Tequila is enjoying a well earned resurgence as a spirit of depth and quality.

The growth of diverse brands (and famous faces investing), strong Mexican legislation and regulation, and advances in agave plant production and spirit distillation best practice has shifted the market.

Gone are the days when you’d pound down a couple of tequila shot as part of your night out, or whip some into a dirty margarita mix you’d share with the crew before you hit the club.

Whether you’re a sipper, slurper, or high wire mixologist, knowing what makes a good tequila brand now comes in handy, whether at home, dining, or out on the town.

The following list of 10 best tequilas to try in 2020 showcases a range of options at all points of the pricing spectrum, whether you’re on a budget or looking for the finest in Mexican spirits.

What types of tequila can I buy?

There are three main types of tequila; blanco, reposado, and anejo, although you’ll find joven (in between blanco and reposado) cristalino (filtered clear) and extra anejo tequila (matured longer) online as well.

There’s also Mezcal, a liquor akin to tequila with many different type of agave, including the wild agave pinas that grows on the mountain side.

Blanco tequila is unaged tequila that tastes more of the agave plant and citrus than the aged tequila versions. While it’s generally the cheaper priced option, there are versatile versions available for those who like a clean winded agave flavor.

Reposado and anejo tequilas are recommended for the experienced tequila enthusiast that’s looking for a specific taste. They are darker in color, generally aged in an American oak barrel, and gain a heavy but smoother flavor from their lengthier distillation process.

The longer tequila is aged, the more flavor and aroma it takes on from the ex-bourbon barrels or French oak casks used to store it. Often, you find that whiskey drinkers trying tequila for something different will respond well to the richness and complexity of their taste.