The World’s Best Tequila—According To The 2026 World Tequila Awards

LifestyleSpiritsThe World’s Best Tequila—According To The 2026 World Tequila AwardsByBrad Japhe,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. You can find me at the confluence of food, beverage and travel.Follow AuthorJun 14, 2026, 04:30am EDTSummaryEl Jefe Luis Gold Edition Extra Añejo has been crowned "Best Tequila of 2026" by the prestigious World Tequila Awards. This ultra-premium spirit stands out for its exceptional six-year aging process in white American oak, double the minimum for an Extra Añejo, achieving a rare harmony between wood and agave. Judges praised its complex profile, featuring notes of toasted vanilla, caramel, earthy agave, and a saffron spice finish. Priced around $325, it's recommended served neat to appreciate its intricacies. Despite its international acclaim, US availability is limited, primarily due to its 35% ABV, which falls below the 40% US federal minimum for tequila. Wider distribution is hoped for following this recognition.Show More El Jefe Luis Extra AñejoPhoto illustration: Brad JapheThe World Tequila Awards are an annual competition originally launched in 2019 by the World Drinks Awards. That’s the same organization who run the World Whiskies Awards out of the UK--an industry powerhouse with two decades worth of prestige. Earlier this season, the distinguished tasting panel revealed its results for this year and it’s time we take a closer look at the big winner: El Jefe Luis Gold Edition Extra Añejo. The top-scoring expression matures for an astounding six years in white American oak barrels. We say “astounding” because extra añejo, by definition, only has to age for three years in order to earn the classification. It’s very rare for tequila to see double that amount of time in oak. And that’s usually for good reason: the agave distillate at its core can be overpowered by so much time in wood. It’s the main reason why unaged Blanco, and lightly-aged Reposado styles are f...