Is Teremana Tequila Good?

Teremana is one of the hottest new tequilas on the market. Launched in March of 2020, it has already grown a significant amount, selling more than 300,000 cases in its first year and capturing 1% of the entire tequila market in 2020. Now the brand has launched in Canada and is looking to replicate its early success in the US. That is incredible growth for a new brand, but we’re sure it doesn’t hurt that the founder is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Yes, celebrity owned alcohol, and especially tequila, is all the rage these days. But, the inevitable question behind all the hype is “is it any good?” Let’s find out.

Currently there are two Teremana expressions: The blanco (or un-aged version) and the reposada (aged). Both are made with 100 percent Blue Weber agave which is roasted in traditional brick ovens and distilled in handmade copper stills. There are rumours that an anejo version is incoming, but since the brand only launched in 2020, that will take a few years before it hits the market.

Teremana Blanco

At just over $52 CAD (depending on location, this was BC) the blanco version sits around the mid-range tequila price point. Certainly not over charging, especially given that celebrity endorsed alcohol tends to skew on the higher end.

On opening the bottle you immediately get hit with agave and some citrus and earthy notes, with some lingering vanilla, and a hint of peppery spice. It’s a typical smell for an unaged tequila, as the agave should be the most prominent feature.

Tasting wise the agave is once again the dominant flavour, with just a bit of damp earthiness. The vanilla, and lemon zest come forward as well, making it fairly crisp on the palate.

Overall, this is a good expression of a blanco and at the price point, one that most drinkers would be happy to pick up and use in their tequila-based cocktails.

Score: B+

Teremana Reposada

At $57, the reposada is only slightly more expensive than the blanco, but still well priced in the mid-range category. No age is given, but we do know that this is aged in ex-bourbon oak barrels.

The aging is definitely present both on the nose and in taste. Like the blanco, the agave comes through prominently, but there is also some well balanced notes of oak, lighter vanilla and complimentary hints of caramel.

The taste once again has a strong agave forward but there is a pleasant sweetness on the palate. Almost a butterscotch like finish, with all those previous notes of vanilla and citrus. Overall this is a far more approachable sipper, and for only a few dollars more, if you were debating between the two this would be the one we’d recommend.

Score: A-

Overall, Teremana holds up not just as a strong representation of a celebrity backed spirit but also as a mid-range tequila. Were they priced any higher, they run the risk of competing against some fairly strong tequila offerings, so the pricing is really what sells it here. At mid-range, Teremana is a solid option, and one well worth considering the next time you’re in the market for a bottle.