Let’s be honest, whisky and bourbon drinkers have a certain reputation. They like their spirits like they like their handshakes: firm, bold, and leaving a lasting impression. So, when someone mentions tequila, the image that might pop into their heads is often a margarita-fueled spring break haze, not a nuanced sipping experience. But hold onto your snifters, folks, because high-proof tequila is here to shatter that stereotype like a dropped ice cube in a tumbler of fine bourbon.
For years, tequila played the party animal, happy to be the life of the fiesta. But lately, it’s been sneaking off to the library, hitting the books, and embracing its inner sophisticate. And the result? High-proof tequilas that pack a punch worthy of any respectable whiskey collection.
Technically, anything north of 40% ABV (80 proof) qualifies as a “high proof tequila”, because the standard tequila ABV is 40% ABV in the United States. And in Mexico, many tequilas are sold at 35-38%. This is because tequila was historically taxed based on alcohol content, and because 80% of the tequila in Mexico is consumed straight/neat, versus 20% in the USA.
Let’s clear the air on something, however. There's no official definition of "high proof" tequila. It’s more of a marketing construct. A vaguely understood concept. A gentlemen's agreement, if you will.
Personally, here’s how I define the category. “Overproof” are tequilas clocking in at 41%-45% ABV. “High proof” is anything 46%-55%. Note that 55% ABV (110 proof) is the strongest tequila allowed by tequila regulations. “Still strength” tequila does have an actual definition - it is anything that is bottled right after distillation, with zero water added. In practice, most “still strength” tequilas are 50-55% ABV, because that’s the level of potency that can be produced with alambique stills and two distillation passes.
The process of creating an overproof/high proof/still strength tequila is the same as for its lower-proof brethren. Agave hearts, or *piñas* are harvested, cooked, crushed, and fermented. The difference is just whether (and how much) water is added after the spirit is double-distilled.
Think of these stronger tequilas like a cask-strength whisky, stripped bare, flexing its natural muscle. You’re getting the pure essence of the agave, a vibrant expression of the terroir, and a flavor profile that’s less about smooth sipping and more about a delightful explosion in your mouth. It’s like a regular tequila, but turned up to 11. More aroma. More flavor (especially cooked agave, citrus, and minerality). And a thicker mouthfeel due to the higher ABV.
One of the very first high proof tequilas was Tapatío 110 (55% ABV). This traditional, family-owned brand from Arandas is a long-time favorite of bartenders. On distillery tours, it is custom to give guests a taste of the REAL stuff, straight from the still. After a sip of that still strength output, bartenders consistently asked Tapatío to bottle it and sell it. Eventually, they relented, and many bars now use high proof tequilas in cocktails because the amped up agave flavors punch through the strong mixers often used in tequila-based drinks.
Now, there are many high proof tequilas, with more literally being released each week. It’s a big trend, especially in the tequila aficionado world. Seelbachs carries some higher ABV tequila gems like the PM Spirits 110, Alma del Jaguar Nocturna, ArteNOM 1579 and ArteNOM 1414.
At present, most high proof tequilas are unaged blancos. But, sensing a consumer pivot toward stronger spirits, brands are starting to release aged reposados and añejos that are also well above the standard 40% threshold. Great news for fans of intense flavors!
Because aging in barrels can mellow the spirit, rounding off those sharp edges, it takes real talent to produce a tasty aged tequila at a higher ABV. When done right, they offer a fascinating interplay between the agave’s initial boldness and the subtle nuances imparted by the wood. Think of it as adding a layer of complexity to an already captivating experience.
So, next time you’re looking for a spirit that can stand toe-to-toe with your favorite bourbon or whisky, reach for a bottle of high-proof tequila. It's a journey into a world of intense flavors, a testament to the agave plant’s remarkable versatility, and a surefire way to impress your whiskey-loving friends (and maybe even convert a few). Just remember, approach with respect, a splash of water if you need it, or a big rock (no judgment here!), and a sense of adventure. This isn’t your average tequila, this is something…more.
It’s like choosing to appreciate a wild mustang in its natural habitat versus a well-trained show horse. Both have their charm, but the mustang offers a raw, untamed beauty.
—---