Hacienda de Bañuelos Tequilana

Verdict

Bañuelos knows how to make a serious bottle – his masparillo and tepemete prove it. This entry azul expression is the compromise he cut for US shelves, and the 40.4% ABV does most of the compromising. Skip this in favor of either of the higher-proof Zacatecas bottles above; the price gap isn't enough to justify the character gap.

Tasting notes

Nose: Cooked agave, faint pepper, a little wood

Palate: 40.4% – the proof does the damage here. The Zacatecas terroir is still faintly present, but the bottle is gentler and less distinct than Bañuelos's higher-proof siblings

Finish: Short, warm, clean

The bottom line

Hold out. Spend the extra for masparillo or tepemete

Where to buy online

We found this bottle at 3 US retailers. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.

• K&L Wines
• Old Town Tequila – $35
• Craft Shack – $54