Smoky Tequilas for Peat Loving Whiskey Drinkers to Try
Tequila for whiskey lovers
At first taste, whiskey and tequila seem to be in two different worlds. One conjures up cold nights by a fire, and the other sunny beach cantinas. However, given the chance, whiskey lovers may find that they have more in common with tequila drinkers these days than they would expect, especially those who love a hint of smoke.
Fans of peat-forward whiskey who are hesitant to venture into the world of agave may be surprised at how smoky and earthy tequilas can be, holding a similar complexity and depth. Fine ultra-premium tequilas released today take a cue from the whiskey world. Between deep, rich soil and aging in whiskey barrels, there’s more to tequila than just the worm these days.
We’ve combed through the tequila landscape and have a few gateway tequilas and one mezcal, for whiskey lovers that are sure to open your eyes and palates. These five bottles capture a similar campfire complexity—just with a distinctly Mexican soul.
El Tesoro Reposado photo credit Beam Suntory
Perhaps the best way for whiskey lovers to enjoy tequila is to explore bottles that are made with bourbon barrels in the distilling process. The El Tesoro Reposado tequila hits all the right notes as it is aged in American oak ex-bourbon barrels for nine to eleven months. Those whiskey-tinted barrels impart a rich, sweet, and smoky flavor to the tequila. There are even notes of oak and vanilla in this bottle—flavors whiskey lovers are sure to recognize and resonate with. El Tesoro employs a field-to-glass model for its tequila, utilizing blue weber agave and traditional methods. The distillery in the Jalisco Highlands produces a rich, full-bodied, smoky Reposado.
Type: Reposado
ABV: 40%
SRP: $65.00
Tears of Llorona Extra Añejo Tequila photo credit Andrew Cebulka
A complex, deep, rich, and smoky tequila, this unique bottle is a rare blend of Extra Añejo tequila aged for five years in a combination of scotch, sherry, and brandy barrels. The result is a spirit that has hints of tequila, whiskey, and cognac. The delicate smoky notes emanate from the scotch barrels used and provide a taste that most whiskey lovers will recognize, including vanilla, caramel, and smoky notes. Grown in the Mexican highlands of Jalisco, Tears of Llorona is crafted using 100 percent pure Weber Agave Azul. Ideal for colder months, the small batch release may have more in common with whiskey than many other tequilas. Get this one soon, as it is a rare small-batch release by Master Distiller Germán González Gorrochotegui.
Type: Extra Añejo
ABV: 43%
SRP: $279
Volcan de mi Tierra X.A
If you are a fan of blended scotches, then the Volcan de Mi Tierra X.A. may resonate with you. This unique bottle blends Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo tequilas aged in Grace Casks, which are custom American oak barrels. The smooth spirit has flavor notes of toasted oak, vanilla, spice, and hints of dried fruit. Sound familiar? All these flavors are present in smoke-filled whiskeys. The smokiness is more subtle here and offers an earthy overtone that is also present in some scotches. This small batch release uses 100 percent Blue Agave and no additives. The unique aging process of three blends results in a smooth tequila with the right hints of smoke.
Type: Reposado
ABV: 40%
SRP: $159
Pasote Still Strength
Still strength means that the tequila is taken directly from the still to the bottle without adding anything to dilute it, such as water. Most of the time, this also results in a high-proof bottle, ranging anywhere from 90 to over 100 proof. But more importantly, by not adding water to reduce it to its normal 40 percent ABV or 80 proof, these bottles retain all of the flavor. Pasote Still Strength Blanco is full of rich Jalisco Highlands agave flavor. At 110 proof, it has a burnt‑sugar flavor with green pepper and spice. The finish is subtle, smoky, full of roasted agave, and a bit of heat.
Type: Blanco
ABV: 55%
SRP: $59
Casamigos Mezcal
All tequila is mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila. So even though this isn't technically tequila, this mezcal seems worth including because it is packed full of smoky, earthy, and peppery notes, yet it’s not overpowering. The smoke is largely part of the artisanal practice of cooking piñas in the ground surrounded by volcanic rocks. The slow-cooking process, along with 100 percent Espadin agave from Oaxaca, Mexico, imparts a robust smoky flavor to the bottle. Once cooked, the piñas cool for a day and are then crushed on a tahona wheel. The crystal clear liquid is twice distilled and fermented for around a week before it goes into the copper pot stills. There are more peppery and floral notes in this bottle, but peat fans are sure to love the smoke.
Type: Mezcal
ABV: 40%
SRP: $68