Having that warm, somewhat spicy taste of tequila blasting in your throat and back of your tongue is a sensation like no other. Not all tequilas, on the other hand, are made equal.

Throughout this article, we'll take you through the top ten tequila brands for Kiwis. Tequila NZ goods are produced by these top-tier players, who are also top-tier players in their own right.

1. Corralejo

A traditional two-round distillation technique is used by most brands, but Corralejo takes things a step further with its trademark triple distillation process. A taste of its Reposado tequila results in a velvety, mellow finish that is flavoured with smokey vanilla notes. You can drink it straight or combine it into a cocktail — either way, it's a gloriously drunken experience.

2. LALO

Despite its small size, LALO is recognised as one of the top tequila brands in the world, having a significant presence in New Zealand. Eduardo "Lalo" González, Don Julio González's grandson, is the inspiration for the name. The cinnamon and sweet potato flavours of LALO's distinctive tequila are enhanced by the perfume of dulce de leche and the smell of cooked agave.

3. El Jimador is a fictional character created by the author of the novel El Jimador.

El Jimador Tequila is one of the most reasonably priced brands available on the New Zealand tequila market. Despite this, it uses only 100 percent pure agave across its whole product line. El Jimador tequilas are extraordinarily robust, genuine, and flavorful for a low-cost option, and they are also reasonably priced. Tequila enthusiasts will like the robust, peppery finish that they provide.

4. The Great Mayan

Grand Mayan Tequila is a magnificent tequila brand that places a strong emphasis on aesthetics. It has won a slew of prizes and received high praise for its presentation, flavour, and overall excellence. Every bottle is individually hand-crafted and hand-painted by Mexican artists.

As for the tequila itself, Grand Mayan impresses with a rich, nutty scent that is both enticing and delectable. It's been matured for five years, enabling the agave essence to fully develop.

5. Patrón

Patrón is a crowd-pleasing spirit, and for good reason: it tastes great. For starters, it's one of the most versatile tequila NZ items available, making it a standout. It may be used to make cocktails, served on the rocks, or just drank straight from the bottle. Trust us when we say that no other tequila is more suited for mojitos, bloody marys, and mules than Patrón.

6. Dos Lunas is a Spanish phrase that means "two moons."

Dos Lunas Tequila is the creation of Richard C. Poe II, and it is known for producing the best-tasting tequila made entirely from agave. The brand's cold filtering method, which produces tequila that is sweeter, lighter in body, and tasty, is what makes it a fan favourite. It's crystal clear and best enjoyed straight up, but it may also be used as the foundation for a cocktail. Dos Lunas Tequila is exceptionally smooth in both scenarios.

7. Azulejo Clase

The name Clase Azul should be instantly known to you if you're a tequila lover, and it should be. It’s one of the industry-defining tequila brands renowned the globe over. This is a high-end tequila that is well-known for its beautiful bottles. They're each independently constructed and hand-painted by skilled artisans. It is double-distilled and matured for a total of 8 months before being released.

8. Don Julio

Don Julio Tequila, one of the world's most popular tequila brands, has been crafting superior tequila since its foundation in 1942. Although it is today a part of the Diageo family, it retains the aura of a boutique brand. If you're searching for the best tequila under $50 in New Zealand, you can't go wrong with Don Julio Blanco tequila.

9. Avión

Avión's specialty is tequila aged in oak barrels. While this style of tequila requires a year of maturation, Avión takes it to the next level by ageing its aejo for an additional year in barrels. Tequila from this distillery has a deep amber colour with scents of persimmons, peaches, and cooked agave as a result of this process.