According to the Distilled Spirits Council, Americans purchased 17.2 million 9-liter cases of tequila in 2017, and exports from Mexico to the U.S. increased nearly 200 percent in the last 10 years. Ultra-high-end brands like Patrón and Casa Noble are leading this growth — some offering bottles priced in the thousands — but there are plenty of affordable alternatives that rival even the most luxury brands.

VinePair tasted more than 60 tequila brands to sort out the good, the great, the great-for-the-price, and beyond. These are the best tequilas under $50. To see the full list, including the best tequilas under $25, click here.

TEQUILA BLANCO CORRALEJO

Sweet agave aromas, creamy mouthfeel, and a peppery kick on the finish make this smooth-drinking silver tequila delicious enough to drink neat. Average price: $26.

MILAGRO REPOSADO

Pouring pale gold and leaving streaky legs in the glass, this affordable reposado smells like brown sugar, salted caramel, and orange peel. It’s both warm and creamy, yet light on the palate, with a hint of white pepper on the finish. A good, simple sipper. Average price: $26

CORAZON SINGLE ESTATE BLANCO

This single-estate tequila from Casa San Matias has aromas of agave and raw eggplant. Its light body is fresh and zippy with hints of lemony citrus, followed by a minty finish. Average price: $27.

TEQUILA REPOSADO CORRALEJO

Citrus, vegetal, and earthy aromas comprise the nose of this tequila, which is aged four months in French, American, and white oak casks. Its texture is creamier than others in its category, and its whiskey-like flavors include vanilla, oak, and a hint of smoke. Light and fresh despite its complexity, this tequila would be delicious served neat with an orange peel, and great in a summery cocktail. Average price: $28.

CORAZON SINGLE ESTATE AÑEJO

This single-estate tequila was one of the best and least expensive añejos we tasted. Bright gold, with warm aromas of cooked agave, sugar cookie, and caramel, it’s easy on the palate, then sneaks in for a spicy finish on the sides of the tongue and cheeks. Sip this by a campfire or on the beach. Average price: $36.

CASA NOBLE CRYSTAL

Casa Noble Crystal is a triple-distilled blanco that pours a light-straw color. Agave, honey, eggplant, and citrus notes meld on the nose, and its palate is light-bodied and smooth. A zippy, peppery finish is not too hot, but brings nice pizazz. Average price: $37.

AVION SILVER

The silver tequila from this “Entourage”-famous brand has notes of agave, vanilla, and caramel on the nose, followed by a sweet, creamy texture. The flavor is deep and warm, with lovely baking spice notes. We find this one to be equally pleasurable as a winter sipper or summer Paloma mixer. Average price: $40.

1800 AÑEJO

Aged for more than a year in French oak barrels, this añejo imparts smooth notes of vanilla and caramel from the barrel. It has some sweetness but is not cloying. Average price: $41.

PARTIDA TEQUILA REPOSADO

This estate-distilled tequila has vegetal aromas with fresh cucumber and raw agave, followed by vanilla, buttery dessert, and nutty notes. A gingery-hot finish ties it up nicely. Average price: $44.

PASOTE BLANCO

This bottle has lovely, delicate floral aromas, tropical fruit flavors, and round, creamy body with no burn. It finishes fruity and nuanced — with a nice kick. Average price: $44.

CASA NOBLE REPOSADO

Clear and golden with a honey aroma, this is a sweet, smooth, and creamy spirit. Vanilla, caramel, and molasses notes lend a sensual quality that reminded our tasters of barrel-aged rum, and the hint of citrus peel had us craving a reposado Old Fashioned. It all zips up with a peppery finish that tickles the cheeks and lips. Average price: $46.

CODIGO 1530 BLANCO