The tequila market in the US is exploding. In fact, tequila is on track to replace vodka as the best-selling liquor in America after knocking whiskey into third place last year. Mike’s has seven premium still strength tequilas in stock now, satisfying casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike, and boosting the popularity of the drink from south of the border even further.
Still strength tequila is shaking up the market, and for good reason. It is bottled straight from the still and is not diluted with water or any other additives, meaning that it is uncut, unfiltered, and unlike any other tequila made. It is tequila in its most potent form, ranging from 92 to 110 proof, and characterized as a plata, which is aged for an extremely short time, if at all, or a blanco, which is aged for less than two months.
This purest form of tequila is made by artisanal distillers and captures the unadulterated essence of the agave plant. These tequilas are characterized by a thicker mouthfeel, brighter flavors, and more intense aromas.
Cascahuin Plata 48
Cascahuin Plata 48
“This high proof plata has a great nose. The sweet cooked agave flavor is the 400-pound gorilla in the room, but he’s a decent chap who’s happy to share this amazing juice with you. The tequila is superb!” – Tequila Matchmaker
Cascahuin Plata 48 is crafted in the Los Valles region of Jalisco, Mexico, and was originally created in honor of Cascahuin’s father, Salvador Rosales Briseño. Using traditional methods including a stone oven, roller mill, and stainless steel pot with a copper coil for distillation, it is bottled without filtration or dilution. It delivers rustic and complex flavors unique to the area’s tequila production, offering volumes of flavor, particularly agave, yeast, and pepper, with a fatty, lasting mouthfeel from residual agave oils.
Volans Still Strength Blanco
Volans Blanco Still Strength
“The most authentic and traditional flavor. We wanted tequila like my grandfather used to drink.” – Christina Allen, co-owner and operator of Volans Tequila
Produced by fourth-generation master distiller Felipe Camarena at the El Pandillo Distillery in Jesus Maria, Jalisco, Volans Blanco Still Strength is made with highland agave grown at an altitude of 6,800 feet and a blend of 40% rainwater and 60% deep well water. Distilled twice in copper pots, it has a robust 106 proof and offers the cool, crisp taste of agave, herbs, and citrus, with a full mouthfeel and touches of fruit and spice.
Cazcanes No. 10 Still Strength Blanco
Cazcanes No. 10 Blanco Still Strength
“It’s delightful and an example of what a really nice, well-made tequila should taste like.” – Lui Fernandes, tequila blogger
Cazcanes, named for the last indigenous people of Mexico to be conquered by Spain, uses natural artesian water from the San Pedro de Los Landeros mountains and 100% Weber Blue agave harvested at peak sugar levels. The piñas – the heart of the agave plant – are cooked, put through a roller mill to fully concentrate the flavor, and distilled in alembic stills. Then, they are placed in hand-blown glass bottles. At 108 proof, the taste offers notes of citrus, floral, sweet agave, candy corn, black pepper, and anise.
Código 1530 Blanco Estate Harvest Still Strength
Código Estate Harvest Still Strength Blanco
“Fresh vegetal and umami flavors soar to new heights, offering a profile that places it a few notches above the lower-proof blanco expression.” – VinePair
Made with agave harvested at peak brightness from Código 1530’s own fields, Código Estate Harvest Still Strength Blanco is fermented in small batches in Napa Valley Cabernet wine barrels. At 90 proof, this tequila’s flavor is predominantly agave, with hints of citrus, lemon, lime, and grapefruit, and a finish with a hint of anise.
Atanasio Origenes High Proof Tequila
Atanasio Origenes High Proof Blanco
“If you like Mezcal, I think you’re going to love this tequila.” – Jay Baer, tequila blogger
The name Atanasio has Greek and Spanish roots and means “immortal,” honoring the brand’s creator, Tio Atanasio, who lived to be 103 years old. Atanasio Origenes High Proof Blanco, made in El Medineño, Jalisco, Mexico, is 92 proof with a silky texture on the palate of cooked agave and a remarkably long finish. The aroma includes bits of funk and herbs, while the palate features a touch of smoke and a bright, hot finish with lingering sweetness.
Arette Artesanal Fuerte 101 Proof Blanco Tequila
Arette Fuerte 101 High Proof Blanco
“Perfect for sipping or crafting strong, flavorful cocktails, this artisanal tequila delivers a smooth yet powerful taste with every pour.” – Tasters Club
Arette Fuerte 101 High Proof Blanco is produced by Eduardo and Jaime Orendain, grandsons of the El Llano distillery’s founder, Don Eduardo. They are the fifth generation of tequila makers in the town of Tequila in Jalisco, Mexico. Arette Fuerte 101 High Proof Blanco offers an intense flavor experience, with agave-forward notes and hints of citrus and pepper. It can be sipped neat or used in cocktails like a Paloma or Margarita.
Tapatio Blanco 110
Tapatio Blanco 101
“Tapatio Blanco’s flavors dance all over your mouth with earthiness, light smoke, and the natural sugars of the agave. You need to keep it in your mouth and enjoy the changing sensations as the temperature of the drink forms on your tongue.” – Street Gourmet LA
The La Alteña distillery was founded by Don Felipe Camarena Hernández in 1937 and began selling 100% blue agave tequila under the Tapatio brand in 1940. It is one of the few tequilas still made using the traditional tahona method, where a wheel made of volcanic rock is used to crush agave fibers and hearts to produce the juice for distillation. At 110 proof, Tapatio Blanco 101 is ideal for cocktails because its intense aromas and flavors remain intact even when combined with other ingredients.
Still Strength Fuels the Tequila Boom
Still strength tequilas are setting new standards for quality and flavor while giving connoisseurs an unfiltered taste of tradition. These seven high-proof tequilas are testaments to centuries-old craftsmanship and deliver a pure agave experience that will up any tequila lover’s game.
