Taste Test: High-Proof Tequila

In Mexico, it’s not uncommon to find tequilas bottled at 35 or 38 percent ABV, a strength well-suited for sipping neat. But North America is also a cocktail culture, and more potent tequilas—sometimes labeled as still-strength or fuerte (strong), and reaching toward tequila’s maximum legal limit of 55 percent ABV—increasingly play a role behind the bar. These bottles can give tequila cocktails of all types an extra bump of flavor and intensity.

Wild Common Still Strength Blanco

Wild Common may be a newer brand on the block, but its tequilas reach deep into tradition. Made at the legendary Cascahuin distillery, Wild Common Still Strength Blanco is produced using old-school touches like brick ovens, a stone tahona (as well as a more modern roller mill), and natural fermentation, giving this 100-proof blanco bright touches of citrus, a full, round texture, and ample flavors of mature agave. $85, nom170.com

Fortaleza Still Strength Blanco

Fortaleza founder Guillermo Erickson Sauza has five generations of family history in tequila, and his small-scale brand has earned an outsize reputation among bartenders and tequila lovers. Once only available at the distillery, Fortaleza Still Strength Blanco is now in wider circulation. Bottled at 46 percent ABV, the tequila is robust with vegetal aromas of cooked agave and green olives, and has an earthy, peppery quality on the finish. $94.99, oldtowntequila.com

Don Fulano Fuerte Blanco

Don Fulano co-founders Enrique Fonseca and Sergio Mendoza may be best known for their explorations with aged tequilas, but this 100-proof fuerte demonstrates they’re also adept at working with the beauty of blanco. Exuberantly aromatic with notes of jasmine and tropical fruit, the tequila has a rich texture and a dry, mineral quality accenting the agave’s richness and warming spice. $59.50, bittersandbottles.com

Tequila Ocho Barrel Proof Reposado

Most higher-proof tequilas are sold as blancos, but this 101-proof reposado highlights what a little age can do. Tequila Ocho helped pioneer the concept of terroir in tequila, and the agave in this reposado were harvested from the Los Raíces estate. Six months in used whiskey barrels gives this tequila touches of caramel and chocolate to complement the flavors of agave, and a long, round finish. $99.99, sipwhiskey.com

El Tequileño Still Strength Blanco

Tony Salles, master distiller at the La Guarreña distillery, makes tequila in much the same way his grandfather—Don Jorge Salles Cuervo—did when he founded the distillery in 1959. Bottled at 100 proof, El Tequileño Still Strength Blanco is briefly rested in oak, and offers aromas and flavors of cooked agave and fresh citrus, with a robust peppery finish. $61.99, topshelfwineandspirits.com

G4 Blanco High Proof 108

This 108-proof blanco is as bold as they come, with a complex minerality mingling with touches of tropical fruit and warm spice. Made at the El Pandillo distillery, G4 is the creation of third-generation master distiller Felipe Camarena (whose brother, Carlos, is the master distiller of Tequila Ocho, and sister, Jenny, has the same role for El Tesoro). $59.99, nom170.com