The $50 range is where tequila gets genuinely interesting. Crystal and Roger have reviewed the full spectrum — here are the best additive-free and near-additive-free tequilas under $50, ranked by value and quality. 🥇 #1 — LALO Tequila Blanco (~$45) | The Standard Bearer Additive-free certified, NOM 1466, Highland Jalisco, 100% Blue Weber agave. The bottle that launched The Liquor Connoisseur® podcast. Clean, honest agave character that teaches you what tequila is actually su

The two most recognizable premium tequila brands in the world. Both owned by massive spirits conglomerates. Both marketed as premium. Crystal and Roger compare them directly — and then tell you what to buy instead. The Bottles (Blanco comparison) Patrón Silver: Jalisco, 40% ABV, ~$45. Owned by Bacardi. Made using a tahona stone wheel — a traditional agave crushing method. NOM 1492. Don Julio Blanco: Jalisco, 40% ABV, ~$50. Owned by Diageo. Named after Don Julio González, who

Two of the most talked-about tequilas in the market. One built on genuine additive-free craft. One built on celebrity. Crystal and Roger have reviewed both extensively on The Liquor Connoisseur® — here's the direct comparison. The Bottles LALO Tequila Blanco: NOM 1466, Highlands Jalisco, 100% Blue Weber agave, additive-free certified, 40% ABV. ~$45. Founded by the great-grandson of Don Julio González. Casamigos Blanco: NOM 1416, Jalisco, founded by George Clooney and Rande Ge

Hispanic Heritage Month runs September 15 to October 15 — and the agave spirits category is one of the most profound expressions of Mexican cultural heritage in the global spirits market. Crystal and Roger have dedicated more content to tequila, mezcal, and Bacanora than almost any other independent spirits podcast. This is the full guide. Why Agave Spirits Are a Cultural Heritage Story, Not Just a Spirits Category The agave plant has been at the center of Indigenous Mexican

National Tequila Day is July 24th. Crystal and Roger have reviewed more tequila than almost any other independent spirits podcast — additive-free blancos, high-proof expressions, seasonal releases, and everything in between. Here's how to mark the day properly. The Bottle to Open on National Tequila Day LALO Tequila Blanco. The bottle that launched The Liquor Connoisseur®. Additive-free, NOM 1466, Highland Jalisco. This is the review that started everything. No better bottle

The most-asked tequila questions — answered by Crystal and Roger of The Liquor Connoisseur®. What is the difference between blanco, reposado, and añejo tequila? Blanco (silver) is unaged or aged less than 2 months — the purest expression of the agave. Reposado is aged 2-12 months in oak, adding a golden color and mellowing the agave's bite. Añejo is aged 1-3 years, becoming richer and more complex. Extra Añejo is aged over 3 years — closest to whiskey in character. What does

Crystal and Roger have reviewed tequila more than any other category — from entry-level blancos to ultra-premium aged expressions. This ranked list covers the bottles that actually delivered. Every expression reviewed on-camera with full tasting notes. Additive-free status noted where confirmed. 🥇 #1 — LALO Tequila Blanco | The Additive-Free Standard The bottle that launched the podcast. Additive-free, NOM 1466, Highlands Jalisco. Clean, honest agave flavor that proves you d

Yéyo's high proof expression takes everything that made the original interesting and dials up the intensity. Crystal and Roger taste through this elevated expression and find a tequila that rewards those willing to pay attention. Bottle Specs Spirit: Yéyo High Proof Tequila Category: 100% Blue Weber Agave Blanco Tequila ABV: ~55%+ (higher than standard expression) Price: ~$45–55 Region: Jalisco, Mexico — Highlands Additive status: Additive-free Why High Proof Tequila Is Worth

LALO's original expression built a following on clean, honest agave flavor at a price that didn't require an occasion. The High Proof expression asks: what if that same philosophy was dialed up to full intensity? Crystal and Roger revisit LALO to find out. Bottle Specs Spirit: LALO High Proof Tequila Category: 100% Blue Weber Agave Blanco Tequila NOM: 1466, Highlands, Jalisco ABV: Higher than standard LALO (~55% — varies by batch) Price: ~$55–65 Additive status: Additive-free

Yéyo's Reposado 2024 Tropical Edition is a limited seasonal release that raises a pointed question: when does tropical fruit influence in a rested tequila enhance the category, and when does it just make something that isn't really tequila anymore? Crystal and Roger dig in. Bottle Specs Spirit: Yéyo Reposado 2024 Tropical Edition Category: Reposado Tequila — seasonal/limited release NOM: Highlands Jalisco production Age: Minimum 2 months in oak (reposado) ABV: ~40% Price: ~$5

One year in and The Liquor Connoisseur goes back to the bottle that launched everything — LALO Tequila Blanco. Crystal and Roger revisit their very first review to see if their palates have grown, whether LALO holds up, and what a year of intentional drinking has taught them. Bottle Specs Spirit: LALO Tequila Blanco (original expression) NOM: 1466 — Highlands Jalisco Production: 100% Blue Weber Agave, additive-free ABV: 40% (80 proof) Price: ~$45 Anniversary milestone: 1 year

Cincoro was founded by five NBA team owners, including Michael Jordan. Crystal and Roger ask the uncomfortable question that any honest spirits review has to ask: when a celebrity-backed tequila comes with a premium price tag, does it earn that premium on the liquid, or is it just paying for the name? Bottle Specs Spirit: Cincoro Tequila (Blanco, Reposado, Añejo reviewed) Founders: Five NBA team owners including Michael Jordan Production: Highlands and Lowlands agave blend, N

What does a tequila serenaded by classical music actually taste like? Crystal and Roger dive into Yéyo's origin story — a brand that claims classical music is played during fermentation to influence the final spirit — and taste their way through the question of whether the music makes a difference. Bottle Specs Spirit: Yéyo Tequila Blanco NOM: Highlands Jalisco, Mexico Unique claim: Classical music played during fermentation Production: 100% Blue Weber Agave ABV: ~40% Price:

Volans 106 Proof Blanco is a tequila for people who take their agave seriously. Crystal and Roger bring this high-proof expression to the library and evaluate whether the extra proof serves the spirit or just makes it hot. Bottle Specs Spirit: Volans 106 Proof Blanco Tequila Category: 100% Blue Weber Agave Blanco Region: Jalisco, Mexico ABV: 53% (106 proof) Price: ~$50–65 Additive status: Additive-free NOM: Casa San Matías, Highlands-leaning expression Why 106 Proof for a Bla

Espolon's Flor de Oro Marigold Reposado is a Día de los Muertos seasonal release that brings the cultural significance of the holiday into the bottle through marigold flower infusion. Crystal and Roger evaluate whether this celebration-inspired tequila delivers on both the story and the liquid. Bottle Specs Spirit: Espolon Flor de Oro Marigold Reposado Tequila Brand: Espolon (Campari Group) Category: Reposado Tequila — seasonal/limited release Infusion: Marigold flower (cempa

🌵 SPIRIT 101: TEQUILA Tequila is one of the most misunderstood spirits in the world. Most people's first experience with it was a bad one — cheap, harsh, the kind that burns and leaves regret. But quality tequila is something else entirely. This guide breaks it all down. What Makes It Tequila? True tequila must be made from 100% Blue Weber Agave in one of five designated Mexican states — primarily Jalisco. The agave plant takes 7-10 years to mature before it can be harvested

LALO Tequila Original is where the Liquor Connoisseur's tequila journey began — and it's where many of their viewers' tequila journeys begin too. This is the review of the bottle that started it all. Bottle Specs Spirit: LALO Tequila Blanco (Original) NOM: 1466 — San Matías Highlands, Jalisco Production: 100% Blue Weber Agave, Highlands — additive-free ABV: 40% (80 proof) Price: ~$45 Additive-free: Verified — no glycerin, no caramel, no vanillin Named for: Founder's grandfath

Tequila Tromba brings something most tequila brands don't — a full lineup review with their creative director Katy O'Donnell in the conversation. Crystal and Roger taste through Blanco, Beast Mode Reposado, and the Cafeto coffee expression while getting the full brand story. Bottle Specs Brand: Tequila Tromba — Mexican-founded, Canada-grown brand Guest: Katy O'Donnell — Tromba creative/brand partner Expressions reviewed: Blanco, Beast Mode Reposado, Cafeto (coffee tequila) Pr

Anteel Tequila made its name with an unusual ingredient: activated charcoal in the Blanco. The Reposado takes a more traditional path. Crystal and Roger evaluate whether this Black-owned Mexican brand's standard expression earns attention beyond the novelty of its signature bottle. Bottle Specs Spirit: Anteel Tequila Reposado Distillery: NOM 1137, Jalisco, Mexico Brand: Anteel Tequila — Black-owned brand Category: 100% Blue Weber Agave Reposado Age: 2-month minimum oak rest A

Una Familia Tequila built its entire brand around a single commitment: additive-free at every level. Crystal and Roger taste the full flight — Blanco through Añejo — and evaluate whether the family behind the bottle delivers on that promise across the range. Bottle Specs Brand: Una Familia Tequila — family-owned, additive-free Expressions reviewed: Blanco, Reposado, Añejo (full flight) Production: 100% Blue Weber Agave, Jalisco Additive status: Certified additive-free across