and luxurious, it can easily be said that it’s tequila’s equivalent to the popular brandy, Cognac.
Cristalino: Añejo that’s been charcoal-filtered to look like a Blanco. It’s smooth with quite a complex flavor.

If you’re wondering how to choose the best tequila for yourself from these many options, think about whether you want something refreshing for mixing or something richer to sip on its own. If you’re new to tequila, try starting with a Blanco.

The Best Tequila Bottles You’ll Find at Community Wine & Spirits

Every bottle of tequila that’s been included below has been made with quality in mind, from respected producers that take pride in their agave and the process that they follow.

Milagro Silver – Clean, Crisp, Crowd-Friendly

Milagro Silver is perfect if you’re just starting off with tequila. It’s light, smooth, and makes a great addition to cocktails. You’ll get fresh agave flavors, a little pepper, and a soft citrus finish. It’s affordable without tasting cheap, and that’s what makes it such a popular pick.

Price: $32
Great for: Margaritas, Palomas, and perfect for beginners who want a smooth intro to the world of tequila

Espolon Blanco 375ml – A Small Bottle That Packs a Punch

Don’t overlook this compact bottle of tequila. Espolon Blanco is flavorful, versatile, and beautifully balanced with notes of roasted agave and tropical fruit, it mixes well in cocktails and can also stand on its own. This smaller size is great if you’re just experimenting or want something portable.

Price: $20
Great for: Trying out before committing to a bigger bottle, gifting, casual drinks

De Nada Blanco – Clean Drinking, Zero Additives

De Nada is the kind of tequila you bring out when you want to show someone what clean, additive-free tequila tastes like. It’s bright, smooth, and modern, with no fake sweetness or syrupy aftertaste that’s common in cheaper alternatives. Whether you sip it straight or build a killer cocktail, it holds up beautifully.

Price: $41
Great for: Conscious drinkers, clean cocktails, neat sipping

Fortaleza Blanco – A Tequila Lover’s Easy Pick

Ask any agave enthusiast, and they’ll tell you that Fortaleza is the best tequila option for a reliable classic. This Blanco is handmade the traditional way as its stone crushed, fermented in open air, and distilled in copper stills.

The flavor is bold and earthy with hints of citrus and olive brine. While it may not be the best one for beginners, it’s a game-changer once you’re ready for depth.

Price: $95
Great for: Neat pours, tequila tastings, serious appreciation

Casamigos Blanco – Smooth, Sweet, and Well-Liked

Celebrity hype aside, Casamigos Blanco delivers a very easy-drinking experience. It’s soft on the tongue, with hints of vanilla, citrus, and sweet agave. Many people love it because of its flavor and feel that won’t overwhelm you.

Price: $53
Great for: Smooth sipping, casual drinking, gifts

G4 Blanco – Purity with a Purpose

This bottle doesn’t try to be flashy and just gets everything right. G4 Blanco uses a blend of spring and rainwater, creating a mineral-forward flavor that’s incredibly clean. It’s balanced, subtle, and very rewarding if you take your time with it.

Price: $60
Great for: Slow sipping, food pairing, thoughtful drinks

Dulce Vida Blanco – High-Proof and Organic

At 100 proof, Dulce Vida Blanco is anything but shy. Even with the higher alcohol content, it’s flavorful and vibrant; think of fresh lime, cracked pepper, and herbal agave. It’s also USDA-certified organic, so you’re getting a spirit that’s both strong and clean.

Price: $29
Great for: Bold cocktails, spicy food, adventurous drinkers

Fortaleza Añejo – Complex and Worth Every Sip

Want something truly rich and luxurious? Fortaleza Añejo is aged for over a year in oak barrels and delivers layers of flavor with notes of vanilla, baking spice, toffee, and deep agave sweetness. This one’s a sit-down-and-savor kind of pour for all tequila lovers.

Price: $170
Great for: Celebrations, contemplative sipping, gifting for big milestones

Patrón Reposado – Balanced and Polished

Patrón’s Reposado is soft, smooth, and gently aged. It has a silky texture with notes of honey, light wood, and just a hint of citrus. Great for people who want more than a Blanco but aren’t quite ready for an Añejo.

Price: $60
Great for: High-end cocktails, mellow sipping, easy transitions

Espolon Blanco 750ml – Great Value, Great Taste

Need a versatile tequila that won’t break the bank? Go for Espolon Blanco in the full-size bottle. It’s reliable, flavorful, and easy to use in just about any recipe. Great for home bars as well as parties!

Price: $33
Great for: Everyday cocktails, group gatherings, or just stocking up.

Patrón Añejo – Smooth, Sophisticated, and Classic

Rounding things out, we’ve got Patrón Añejo, aged for over a year in oak. The result is a rich, rounded tequila with caramel, almond, and spice notes. It’s an elegant sipper and perfect for people who enjoy the depth of a whiskey but want that clean agave backbone.

Price: $70
Great for: After-dinner sipping, pairing with dessert, whiskey lovers

Your Tequila Journey Starts Here

Picking the best tequila doesn’t have to be complicated. Based on the above types, start with what sounds good to you, maybe a crisp Blanco to mix with lime juice and soda, or a smooth Añejo to sip on a quiet night. What matters most is that it’s made well, from pure blue Weber agave.

At Community Wine & Spirits, everything on the shelf is there for a reason—whether it’s a beloved classic like Patrón or a hidden gem like G4. So no matter which one you pick, you’re going to love it!