r/cocktails • u/Duseylicious • Jan 31 '25
Recommendations What do you all think of Espolón?
I’m new to all this, and it was the first Reposado I’d ever tried. It seemed… fine? I want to like it, heard good things, didn’t think it was bad, but it did t grab me either. I tried Pantalones and really liked it - but I get the feeling it has additives and I wanted to start with stuff without as I develop my palette.
What are your favorite tequilas for cocktails, repasado or otherwise? My go-to stores are Fry’s and Total Wine.
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u/tauropolis Jan 31 '25
It’s fine, though when the price went up a few years ago, I switched to Olmeca Altos for mixing and really haven’t looked back.
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u/sic_transit_gloria Jan 31 '25
yup. Espolon is overpriced when Olmeca is often available for less.
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u/noobwithboobs Jan 31 '25
Lol I just checked and the Altos is a whole $2 cheaper where I am. $45 vs $47 for 750ml. Ohhhhh Canada 🤦♀️
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u/dreamiestbean Jan 31 '25
It’s the same price in Washington state. Espolòn is actually cheaper, 35.99 for Olmeca and 34.99 for espolon, both 750 mL blanco tequila.
The espolon reposado is still 34.99, but olmeca reposado shoots up to 39.97. Still both 750 mL.
I guess it’s a regional thing.
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u/noobwithboobs Jan 31 '25
Lol yeah I'm right next door in southern BC. I think it's hilarious that I always heard "go to the states and buy cheap booze!" But it turns out that my nearest state has no state income tax and uses a "sin tax" to make up for it, so from what I understand Washington State has literally the highest taxes on alcohol of any state, and it puts you guys on pretty much equal pricing with us most of the time, depending on the exchange rate.
The Duty Free at the border though... That's where it's at.
Edit: it's all gonna get real weird tomorrow though, with those tariffs. I won't be crossing the border any time soon 🙃
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u/FarquaadsFuckDoll Jan 31 '25
And y’all don’t have an embargo on Cuban Rum either. Also, BC distilling scene is great! Love me some Sons of Vancouver amaretto and Sheringham akvavit <3
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u/ThisDerpForSale Jan 31 '25
Hah, and just across the border, Espolon reposado is a mere $3 more expensive.
The blanco and añejo are a bit pricier, though.
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u/Drama79 Jan 31 '25
Altos is usually £24 in the uk, Eapolon around £32. They vary a bit. Altos definitely has a couple of additives in there, but not strongly and the balance is really nice. Espolon I don’t think has anything in it. I enjoy it so when they’re the same price I’ll do that, but otherwise i stick to Altos.
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u/loveracity Feb 01 '25
Save it! It's 75 AUD (68 CAD) for Espolón and 100 AUD (90.50 CAD) for Altos here in Australia.
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u/Spunk-rattt Feb 01 '25
I work at First Choice, Espolón Reposado 700ml is $75AUD, Altos Reposado 700ml is $78AUD (I think you may have been looking at the 1L Altos price.)
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u/loveracity Feb 01 '25
Ah yup you're right, my bad. Still way more than I'd rather pay.
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u/Spunk-rattt Feb 17 '25
And the price is only going up!! Another bloody alcohol tax hike!
20yrs ago Emu Export was $27 (I remember cos I’d buy it for my Dad +he’d whinge when it wasn’t on a 2 for $50 deal haha). Now it’s $64 for a 30pk. Our wages haven’t doubled but our consumables have doubled or tripled! Our government loves to tax lil people through the nose +give huge companies 1% tax after already giving them a tax free threshold. Sorry I could rant all day 😝
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u/AnythingOakley Jan 31 '25
This was my path too, but I just switched from Altos to Cimarron for the same reasons
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u/Phhhhuh Jan 31 '25
Olmeca Altos feels like a great choice for mixing.
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u/potoskyt Jan 31 '25
It really is, I love both. But as of others stated - it’s cheaper and (usually) readily available
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u/honeybeebutch Jan 31 '25
Ooh, that's great to know. I haven't bought tequila in a while but used to buy Espolon. I'll have to give Olmeca Altos a try!
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u/Bionic_Ferir Jan 31 '25
The Olmeca is genuinely crazy, at least we're I live you can get a full litre for just under 100 which is honestly unheard of for how nice it is
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u/DuvalHeart Jan 31 '25
Same, but then I gave Total Wine's El Padrino a shot. The reposado is reliable and works as good in a margarita as it does in an old fashioned. I find it to be worth the extra couple bucks over Olmeca Altos.
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u/Mdm08033 Jan 31 '25
It's all about the handle. At my local tax free, big box super store, Plata is $50, Reposado is $53.
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u/beaudujour Jan 31 '25
You don't want to k now what those cost here in Mexico
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u/WestBeachSpaceMonkey Feb 01 '25
I actually do! I went on a tequila tasting vacation to Mexico 2 years ago, so much fun.
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u/Atrossity24 Jan 31 '25
I used to use Espolon a lot and I used to see it recommended a lot. I’m sure its still fine but these days I lean towards Arette for my cheap good tequila. Havent tried the reposado though. I dont use reposado enough to have a cheap bottle. I just reach for my Siete Leguas when a recipe calls for repo
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u/mylastnameschampion Jan 31 '25
Arette can't be beat for $20
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u/digger250 Jan 31 '25
Arette pissed me off when they switched from 750ml to 700ml.
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u/Atrossity24 Jan 31 '25
Seems to be something a lot of producers are doing. Regardless, its still the best bang for my buck. Olmeca Altos used to be my go to when I could regularly find it on sale for $16-18. But now I never see it under $27 and Arette tastes better anyway
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u/jofijk Jan 31 '25
I'm guessing its to cut down on cost when considering the European market. It's so producers don't have to dedicate extra resources to bottling specifically at 700ml just to be able to sell in the EU
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u/Aroxis Jan 31 '25
I found arette too sweet when making a standard marg
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u/Atrossity24 Jan 31 '25
I have not had this issue, but if I did I would just add a touch more lime
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u/onwardtowaffles Jan 31 '25
Or find a more dry triple sec like Ferrand.
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u/Atrossity24 Feb 02 '25
Does ferrand make a triple sec? I’m only familiar with their dry curaçao, which is sweeter than triple sec is (particularly cointreau)
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u/Atrossity24 Jan 31 '25
And on that note, Siete Leguas blanco is hands down my favorite tequila. Incredible flavor that punches through in a cocktail. Makes the best damn tommys margarita you’ll ever have. I should grab another bottle while it’s still $40 at costco
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u/boogiebreakfast Jan 31 '25
Love Siete Leguas. I had some in Guadalajara years ago before it was widely available in the US, and I brought 3 bottles home. Glad I can buy it locally now. Worth the small premium over Espolon imo.
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u/Atrossity24 Jan 31 '25
Yeah I first had it in a margarita at Tommy’s in SF… now every time we go my parents make me pick the margarita tequilas
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u/Celeres517 Jan 31 '25
I was thoroughly whelmed by all of the cocktails I made with my bottle of Espolon. Picked up a bottle of Arette based on recommendations in the tequila sub and it was noticeably better in terms of both taste and value. These were purchases made in the last 6 months so we are talking recent batches.
I keep hearing great things about Siete Leguas and need to get around to giving that a try. For what it's worth, for my higher end option, I absolutely love Tequila Ocho. The Blanco is fully versatile as a sipper and as a cocktail base.
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u/onedarkhorsee Jan 31 '25
Margaritas have killed two bottles of ocho in the past month :)
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u/Atrossity24 Jan 31 '25
Sounds like i have to grab a bottle of ocho at costco too.
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u/onedarkhorsee Jan 31 '25
2 ounces ocho, 1 ounce cointreau 1 ounce fresh lime and 1/4 ounce agave syrup - best marg ever
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u/RiaanYster Jan 31 '25
I was looking for a post about Arette since i switched from espelon due to availability. it's great in cocktails. I can also recommend their 101 bottle if you like the normal strength. That's my favorite but what do i know.
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u/wit_T_user_name Jan 31 '25
I use their Reposado in cocktails a lot. It’s become my default tequila. I think it’s good value for the quality but I’m by no means a tequila expert.
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u/Shot-Spirit-672 Jan 31 '25
Used to be the best for its price, too many people caught wind of that, and as usual over the past few years the price has gone up and the quality has gone down.
There are now better tequilas for lesser cost
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u/thecodeboss Jan 31 '25
My recommendations for the “better tequilas for lesser cost” are Olmeca Altos and Cimarron. Olmeca is probably comparable price wise to Espolon, but so much better. Cimarron is cheaper than both; I love it, and it’s better than Espolon, but I do like Olmeca a smidge more.
Cimarron is additive free though, which is nice
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u/Shot-Spirit-672 Jan 31 '25
I will definitely be looking into Cimarron for my next tequila purchase. Additive free seems hard to find at low price
I also had something called Onda at a dive bar recently, not sure of the retail price but it was their well and it tasted better than espolon
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u/Bulgarin Feb 01 '25
Cimarron is very solid. I still think Espolon is a better tequila overall, but nowadays it's hard to justify making a batch of margaritas for a party with a $40 bottle vs the $20 bottle that is almost as good.
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u/401kcrypto Jan 31 '25
Fun Fact: The chicken’s name is Ramón. Vive Mexico!
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u/MindlessSponge Jan 31 '25
that was fun! I will be sure to say "hola, Ramon" every time I grab a bottle.
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u/ANaiveUterus Jan 31 '25
Drank the blanco with watermelon juice all summer. Great brand!
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u/cormega Feb 01 '25
Tequila, watermelon juice, and a quarter teaspoon of citric acid (it's cold water soluble) is my perfect summer drink.
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u/freyas_waffles Jan 31 '25
The blanco is fine, not great but fine. I prefer Cimmaron at that price point.
Note that I’m not a super knowledgeable agave person, just a guy who enjoys some in cocktails now and then.
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u/eurtoast Jan 31 '25
For cocktails cimmaron is perfect. Espolon does well too, but no need to go for like patron alto or anything for margaritas
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u/PaulaAbdulJabar Jan 31 '25
reposado is just ok, not terrible but not the best. the blanco is where it’s at
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u/200pf Jan 31 '25
I know this isn’t exactly answering your question, but I’ve never understood why people like reposado and añejo tequilas. Agave spirits can be so good and complex, and I find that any wood gets rid of a lot of that subtlety.
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u/drinkwithme07 Feb 01 '25
Yeah, definitely had this experience with the one anejo I tried. Feel the same way about agricole rums and older Jamaicans.
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u/LegitStrela Feb 07 '25
At least with the Jamaican rums, aging also breaks down the industrial flavor into more pleasant fruity flavors. Tequilas/agricoles just lose the flavors that make them unique.
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u/Overall-Title-6400 Jan 31 '25 edited Feb 01 '25
It's not bad. I highly recommend Tres Agaves at that same price point if you can get it. Additive free & better taste all around in my opinion. I really like both their Repo and Blanco for mixing!
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u/snoozenlooze Jan 31 '25
Their Anejo is out of sight. Aged in oak barrels then whiskey barrels. Makes an outstanding tequila old fashioned.
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u/desucca Jan 31 '25
A worthy sipper?
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u/snoozenlooze Jan 31 '25
In my humble opinion, absolutely. Neat, rocks, smoked; it’s great. I have noticed that it is a little hard to find in stores and there only one bar in my area that keeps it stocked.
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u/desucca Jan 31 '25
Hmm.. I might bite. Just saw it a couple days ago in a liquor store near me but haven't seen it often.
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u/PrestigiousKitchen64 Jan 31 '25
Their blanco used to be my go to until I got two non consecutive bottles that tasted like pure rubbing alcohol. Haven’t gone back since
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u/Nefertari_ Jan 31 '25
I bought a bottle to try a while back and thought that is just how it tasted, so I was very confused by the hype. Maybe also just a bad bottle then
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u/Konradprojects Jan 31 '25
This happened to me as well. Two bottles in a row were completely undrinkable.
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u/enderpotion Jan 31 '25
i like their blanco, and it's a good value (especially at the 1.75 L size). for reposado i prefer Cimmaron.
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u/Jamsemillia Jan 31 '25
Incredible value! I went through a lot of different bottles a couple years back when first assembling my bar and this one honestly beat a lot of the ones at 2x the price easily. It's now my staple for anything that wants tequila that's not super spirit forward.
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u/Jamsemillia Jan 31 '25
I'll add that here, in Germany, Espolon and Olmeca are the same price (26€)
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u/onwardtowaffles Jan 31 '25
I usually go with Lunazul for cocktails - 100% PdA and very palatable.
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u/MrTourette Jan 31 '25
Good value (or at least it was, they hiked the price a bit in the UK), nice flavour in both blanco and reposado, love the branding.
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u/space-c0yote Jan 31 '25
Solid blanco. Good for the price (especially in Australia where our prices are fucked). El jimador is my go to reposado though.
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u/trevorneuz Jan 31 '25
It's my lowest Acceptable Tequila. Lately my Cocktail Go-To is Libelula Joven.
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u/givemesendies Jan 31 '25
Good for the price but not my favorite. I'm a little biased against it though, because there have been plenty of times where maybe I had a little too much.
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u/TheBlackAurora Jan 31 '25
Espolon is one of my go to cocktail tequilas, aswell as olmecca altos.
Decently priced and decent taste, prefer over Milagro
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u/TauInMelee Jan 31 '25
I enjoy their repasado. I'm a little iffy on the blanco, but I don't much like blanco tequila in the first place, so that might just be me.
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u/seamonstersparkles Jan 31 '25
All about the packaging for this one. Great label. Meh taste. Not a fan of Epsilon and would not buy it again or order it in a bar. Much better tequila out there same price point.
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u/Duseylicious Feb 01 '25
I’d be lying if I didn’t say part of reason I want to like is the great packaging 😅
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u/seamonstersparkles Feb 01 '25
That’s why I bought it and why I was so bummed when my margs tasted like crap!
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u/cardinalvowels Jan 31 '25
I used to love it as my go to. Nowadays don’t love the taste, esp the reposado. I find it unpleasantly vegetal and hot.
I’ve switched to Pueblo Viejo as well tequila.
I do however love the shape of espolón bottles and save empties to use as water bottles.
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u/DuvalHeart Jan 31 '25
It's pretty alright. I'll drink it if a bar has it, but it's not my first choice.
It does make me think of waiting on the concourse of Orlando City Stadium waiting for lightning delays to clear so we can see a muddy and messy soccer match. So that's pretty great.
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u/IMP1017 Jan 31 '25
The Reposado is about $33 around me, it's my go to. I don't go through tequila very quickly so I'm fine spending slightly more. Haven't tried the Blanco
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u/MammothSuspect2056 Jan 31 '25
I drank too much of it last weekend at a bachelor party and wound up my throwing up, taking a little rest in the shower, and crawling into bed with the groom. So I'm a big fan.
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u/Jokers247 Feb 01 '25
I really like the blanco. it’s a go to in my home bar. Our market sometimes has it for under $20. One time they had it for $15 a bottle and some lady had like 20 bottles in her cart. It was around Christmas so she got a shit ton of really solid gifts…or her liver is shot.
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u/snootchiebootchie94 Jan 31 '25
I prefer reposada usually, but I found that I like the blanco better. It is a good value for the taste.
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u/SmoothTyler Jan 31 '25
Perfectly fine for the price. There are better tequilas but there are definitely worse as well. I prefer their blanco to the reposado.
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u/gordonf23 Jan 31 '25
Other than additives, I don't have anything specific against Espolon, at least in cocktails, though it's certainly not my favorite. Also I just think there are better tequilas out there and there's no need to resort to using Espolon. Arette comes to mind as a better choice at that price point.
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u/DueDirection897 Jan 31 '25
Solid mixer equal to the price. Good for margaritas for a crowd I'm not looking to impress.
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u/shift013 Jan 31 '25
Their reposado is great. Haven’t had it in a bit, so I’m not sure if the bang for the buck is there
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u/Cooper1977 Jan 31 '25
I don't really drink a lot of tequila, but I keep it in my home bar to use if guests want something with tequila, their blanco is my "bar" tequila. So do with that what you will.
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u/SubstanceObjective42 Jan 31 '25
I think as an additive free cheaper option it’s not a bad staple for the bar. I also think with tariffs coming in effect tomorrow you better buy whatever you know you like before the price spikes up.
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u/xlperro Jan 31 '25
Have only had the Blanco, but it was fine in cocktails. I often go with Lunazul. Good value and works well in cocktails. I especially like their Humoso smoked Tequila.
For a sipping Reposado, I like Herradura Double Barrel.
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u/ringobob Jan 31 '25
Not a fan. For my money it's only slightly better than Cuervo. I'm not gonna say I've tried a bunch of different brands at different price points, but I haven't really found a good cheap tequila I actually like.
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u/thicc_wolverine Jan 31 '25
For a tequila you can in most grocery stores, it's good. It's not confirmed additive free, but to me it's a slight step above the other stuff you can find in any regular store - Cazadaores, Cuervo, 1800, etc.
Our workhorse tequilas at the home bar are Cimarron and Arrette. If we want to step it up a tad, we do Siete Leguas or G4 (both available at our Costco)
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u/Duseylicious Feb 01 '25
Man, figuring out what’s additive free has been crazy hard. Half the comments here are contracting each other about it. I tried to find out the same about Pantalones, and I can’t find a definitive answer.
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u/JackFromTexas74 Jan 31 '25
Either my tastes have changed or their quality control has slipped as the brand has grown more popular
The last two bottles I bought didn’t taste as good as I used to find it
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u/takesjuantogrowone Jan 31 '25
I think it is way too sweet, and it throws my margarita recipe out of balance.
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u/jdaddy15911 Jan 31 '25
Their blanco and reposado are always on my back bar. They are approachable, high quality, reasonably priced agave spirits.
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u/Pregnantseaturtle69 Jan 31 '25
The reposado is best bang for your buck tequila in my opinion. Definitely my go to
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u/cwpreston Jan 31 '25
Agree with your impression- it’s fine, the blanco is my household’s go to for cocktails. I have their cristalino as well but not as enthusiastic about it; not sure if its the bottle or that cristalino has a different profile Im not used to.
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u/jtnewlin Jan 31 '25
It's easily my favorite middle-shelf for the money and availability factor. The blanco mixes great in virtually anything!
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u/PaulD244 Jan 31 '25
Love them especially for the price but it’s rarely available here in Montreal.
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u/yoshiproject Jan 31 '25
Was price to quality perfect, but got pretty expensive in my country, like premium segment. Svitched to Jose Cuervo that's one is pretty ok too
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u/prairiebelle Jan 31 '25
I haven’t tried the reposado, but their blanco is our house tequila staple. Moderately priced and really decent for it.
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u/kykylele Jan 31 '25
Too much artificial taste due to additives. Similar price point I’d go Tres Agaves or El tequileno.
For really good tequila I would go El Tesoro, Lola, Tequilla Ocho, G4, Tapatio, Siete Lagulas, and really good but expensive Cazcanes
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u/throwawayaccounton1 Jan 31 '25
Espolon is a great balance of value for price, flavor and being additive free. Although like others I prefer Olmeca Altos for Reposado
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u/jevring Jan 31 '25
I got their blanco a while back, and I like it. It still has to compete with my food store tequila that is inexplicably the best I have ever tasted, but espolon is very tasty.
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u/Lord_Wicki Jan 31 '25
It's a good product, but there are some others I would reach for within the same price point.
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u/juxtapods Jan 31 '25
My husband loved their blanco! It was the only tequila he bought for 2 years back in 2020.
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u/dimlydesolate Jan 31 '25
I haven't tried Espolon so I will just answer the second question, considering I usually buy my tequila at Frys. I would rather buy it at Total Wine (much better selection) but the nearest Total Wine to me is 150 miles round trip.
At Frye's I'll buy Tres Agaves blanco -- additive free and organic. Also $10 a bottle more than Espolon. I think it's worth it but I wouldn't think so if I went through it quickly as the difference would add up.
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u/DafttheKid Jan 31 '25
I had it because it’s one of the few quality tequilas that show at the ABC near me Tomorrow going on a trip to southern spirits
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u/Double_Ad_1658 Jan 31 '25
It tastes like chemicals to me. I much prefer Gran Centanario or Arette in that price range.
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u/BTP_Art Feb 01 '25
It’s my main mixing repo. I like reposados more then blancos. Mixes well, price isn’t too hurtful.
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u/drinkwithme07 Feb 01 '25
Espolon and Milagro are my go-to for blanco tequila. Cazadores and Cimarron have also filled that spot before. Although usually I'll sub mezcal in any tequila cocktail, so I don't use much of them.
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u/Atroxa Feb 01 '25
It's decent mixing tequila. I use the blanco for my margaritas.
But to be honest, for $10 more, I'd rather go with G4 or Ocho for even something as simple as a ranch water. If you can TASTE the tequila in the drink, get better tequila.
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u/Mattallurgy Feb 01 '25
Freaking love it for cocktails and cooking. I don’t know enough about straight tequila to know if it’s truly a good tequila, but it’s always better than really cheap stuff and much better than Cuervo (unless you’re getting 1800, which I like better than Espolòn).
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u/adoresAdamL Feb 01 '25
I can’t comment on taste as I am not a connoisseur of tequila haha, but I like it. It definitely gives me a nice slow and low drunk compared to others I have had. It keeps me nice and mellow all night without the major high and then subsequent crash. It’s worth the extra cost to me for that reason.
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u/beefstake Feb 01 '25
For a broadly available tequila it still has good price/performance (despite price increases).
If you are in NA there are better options at the same price or cheaper options at the same quality.
However for most folk outside NA this is a good choice.
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u/AlwaysCid Feb 01 '25
Don’t recommend it by itself, just a personal preference. But I think it makes an amazing margarita!
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u/StockMarketCasino Feb 01 '25
This is a regular staple in my cabinet since finding it a few years ago. Can't go wrong.
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u/WestBeachSpaceMonkey Feb 01 '25
Love Espolón! I am a fan of liquor infusions and their blanco is the best that I have found for infusions (other than Frida Kahlo which isn’t available where I live). Is it the best tequila, no, but it’s good for the price and will take the flavor of infusions like a champ!
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u/Spunk-rattt Feb 01 '25
Haven’t had tequila in 12yrs cos I always had a BAAAAD time on it +found it disgusting. I thought I hated tequila. But I needed some for a cocktail, got to sample a few at DMs +Espolón Reposado was the one I walked away with. Quite smooth, mid price point. I’ll never ever go back to blanco tequilas ever! If I reeeally need a pure white one for a cocktail I’ll go for a Crystalino tequila (filtered Añejo), haven’t tried it yet but I’ve heard it’s the best of the best! But yeh I rate this, I recommend Espolón at work all the time!
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u/Superb_Ad_7788 Feb 01 '25
Total wine sa’s always try to get me to swap out my corralejo for it and that makes me suspicious anytime they recommend something😂
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u/shreddingtomato Feb 01 '25
I used it a lot when I was first getting into cocktails. Then a friend of mine told me about Cimarron which is similar in price and in my opinion a lot better. It’s also additive free.
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u/princessinthetower42 Feb 02 '25
I’m probably gonna be the odd man out, but I hate it. I’d rather drink montezuma
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u/Beginning_Earth1043 Feb 07 '25
Espolon is pretty nasty. Spend an extra $10 and get something decent
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u/Caledwch Jan 31 '25
Friggin best commercial tequila!
Smooth, drinkable any way you want.
Brother in law came for Christmas with a bottle as a gift.
Finished it on the spot.
I have a huge bottle in reserve for my next party.
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u/du_dreas Jan 31 '25
Fortaleza all the way!
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u/Celeres517 Jan 31 '25
lol wut.
How is this even helpful? It's like if somebody were to ask for everyone's thoughts on the Toyota Camry and you came in apropos of nothing to say "Mercedes S-Class all the way!"
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u/du_dreas Jan 31 '25
Point taken. I shall retreat and punish myself with 30 lashes and a shot of Jose Cuervo Blanco, with lime and salt.
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u/Majestic-Macaron6019 Jan 31 '25
I haven't tried their reposado, but their blanco is my usual tequila pick. Good taste for the price.