Sommelier Tries 10 Tequilas From $20-$175 | Bon Appétit

There are plenty of tequilas on the market at different price points with different attributes-but what are you really getting for your money? Sommelier André Houston Mack returns to Bon Appétit to give his impressions on 10 tequilas, ranging in price from only $20 all the way up to $175 a bottle.
Director: Dan Siegel
Director of Photography: Kevin Dynia
Editor: Robby Massey
Director of Culinary Production: Kelly Janke
Coordinating Producer: Tommy Werner
Line Producer: Jen McGinity
Associate Producer: Oadhan Lynch
Production Manager: Janine Dispensa
Production Coordinator: Elizabeth Hymes
Talent Booker: Cynthia Simpson
Camera Operator: WIll Boone
Assistant Camera: Lucas Young
Sound Mixer: Rachel Suffian
Production Assistant: Shania Collier, Alex Mitchell
Staff Editorial Consultant: Ryan Harrington
Researcher: Vivian Jao
Post Production Supervisor: Andrea Farr
Post Production Coordinator: Scout Alter
Supervising Editor: Eduardo Araújo
Assistant Editor: Andy Morell
Graphics Supervisor: Ross Rackin
VFX: Léa Kichler
Filmed on Location at 1 World Trade Center
0:00 da-da-da-da da da da…Tequilas
0:56 Espolòn Blanco ($30)
3:17 Don Julio Blanco ($56)
4:50 Sauza Hacienda Silver ($20)
6:31 Herradura Reposado ($48)
8:03 Libélula Joven ($29)
9:24 1800 Añejo ($37)
10:50 Patrón Extra Añejo ($96)
12:13 Komos Añejo Cristalino ($120)
13:50 Clase Azul Reposado ($165)
15:33 Don Julio 1942 Añejo ($175)
17:38 Final Takeaways
18:01 André Demonstrates the Effects of Tequila
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[@grinchoi1]

i would love to see him do a blind test of these without knowing the cost or brand

[@russellzauner]

I'd love to see him do mezcals only episode.

[@Nardo_stpierre]

Me too

[@mehgusta]

YESS! @@russellzauner

[@cj7688]

nah. He cares about the craft. He is not being bias. Plus, those tequilas do all taste very different if you are familiar with many tequila. FYI Don Julio Blanco is the ultra premium for most new tequila drinkers. Dont touch the expensive stuff until you learn to appreciate Anejo.

[@tommyoles9561]

Ultra premium???? This is informative but theres not much craft in this video . Appreciate the Anejo? Anejo is for newbies and whiskey drinkers who are trying to crossover in to agave spirits. Blanco is the expression catadors and True tequila drinkers prefer. The essence of agave. @@cj7688

[@andydrew3320]

Awesome how he doesn’t come off as pretentious at all. Seems super genuine and friendly but still explains the tastes well

[@OscarHowe-xd1cu]

Not even a little bit?

[@dtkikuchi9246]

do you notice how he started to care less and less and swear more as he drank more tequila? classic

[@coreejacobs4780]

Exactly, I’m more of a Don Julio person as far as tequila is concerned but I like that he didn’t try to down the Clase Azul too much, it was classy

[@jarlyespinal]

Its because he explains it to us and doesn't tell us, his definitions of flavors are a journey. Fire!

[@BIGMIKEREC]

I don't even like tequila. Immediate watch for Andre. Bring him on as often as possible; dude is so knowledgeable, yet so humble. I support him every time I see him because he never disappoints.

[@user-te3qq1rb7u]

He seems extremely knowledgeable about wine, other spirits….not so much.

[@egorsilovs156]

@@user-te3qq1rb7uobviously he isn’t a jack of all trades, and it makes sense that he would have a preference. But for me as someone who knows nothing about spirits, he explained the process of tequila production and the different types very well.

[@KingEdwardMMVIII]

Love watching Andre

[@disposable1911]

Seems like a nice guy but maybe next time they could use some quality tequilas without additives and he could know the differences in the distilleries and techniques.

[@Aaron-jp5nz]

sucks he knows very little about tequla

[@chadwickelliott1461]

For everyone that is looking for the tasting glass he is using, it is the Riedel Vinum Tasting Glass Hollow Stem.

[@lonewolftek]

This comment needs to be higher

[@frwystr]

thanks

[@jeffreyknapp4696]

Thanx, been looking for that glass!

[@MurphMers]

Thank you! That was exactly what I was doing!

[@anisabelsantamaria8345]

Yes, im here for the glasses lol thanks for sharing. Now I’ll have other tequila glasses

[@word42069]

That car analogy was spot on. I feel like after Andre has a bit of alcohol in him he not only loosens up but also tends to have some thoughtful/aphoristic words.

[@deathmetaldave666]

Your Profile pic is literally a photoshopped pic of my best friends dad thats been around the net for ages lol I love finding these in the wild haha!

[@Cec1nator]

​@@deathmetaldave666 lmao i wonder what he thinks of it years later

[@jackiii7552]

We need a whiskey version of this for sure, with some really expensive bottles

[@DJMarcO138]

As long as it's not all a bunch of Pappy jerking...because Weller and Buffalo Trace products are overhyped AF.

[@MeegMaster]

Yes, yes, and more yes. I woke up today not knowing that I needed this in my life, and now I will be yearning for it.

[@jackiii7552]

@@MeegMaster exactly, I’d be wanting more than 10 too haha, I want him doing expensive macallans and highland parks

[@llorulez]

A mezcal version would be awesome

[@kindbud]

dude.. theres an endless amounts of people reviewing burboun, whiskey, and scotch on youtube. theres far less tequila and mezcal professional/sommelier also nice $B profile pic

[@Schaaschaa]

As he's responsible for all beverages, I'd really love to see him taste different waters some day 😂

[@scottpitner4298]

lol different city waters! …. I’m getting, you know… a little copper… some chalkiness. Maybe some toasted quartz

[@connorwallace5274]

​@scottpitner4298 "let me guess, flint michigan?"

[@DancerForLife0901]

lol the fact that you don’t know this is actually a thing in Europe 😂

[@mrcheese8545]

“Mmmm, I’m getting notes of lead with strong notes of mercury”

[@cj7688]

have you tried this? Aged the teflon pot 13 years before boiling this water in it. Try it warm or cold, same great taste.

[@nicknitrosj]

as someone who’s been in the spirit industry for 17 years… I can honestly say in my opinion that this guy absolutely nailed it…

[@Drivingnord]

Andre! You deserve your own channel! You're the only reason I'm still subbed to BA

[@terenceyuen4424]

I thought this was Laurence Fishburne!?

[@llamapie24]

Their behind the scenes videos with head chefs have genuinely been fantastic as of late.

[@danielbonaparte8420]

Same 🤣

[@cedricclay3873]

I agree! At least bi-weekly 😅

[@anthonygarcia3714]

“I would never yuck anybody’s yum.” Best line I’ve heard in a while

[@angstfree2008]

Yes. But also ok to have a strong opinion. Saves us time.

[@MrHavy09]

Should do a Tequila part 2 with additive free brands like Fortaleza, Tequila Ocho, and El Tesoro

[@jonp.291]

Nooo, don't tell them about Fortaleza!

[@boozec]

@@jonp.291why not?

[@DutchVannDerLinde]

@@boozecbecause he’s a gatekeeper and wants to be that “I’ve been known” mfers it’s cringe

[@philipmoser3784]

G4, Cazcanes, Tapatio, Cascahuin, Lagrimas, Siete Leguas, Mijenta.... So many better brands than Don Julio

[@philipmoser3784]

@@jonp.291 Fortaleza the best tequila distillery in the world

[@geedigital]

I see Andre Hueston Mack and I click. Dude is a master at simplifying details in such a unique way without all the BS and fluff. 🤝

[@terrellbtn]

Over my 7 years of bartending, I realized that the tequilas that aren’t heavily publicized, taste better than the ones that are. It’s weird

[@harrypalmer7365]

It’s almost as if the companies making the worse tasting tequila prioritise marketing over product development.

[@skellington1990]

That's just every product... ever. In general, people who are wiling to drop more money on a single item already know what they are looking for. I don't walk into a liquor store for a bottle of Macallan and see a poster for Jack Daniels and go "oh wow, that'll save me a lot of money. I'm getting that instead."

[@treydigs02]

@@skellington1990 Is it though? Explain Apple, for example.

[@jabbahut755]

​@@treydigs02That's a completely different marketing strategy. You see the flashy and pretty and once you've joined the ecosystem, people find it hard to go back to anything else

[@bigsassyster]

Budweiser

[@powerwithin666]

We need a sipping Rum version of this :)

[@ThomasDuffyRE]

André needs his own show, I like how he explains things and is real with his assessment of the different tastes.

[@zyrescott7157]

This video has answered a question I’ve had for 7 years now! When I first turned 21 i went to a fancy restaurant and tried this tequila i havnt been able to find since. And like you described it. It was like driving a Ferrari before I even had been in a Honda. I’ve been searching for that taste in tequila ever since. And today you have finally found it for me!! It was don julio 1942!

[@cmh9932]

If you like 1942 give Avion Reserva 44 a whirl😌You can thank me later 😏

[@cccboarding]

Don 1942 too high

[@brandonswinson3033]

Any video with Andre = instant like

[@user-xe8xo6yq3v]

You should do a additive free tequila show. Not all tequila are created equal.

[@SmokeyChipOatley]

Or one including mezcal or a mezcal-only episode I think would be interesting also

[@viseju]

This. Was looking for this comment. Mainly overpriced additive tequilas in this unfortunately (although they’re presented exceptionally well here)

[@drummajorgirl]

Absolutely! Kinda let down that it wasn’t mentioned at all

[@JJO5656]

Andre Mack treats us with eloquent descriptions injected with precise information for each bottle. More please.

[@printnewb]

This is the best comparison of Tequillas that I've seen. You proved that you are a true expert by kindly stating that Casa Azul is overrated.

[@Taradawes80]

Do I like Tequila - nope, do I have any desire to purchase these - nope - Do I watch everything you post with Andre Houston Mack in it - of course I do!

[@robo_bravado]

"I would never yuck anyone's yum" but here's a nice way of saying this one with expensive packaging sucks 😉

[@jaypaladin-havesmartswilll5508]

I love Andre's commentary and how he says them. Great tip on how to train your palate to discern quality and variety of tequila, is to start with buying the less expensive tequila and then slowly moving up in price and selection. This advice is not only great for tequila but for wine and spirits overall.

[@jaad9848]

this presumes quality corresponds to price. that isn’t true when marketing and making expensive containers factors in

[@jaypaladin-havesmartswilll5508]

Andre mention this@@jaad9848

[@mugensekai]

@@jaad9848Fair point! Like most things in life... there's a point of diminishing returns somewhere albeit it's mostly subjective for most people; with the minority either being professionals or enthusiasts; for the remainder probably placebo.

[@steveb796]

I got turned on to Clas Azulejo in Mexico. One shot sipped over 1/2 hour gave me the best buzz of my life. Uplifting and a little trippy

[@terriw27us]

Every one of your videos is a Master Class, I am learning so much. You make learning about wine and spirits fun.

[@rbiebrich]

Wonderful presentation. More than the basics, yet down to earth & not talking down to people. Thx Andre

[@porgiemiller]

My favorite part of the whole video was watching him get more relaxed after each tequila 😅

[@eatachodeutube]

I bartended at a nice Mexican restaurant years ago and the best part was having a shifty of really nice tequila or mescal after every dinner shift. Corralejo was my favorite but whenever the chef was in a great mood he would bring out the Don Julio 1942, which served neat was immaculate.

[@bobdean150]

As my tequila experience has matured over the years i tend to prefer the less sweet tequilas and additive free ones. The sweet ones are the gateway i have found, and i have a bottle in my house to give to non tequila drinkers to start a discussion. El Tesoro is my current splurge and its half the price of clase or 1942. Espolon reposado hits that sweet spot of price to quality.

[@bradyblankenship9182]

El Tesoro is probably my current favorite blanco and you can’t beat it for 48 bucks it’s so affordable. I currently tesero and ocho repo, Don Fulano, fortaleza, wild common, and g4 medera blanco. and fortaleza and codigo still strength anjeo. I’m still on the hunt for more tequilas though.

[@gijoey5912]

@@bradyblankenship9182 there's a bottle of El Tesoro anejo aged in a Laphroig barrel at my local Binny's. I'm really tempted to pull the trigger on it, even though it's like $130.

[@JoseOrtizTpt]

@@bradyblankenship9182my favorite as well, and it just dropped down to $34 in my area. Even my Costco has it!

[@RP3FILMZ]

@@bradyblankenship9182 Those are all great choices, i would also recommend the Tres Agaves or Tapatio tequila which are also additive free and great to sip on

[@SmartDave60]

I think lots of wood hides what makes tequila special. Blanco fan here🙂

[@M2a3i]

The video I didn't know I needed - so informative- this was a great tequila overview

[@EricaHansberry]

This was informative. Thanks Andre!

[@Tronman2020]

Love Andre Mack! Thank you for this video!!! Keep doing big things brother! ❤

[@frankb7449]

Clas Azul has additives which is why it has the sweet vanilla flavor. I stopped drinking it once I realized how fake it is. El Tesoro is my go to now.

[@steveno7058]

100% correct. El Tosoro, G4, Fortaleza and Tequila Ocho is way better than these overpriced additive bombs

[@Lakers7777]

Tell Me you can’t afford it with out telling me

[@notorioustori]

​@@Lakers7777 money can't buy taste, it seems, lol.

[@davidwolfe7763]

Would love to see him do Mezcal next!

[@CM-nq7gk]

First video...Absolutely loved it. Knowledge is power. Thanks

[@movedbythemoon]

Andre is such a pleasure to listen to and watch! Id love to hear his favorites based on type of tequila and based on price points as well.

[@nfernandez003]

Where can I find that glass he was using to taste??

[@chadwickelliott1461]

Riedel Vinum Tasting Glass Hollow Stem

[@delgadogarces]

You have to make another with better tequilas at different price points.

[@kiernansfault48]

I was so excited about this video until I saw the selection. Where's the Fortaleza? Ocho? El Tesoro? Mijenta? Siete Leguas?

[@delgadogarces]

Exactly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!@@kiernansfault48

[@beaumair2083]

@@kiernansfault48Ocho 🤤

[@rogeliosanchez1693]

I saw Komos, CASA Azule n 1942 and already was like nope.

[@Clyde0224]

​@@kiernansfault48I AGREE 100%

[@juliestockton8079]

I LOVED this video! I know the basics about tequila, but I learned some things here and I appreciate Andre's expertise!

[@samueljayhalpern4160]

Crazy informative and very well done, thank you for sharing

[@schwabit989]

I keep hearing that the best thing about Clase Azul is the bottle.

[@laurielovesthepups]

Where can i get one of those tasting glasses? sensational

[@chadwickelliott1461]

Riedel Vinum Tasting Glass Hollow Stem

[@JeffRElliott]

Super educational and entertaining, thanks!

[@norwegianblue2764]

This was great. Much appreciated.

[@elloco855]

The progression of attitudes is what has me 😂😂😂 loved this ! Thank you 🙏🏽

[@jazzygirl4140]

Yes ! Watching him become a bit buzzed was quite satisfying lol

[@kbkickinit9058]

I like this guy alot. You should definitely invite him back for more stuff!!

[@marvellafarias1575]

Excellent video! Thank you!

[@user-zj8wf7od9k]

I thoroughly enjoyed this segment, and will be following along for more.

[@rojinsamurai1]

Andre Mack is incredible and genuine at the same time

[@angeronalove5799]

I live in Jalisco and love tequila. There are so many amazing tequilas. Maybe these are representative of what he can get in the US. I offer a raicilla/tequila/mezcal tasting as an addition to my boat tours (Boca Boat Tours) and love sharing all this area offers.

[@theloveofmezcal3873]

We've heard that the US gets better selection of addictive free tequilas than Mexico but it depends on your area. CA, NY and Chicago are the top tier markets and get the better selections. Also if you're in a control state like Ohio your selection will definitely be limited.

[@Iloveidaho]

Do you know where I can get that glass? Does anyone/retailer have it in your area? Thank you very much!

[@notorioustori]

​@@theloveofmezcal3873 how about Texas? Or is that state a crapshoot due to proximity?

[@laziexleelo]

Andre is a fantastic personality-knowledgeable and interesting without pretension and the ability to explain things well. Please make more videos with him.

[@mariest.michael9532]

Outstanding videos on Bev You're an amazing teacher🙏well done

[@lbaltimore33]

Love tequila and love THIS GUY!!!!!!!! More of Him!!!!

[@HarmoniChris]

I got out my Espolón Blanco and white pepper the moment he mentioned it and was kinda floored by how similar their aromas were. Spot on André!

[@chadbrochill1764]

It’s very important to have conversations about flavor additives

[@LunarWind59]

Great presentation, as usual!

[@cosmicWil]

Can you do an episode comparing some of these to tequilas with no additives? It would be so interesting to see your opinion on that and what the differences are.

[@adavis1650]

The selection he went through was super disappointing. I usually love his videos. Need real, additive free tequila on here.

[@antoniomontes198]

Super disappointing meh at best tequila

[@dsanson101]

Agreed, this video was definitely for the layman, not someone whos already into tequila

[@_sonexay]

Thought the same thing when the lineup was shown

[@TheCs1968]

I’d take espolon over most in the lineup.

[@danaewright1069]

i really wanted to see him taste some fortaleza cuz i think it’s one of the best out there🖤🖤

[@garyb2392]

Great info! TY!

[@juddfox23]

Been waiting for this one my guy

[@devontawhite]

This was super informative. Always trying to understand the differences between spirits and price points.

[@mrs.currie7746]

This guy Andre is the best💯👍🏽🥂

[@norberto2442]

This was very informative!

[@keiththecarpenter5639]

Excellent comparison and an excellent video. Thank you for sharing this very informative and interesting video.😊

[@deeh9563]

I see Andre, I click.

[@Atm8y]

Bro gets sauced

[@LuisC.315]

Great video. Thanks for sharing

[@texputter7928]

Superb tutorial, thanks!

[@MeegMaster]

Love me some Andre Mack. What a great host with limitless knowledge of alcohol.

[@kalenamichele3114]

He’s back!!!!!!🎉

[@troodadiss8630]

thanx 4 this vid. i learned alot

[@mr.iforgot3062]

This guy is the greatest person on Earth. Nobody is better. So, just know that and accept it.

[@chris_noswe]

Pleeeaase do a Mezcal tasting ❤

[@victoriatrinh8380]

Great video! Could u please do a follow-up on Pink or Rose tequila?! 🩷🥀🍍

[@TheRealAlix]

More more more!! Please more of this!

[@airshieldcombo12345]

I like that you avoided celebrity tequilas in this one and focused on the spirit itself.

[@abaddon4468]

Ugh celebrities tequila is the worst. Might as well drink ego in a bottle

[@eggiesammich]

This was a joy to watch. We were recently in Mexico and, while wrangling our two toddlers in the airport, managed to pick up a very nice tequila for the price point (Xicote anejo). I went for the bottle I've never seen before that did not look mass produced. It turned out to be a great gamble this time!

[@berretta510]

Regardless of the price of your tequila make sure it’s additive free. Even some expensive brands use additives for their color and flavoring.

[@Magzbutler]

I loved this! Now that I know more...I'd definitely like to go shopping in a different way. I feel enriched. 💞💞

[@user-nv1uz8qv4z]

Great article. Thank you.

[@carlitos366]

Could u do a additive free tequila episode??? Also a cognac episode??? Thank you! Yall do a great job!!!

[@brucebates1302]

Great video. Very informative and fun to hear your thoughts on those tequilas, many of which I have tried. As you said so much of tequila likes and dislikes comes down to personal preference. For instance the other day someone was telling me how much they loved to drink their tequila chilled while I more prefer room temperature. Go figure. I like to try every tequila I can and I have my preferences but certainly have fun tasting anything new. And fortunately with tequila there is so much diversity in the different brands and the different styles, I have a lot more tasting ahead. Cheers.

[@SaxyBoy91]

I love how he's clearly getting lit throughout this taping. "If this is what you f*ck with, this is what you f*ck with." 😂

[@FazeL-2]

i found this video very educational as someone whos very much a tequila fan and have been trying new tequilas for a while now i think i can finally start pointing out the flavors im tasting and really describing what i like about certain tequila brands... im definitely excited to get my hands on a DonJulio 1942 after thihs video

[@phoenixr6811]

Yes the tequilas 😊👏🏾

[@acashk5288]

Ay Espolon is my go to for ranch water

[@Alex-zi1nb]

lmao calling out the brother in law hahaha!!! andre is such a boss

[@alastairhewitt380]

Precisamos uma versão de cachaça! We need a cachaça version :D, maybe rum as well

[@lyndonsullivan-brugger5771]

Where do you get that glass???

[@chadwickelliott1461]

Riedel Vinum Tasting Glass Hollow Stem

[@adrianpalomo8753]

Thank you for the Video

[@coltaine503]

Still driving my 2008 Hyndai stickshift. Maybe get to that Ferrari someday. Enjoyed the video, very instructive.

[@sparklypinkleopard26]

i immediately click when i see this guy! so fun to watch him

[@Li1t]

I'm a tequila buff, not tried the Joven or Añejo Cristalino. Gonna have to try them sometime 🙂

[@brianmartin1139]

This was fun, thank you. My wife does not like sweet drinks, and we both have really liked Clase Azul, maybe our batch was different. We have also really enjoyed Herradura Ultra Añejo Tequila, which another filtered tequila at a lower price point. It may be my favorite.

[@commishg]

This is the most honest and unpretentious explanation of the entire range of tequilas I have ever seen. Notice there were no celebrity tequilas in the lineup. That's because most of them are junk. Andre, thank you for a very informative video that is a benefit to beginners and aficionados alike. You need your own KZbin channel.

[@oboecoe]

I worked at a cocktail bar for a while and we had a guy come in and order 3 Don Julio 1942s and OJ. I had to pause each time and double check with him to be sure. His bill at the end of the night was like $60 for tequila and OJ...

[@mfguitar9532]

It’s not unusual to have sangrita (not to be confused with sangria) with tequila but most bars/restaurants don’t make their own sangrita. OJ would be much sweeter but it might have worked in a pinch.

[@mrrussian5899]

@@mfguitar9532 you don't do sangrita with 1942 period. And sangrita is absolutely not OJ it's less sweet and more spicy.

[@bryanwhite8109]

Komos really hits the spot- i got a chance to try it and it’s simply like unlike any other household name tequila🙏

[@dre7833]

We need more of Andre and thees types of videos

[@HausofPatronus]

Love this!!

I love your videos.