We compiled a list of the greatest tequilas released since 2000, including a few brands that were founded earlier but reached their pinnacle of success over the past 25 years. “Greatest” is, of course, a subjective term, and opinions will differ. But for this list it means tequilas that had some impact on consumers, the industry, or the general trajectory of the category, and, most importantly, are worth seeking out based on quality and flavor.

I have been writing about spirits, including tequila, for over a decade. During that time, I have tried hundreds of expressions in every category, from large distilleries and major brands to craft operations that are just getting started. I also judge tequila and other spirits for two competitions—the John Barleycorn Awards and New York World Wine and Spirits Competition—and write about spirits for numerous media outlets, so I’ve had a chance to hone my palate over the years.

I chose the tequilas on this list by considering a few factors. The tequila’s flavor played the biggest part, but quality, importance, and availability were also taken into consideration. That being said, there are some tequilas on this list that are incredibly difficult to find, and extremely expensive if you do, but made the list anyway because this isn’t so much of a buyer’s guide as a snapshot of history. Take a look and see how many you’ve been able to try, and how many you should add to your tequila wish list.

#49 Casa Dragones Reposado Mizunara

While some brands shy away from mentioning that its tequila is made with a diffuser—a modern piece of equipment that extracts sugar from agave using high-pressure water instead of cooking it—Casa Dragones doesn’t hide the fact. On the contrary, the brand is proud of this method and touts it as being more sustainable. Whatever you think of that, at least there is a level of transparency here that can be scarce in the tequila industry. The reposado expression is definitely worth trying—it’s aged exclusively in Japanese mizunara oak casks, giving it notes of vanilla, dried fruit, and incense on the palate.

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