The Best Still-Strength Tequilas, According to Experts

Tequila Ocho Plata Puntas

Helmed by third-generation master tequilero Carlos Camarena, Tequila Ocho is known for its unique approach of showcasing the terroir of agave in every bottling. The brand’s most unique offering, and arguably its most delicious, is the annual Puntas release. 

“Tequila Ocho Puntas varies in ABV between its yearly releases but always seems to be floating around the 50% mark,” says Reis. 

The 2024 release was distilled from mature agaves harvested from Rancho Mirandillas, a field just over an hour away from Tequila Ocho’s Arandas-based distillery. The tequila is a blend of high-proof cuts, known as the puntas, that are slightly proofed down to 54% ABV. 

The result is a delicious and agave-forward tequila with a unique character. “The higher ABV really pushes the bright citrus and deep dessert notes of the tequila to the forefront, making this a sought-after yearly release,” says Reis.

El Tequileño Still Strength

El Tequileño has produced traditional tequila since 1959, when Don Jorge Salles Cuervo established the distillery in Tequila, Jalisco. The Salles family continues the tradition with their new still-strength expression.

Bottled at 50% ABV, El Tequileño Still Strength provides an uninhibited look into the base distillate used for all tequilas produced at the distillery. This expression exhibits aromas and flavors of cooked agave, citrus peel, and pepper. These flavors are present in other tequila expressions produced by El Tequileño, but they’re dialed up here.

“I love this still strength from Tony Salles at El Tequileño,” says du Bois. “I’ve been lucky enough to stay many nights at the distillery, and since they cook agaves 24 hours a day, I keep my patio door open so I can enjoy the very special experience of falling asleep and waking up to the smell of cooked agaves. Every sip of his still strength floats me right on back to his incredible distillery.” 

Tapatio 110

Founded in 1937 by Don Felipe Camarena (grandfather to Ocho’s Carlos Camarena), Tapatio has a reputation as an old-school tequila for serious agave aficionados. It’s made at the famed La Alteña distillery, just outside of Arandas, Jalisco. 

Among still-strength tequila, Tapatio stands out for its value, accessibility, and classic flavor profile. 

“Tapatio 110 has been, and always will be, a staple for my back bar, as well as a staple in many bartenders’ wheelhouses,” says Reis. “Not only is it full of flavor and classic, but the price point makes it an incredible contender in the world of cocktail tequilas.”

Fortaleza Still Strength

Few distilleries in Mexico have such a devoted following as Fortaleza. The brand is known for tequilas produced in small batches with traditional tools like brick ovens, stone wheels, and wooden fermentation tanks. The result is about as quintessential as a tequila can be.

Fortaleza’s uncut, still-strength expression is the best example of the brand’s commitment to time-honored technique. 

“Fortaleza still-strength blanco comes in at 46%, but certainly drinks very approachable for a tequila with a higher ABV,” says Reis. “It really allows the cooked agave flavor to shine, and drinks incredibly bright next to its proofed-down 40% counterpart.” 

Fortaleza’s tequila sells out almost as fast as it’s produced. If you can find a still-strength bottle on store shelves, don’t hesitate to pick it up and discover what the hype is about.

Santo 110 Proof Blanco

How did a tequila brand owned by Guy Fieri and Sammy Hagar make this list? Most celebrity-endorsed tequilas have a reputation of questionable quality and provenance. Santo is a notable exception.

Hagar is a vocal proponent of additive-free, traditionally produced tequila. He’s partnered with Tequila Matchmaker to increase awareness about how additive-free bottlings offer a more authentic experience.

Santo’s still-strength tequila is produced by third-generation distiller Juan Eduardo Nuñez and tequilera Karina Rojo at El Viejito Distillery in Atotonilco el Alto, Jalisco. It offers aromas of roasted agave and citrus paired with bright, vegetal flavors reminiscent of green pepper and lemongrass. 

Cazcanes Blanco No. 10

A relative newcomer to the agave scene, Cazcanes has built a reputation for interesting and high-end tequilas. For this still-strength blanco, Cazcanes carefully selects the ripe agave and allows it to ferment with wild yeast, which provides a unique richness.

“Cazcanes Blanco No. 10 is a high-proof blanco that has become a staple for many tequila drinkers, coming in at 54% and boasting a bright peppery flavor profile that makes this an incredible sipper,” says Reis.

Don Fulano Fuerte

Don Fulano Fuerte was one of the first high-proof tequilas introduced to the United States, in 2002. It remains a popular choice.

Its founders, the Fonesca family, were agave farmers for generations before they began to distill tequila in the 1970s. Fully matured, quality agave is at the center of everything they do.

The finished 50% ABV tequila is an agave-forward pour that nearly any tequila lover would appreciate. 

“It displays wonderful notes of cooked agave, a nice bite of pepper and citrus, and a pleasant weight on the palate that lingers and keeps evolving,” says Muñoz.

Cascahuín Plata 48

There are few figures in tequila as respected as Cascahuín’s Salvador “Chava” Rosales. His family has been distilling since 1904, and under his supervision, Cascahuín continues to produce high-quality tequila the old-fashioned way. 

Cascahuín’s array of tequilas are worth trying, but connoisseurs prize this 48% ABV expression for its balance and complexity. 

“On the nose, the Plata 48 exhibits minerality, citrus, earthiness, and roasted agave. My favorite aspect of this expression is how dry it is,” says Muñoz. “The minerality and herbaceous [notes] pull the moisture from your mouth, making you want to drink more. The finish lingers long after your [first] sip. I keep tasting residual slate and raw agave.”

Lalo High Proof

When founders Eduardo “Lalo” González and David “R” Carballido started Lalo Tequila, they committed to produce the purest possible tequila. That meant additive-free bottlings that use only agave, water, and yeast. It also meant to forgo any barrel aging, to keep a sole focus on blanco tequila.

In 2024, the brand introduced a limited high-proof expression at 54% ABV. Much like its 40% ABV counterpart, it expresses a crisp aroma of roasted agave, lime zest, and a hint of cilantro. The palate is very rich, with a bold roasted flavor that presents itself almost like dark chocolate. The deep-roasted flavor is accented with pops of black pepper and clove that carry on through the lengthy and satisfying finish. Enthusiasts will find a lot to enjoy in this tequila.