08/11/2026
Every good bartender pours the same TYPE of tequila at home. High proof. Here’s why.
Most tequila is bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) — the LEGAL MINIMUM. Bringing it that low means adding water. Water dilutes agave.
When a bartender puts tequila in a cocktail, ice melts, lime dilutes, soda thins it. If the tequila started weak, it disappears. High-proof stays. Character all the way through.
The 3 I recommend:
Siembra Tahona Blanco High Proof — $120. David Suro’s project. Tahona-crushed, additive-free. All the agave, none of the water.
Don Fulano Fuerte — $60. 100 proof blanco. Highland agave, additive-free. “Don Fulano” literally means “Mr. Whatshisname” — the humblest flex in tequila.
Caballito Cerrero 46 — $80. Technically CAN’T be called “tequila” for legal reasons. That’s the entire flex.
Founded by the co-founder of Herradura. Wild yeasts, unfiltered. Bartender’s holy grail.
Comment “proof” for the buy links.
All on sipsy.com (link in bio).