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Articles by Brad Niccum
Chamucos Extra Añejo
Chamucos is one of those tequila brands that deserves more attention. Founded by Mexican filmmaker Antonio Urrutia and glass artist César Hernández, Chamucos launched in 1994 after the pair partnered with U.S. importer Mark Howard, who today owns and operates the brand. After producing tequila at several different distilleries over the years, Chamucos is now part owner of the distillery operating under NOM 1586.
Mijenta Añejo
Mijenta Añejo Gran Reserva is a beautifully constructed tequila from NOM 1499 that showcases just how complex barrel aging can be without sacrificing the character of the agave. Master distiller Ana María Romero Mena has earned tremendous respect for her ability to build flavor through thoughtful maturation and blending, and this añejo may be one of the best examples of her talent.
Prolijo Blanco
Some tequilas are made for taking shots. Others are crafted to tell a story, and Prolijo Blanco is definitely the latter. Bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof), this blanco is built around traditional production, terroir, and letting the agave speak for itself. The name Prolijo means “to pay attention to detail,” which fits what they’re doing here.
Carreta de Oro Blanco
Carreta de Oro is a Mexican-owned tequila brand with roots that go directly back to the people growing the agave. Founded in 2004 by a group of 40 agave farmers, the brand sources its agave from more than 80 local farms that, according to Carreta de Oro, grow without the use of chemical fertilizers. After disappearing from the market for a period, the brand was revived under new ownership, given a redesigned bottle, and is beginning to make an impression within the tequila-drinking community.
Siempre Añejo Tequila Review
Siempre Añejo has been one of my go-to tequilas for a long time, and this newer version from NOM 1414 is a big improvement over the previous release made at NOM 1137. I respect Siempre and the people behind it—Alex, Monica, and Rick. They care about transparency, tradition, and making great tequila, and with Sergio Cruz making the tequila at NOM 1414, this one really delivers.
Santo Fino | The Tequila Report
Sammy Hagar and Guy Fieri bring the name, but the glass brings the goods
Lunazul Blanco
Lunazul is gaining serious traction as a budget tequila. It made The Tequila Report’s list of 35 Fastest-Growing Tequila Brands with 65% sales growth, and took the #1 spot by dollar growth on the list of The 41 Tequila Brands Growing All 4 Ways in 2026. It’s safe to say that Lunazul is winning on price. But how is the quality? Lunazul Blanco is the tequila featured on Delta Air Lines flights in the U.S., and this review comes to you from 30,000 feet.
El Viejito Plata Fuerte
If you ask me what tequila is supposed to taste like, this is it. Made at Tequila El Viejito (NOM 1107) in Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco, this distillery has been around since 1937 and was the first distillery built in the town. Today, it’s run by Juan Eduardo Nuñez, the third-generation owner, director, and master tequilero, along with master distiller Karina Rojo, and I think they’ve done a fantastic job keeping the traditional style alive.
Providencia Reposado
When a couple of entrepreneurs with a big dream team up with MLB superstar Mookie Betts to create a tequila, it's easy to assume the marketing will be bigger than the liquid. Tequila Providencia Reposado proves that's not always the case. Produced at Fábrica de Tequila El Edén (NOM 1465) in Arandas, Jalisco, this reposado is rested for three months and strikes a nice balance between agave and barrel influence.
Santo Fino Blanco 110
Santo Fino is a celebrity tequila from Sammy Hagar and Guy Fieri, but don’t let that fool you. Sammy has been around tequila for a long time, and Guy knows flavor. The result is a tequila that backs up the hype with what’s actually in the glass. There’s a reason this took first place in an Agave Matchmaker blind tasting of some of the year’s best high-proof tequilas. Right from the start, the nose on this tequila grabs your attention. I get a lot of cooked agave, cinnamon, and a big burst of citrus.
Jose Cuervo Tradicional Blanco
Jose Cuervo Tradicional Blanco is one of those bottles that invites some context to go with the tasting. But let’s start with the sensory experience. On the nose of this blanco, I do get some cooked agave, a little citrus, and a touch of vegetal character. But there's also a funky note that I just can't quite put my finger on. It's not overly offensive, but it reminds me a bit of wet cardboard or damp earth.
Paladar Reposado Toasted Series
Paladar has built its reputation around exploring how different maturation techniques can influence tequila while remaining committed to additive-free production. Produced at Tequila Arette de Jalisco (NOM 1109) under the guidance of master distiller Eduardo Orendain Jr., the brand focuses on showcasing agave through creative barrel experimentation.
Marcado 28 Reposado
Marcado 28 Reposado is a well-balanced tequila that leans into tradition. Produced at the Auténtica distillery (NOM 1502), Marcado is aged for eight months in American oak—well beyond the minimum—yet still maintains a solid agave presence.
Don Rico Añejo Tequila Review
Don Rico Tequila Añejo is one of those tequilas that immediately lets you know it’s doing something different. Produced at Compañia Tequila Los Valores (NOM 1608) and made without additives, this double-cask aged añejo leans heavily into rich dessert-style flavors while still keeping enough agave character to remind you it’s tequila.
Providencia Blanco
Tequila Providencia Blanco comes out of NOM 1465, a three-generation, family-owned operation focused on single-estate, small-batch production. They are located in Arandas, in The Highlands of Jalisco. The Providencia brand itself was co-founded by MLB start Mookie Betts and entrepreneur Rodd Rafieha. On the nose, I’m getting a nice sweetness right away. It’s cooked agave up front, a little spice, some citrus, and just a touch of floral and little vegetal.
Paladar Blanco Still Strength
Paladar Still Strength Blanco is an additive-free tequila crafted from seven-year estate-grown Blue Weber agave. It is made at the legendary El Llano distillery (NOM 1109), in the heart of tequila town. This is also where Arette tequila is crafted. The agave is slow-cooked in traditional brick ovens, fermented in open-air pine boxes using wild and proprietary yeast, and double-distilled in copper and stainless steel pot stills. It is bottled at still strength (50% ABV / 100 proof).
El Tequileño Reposado Gran Reserva
El Tequileño Gran Reserva Reposado is one of those tequilas that quietly reminds you why traditional production still matters. Made from 100% estate-grown Blue Weber agave from Los Altos, this expression is aged a minimum of 8 months in American oak and then blended with 18-month añejo, creating a beautifully balanced profile that never loses sight of the agave. On the nose, you get cooked agave, honey, caramelized pear, vanilla, and a soft touch of baking spice.
El Tequileño | The Tequila Report
Underrated reposado adds añejo to its blend for extra richness
Clase Azul Reposado
Clase Azul Reposado is renowned for its iconic ceramic bottle and its investment in artisan communities. The brand supports local ceramic makers through its Tradición Mazahua workshop, helping preserve traditional craftsmanship and providing stable employment—a positive contribution that deserves recognition. On the nose, there is no presence of cooked agave. Instead, it is overwhelmingly sweet, dominated by caramel and vanilla.
El Tequileño Platino Blanco Tequila
This one really is Mexico’s best-kept secret. Produced right in the town of Tequila, El Tequileño is led by Master Distiller Tony Salles, who carries on a family legacy while making a wide range of expressions at approachable price points. Even their mixto blanco has a loyal following — it’s the tequila used in the famous Batanga cocktail over at La Capilla, the legendary cantina just around the corner from the distillery.
Insólito Blanco
Yes — this is a celebrity tequila, with the band Midland involved in bringing the brand to life. But what’s refreshing about Insólito is that it doesn’t drink like a typical celebrity tequila. It actually shows craft, character, and restraint, and it delivers far better than many high-profile brands on the shelf today. Right from the pour, the blanco comes across bright and lively — citrus oils, fresh agave, and a touch of green pepper.
Lost Lore Reposado Tequila
Lost Lore Reposado is made at the famous NOM 1414 in the Los Altos Highlands under Master Distiller Sergio Cruz, one of the most respected young distillers in tequila right now. Sergio is known for crafting tequila that is agave-first, honest, and beautifully balanced — and this bottle is a perfect example of why 1414 has so many devoted fans. This one opens with a rich, welcoming nose full of cooked agave, caramel, and warm cinnamon.
NueveUno Reposado Organic Tequila
NueveUno Reposado is produced at NOM 1426, Destilería Santa Lucia, under Maestra Tequilera Nohemí Partida — one of the most respected (and still under-recognized) distillers in the industry. Nohemí brings a patient, elegant, and agave-first approach to her tequilas, focusing on thoughtful production and clean expression rather than flash or hype. This repo instantly takes me back to the old blue-bottle Cabo Wabo days — but in the best way, with a more refined and modern touch.
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