El Mayor tequila review: Blanco, Reposado and Añejo compared for Christmas gifting
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El Mayor is a premium tequila made with 100 percent Blue Weber agave. I tried three bottles in the range to see whether tequila deserves a place on your Christmas drinks shelf.
If you are looking for something a little different this Christmas, it might be time to give tequila another look. I have been a whisky drinker for years, especially around the festive season, but recently El Mayor tequila has become a genuinely enjoyable alternative for slow sipping and gifting. I tried the Blanco, Reposado and Añejo together, and each offers something with real character.
El Mayor is made from one hundred percent Blue Weber agave at a family-run distillery in the highlands of Jalisco, slow-cooked and crafted in small batches. This is not the throat-scorching party bottle you might remember from student days. These are premium spirits designed to be appreciated.
The Añejo is the most luxurious of the three. Aged in white oak for up to three years, it is rich, creamy and full-bodied with caramel, toasted oak and a gentle spice. It has a smooth finish that whisky lovers will immediately warm to. It feels special without being overly sweet, which is exactly what you want from an after-dinner Christmas pour. A 70cl bottle is around £41.75. Buy from The Whisky Exchange: El Mayor Añejo Tequila.
The Reposado sits comfortably in the middle. With nine months of oak ageing, it has a lighter texture than the Añejo but still offers warming notes of cinnamon, ginger and vanilla alongside the herbal agave flavours. It works beautifully in a simple tequila Old Fashioned and makes a smart, under-the-radar gift for someone who enjoys bourbon or rum. A 70cl bottle is usually about £38.50. Order from Master of Malt: El Mayor Reposado Tequila.
The Blanco is the cleanest expression and the best all-rounder for cocktails. It has bright citrus, pepper and fresh agave notes that work brilliantly in a crisp Margarita or Paloma. It is also a useful bottle for Christmas parties when you want high-quality pours without breaking the bank. Expect to pay around £39. Order from Master of Malt: El Mayor Blanco Tequila.
What struck me most is how each expression suits a different Christmas moment. The Añejo is one to savour by the tree after the washing-up is done. The Reposado makes a great evening opener, especially over ice. And the Blanco keeps the cocktails bright and festive throughout the week. There is something rather pleasing about introducing friends and family to tequila they did not expect to enjoy.
Across the range, El Mayor delivers a balance of flavour, smoothness and value that makes it well worth considering as a holiday season tipple or a thoughtful gift for the drinks lover in your life.