Trader Joe's Tequila Review: A Breakdown of Their Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo Offerings

If you are near a location that sells alcohol then there are some hidden gems waiting for you. I picked up all three bottles of Trader Joe's Tequila: silver, reposado, and anejo. Each is very reasonably priced at $19.99 for silver, $19.99 for reposado, and $21.99 for anejo.

If you've wandered through the aisles of Trader Joe's, you may have noticed their private-label tequila selections. Known for its budget-friendly alcohol options, Trader Joe's tequila lineup includes three distinct varieties: Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. Each offers its unique flavor profile and price point, catering to different preferences and occasions. But how do these tequilas stand up to the competition? Let's dive into the tasting notes and decide which bottle might be best for your next gathering.

Notes about tasting the three Trader Joe's Tequilas

All three were taste-tested neat, on the rocks, and in a margarita. It should also be noted that in order for alcohol to be Tequila it needs to be made near Jalisco, Mexico and be of the blue agave plant. Tequila also needs to be between 35-55% ABV or labeled as 70-110 proof. These tequilas land right in the middle of that range, made in Jalisco, and 100% blue agave. Anything less than 100% blue agave are usually a headache in a bottle. It does make a difference in the end product.

Trader Joe's Silver Tequila

Tasting Notes:
Trader Joe's Blanco Tequila is unaged, offering a crisp and clean profile. It's clear in color, with aromas of fresh citrus, agave, and light herbal notes. On the palate, this tequila delivers bright flavors of lemon, lime, and green pepper, with a touch of sweetness from the blue Weber agave. The finish is smooth, with a bit of heat that doesn't linger too long.

Best Uses:
Blanco tequila is ideal for cocktails like margaritas, Greyhound, Matadors, or tequila sunrises. It's light and fresh, which makes it a versatile option for mixed drinks. While it's drinkable on its own, this tequila shines most when used as the base for a refreshing cocktail.

Purchasing advice:

For the price point of $19.99, if you're looking for an affordable tequila for your bar without being a headache in a bottle, Trader Joe's Blanco is a solid choice. It offers good quality for its price and is perfect for casual mixers or parties. For those who prefer sipping tequilas, however, you might want to explore other options, as this is better suited for mixing.

Trader Joe's Reposado Tequila

Tasting Notes:
Reposado tequila is aged for 2-12 months in oak barrels, and Trader Joe's Reposado offers a balanced mix of agave and oak influences. The light amber color signals the aging process, and the nose brings forward notes of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of spice. On the palate, you'll experience flavors of baked agave, vanilla, toasted nuts, and a smooth, slightly smoky finish. There's a richer mouthfeel compared to the Blanco, thanks to the barrel aging.

Best Uses:
Reposado tequila can be enjoyed both neat and in cocktails. Its rounded flavors make it great for sipping on the rocks, but it also adds depth to cocktails like tequila old-fashioned or premium margaritas. It's versatile enough to be enjoyed in a range of settings.

Purchasing Advice:
Trader Joe's Reposado is a fantastic middle-ground option for those who want a tequila that can work well for both sipping and mixing. At its price point, it delivers a richer flavor profile than the Blanco while still being accessible. This is an excellent choice for those who appreciate the complexity that aging brings but don't want to spend too much. This is also a budget-friendly option priced at $19.99. This is overall a decent option at the price point. This is not to be confused with gold tequila which can just be caramel coloring.

Trader Joe's Anejo Tequila

Tasting Notes:
Añejo tequila is aged for at least one year, and Trader Joe's Añejo delivers a more complex and mature drinking experience. The deep amber color hints at the rich flavors to come. On the nose, you'll pick up notes of caramel, oak, vanilla, and a touch of dark chocolate. The palate offers a smooth and luxurious texture with flavors of caramelized agave, toffee, cinnamon, and dried fruit, with a long and satisfying finish that's slightly spicy and oaky.

Best Uses:
This is a sipping tequila meant to be enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Its richness and complexity are best appreciated without mixers, making it ideal for sipping after dinner or pairing with dessert. You could also enjoy it in an elevated tequila cocktail, but it's meant to be savored. If you really want to mix this, I'd say you would be better off reaching for some mezcal instead.

Purchasing Advice:
Trader Joe's Añejo is the best choice for those who enjoy premium, sipping tequilas but don't want to break the bank. And again, this isn't meant to compete among the best tequilas. It's here to provide value. At around $21.99, it offers excellent value for its price, making it a standout option in the budget Añejo category. If you appreciate deeper, woodier, and more complex flavors, this tequila is a must-try. My personal favorite is Number Juan tequila. The anejo will set you back almost $86. The extra anejo? That will be almost $300. And while these don't sip the same, you would choose the Trader Joe's from a value stand point.

Conclusion

Trader Joe's tequila offerings provide solid options for a variety of preferences and occasions. Whether you're mixing up margaritas for a party or sipping on a fine Añejo after dinner, there's a bottle that fits your needs.

Añejo: Best for sipping, deep and complex flavors that rival higher-end tequilas at a much lower price.

Blanco: Best for cocktails, light, and refreshing, and great value for everyday mixing.

Reposado: Balanced for both sipping and mixing, offers a richer flavor without being too expensive.

If you are lucky enough to have a Trader Joe's that can sell alcohol near you, these are all good finds. Obviously, they aren't going to compare to much higher-priced tequilas but can all hold their own. For me, I had to drive from NY and go to NJ to acquire these as only beer and wine based alcohol is sold here in NY.