[JerryM]

This thread should include prices along with the recommendations.   

Don Julio Resposado - $35.00. This is a very good "shot" tequila. Dead smooth. You're wasting it if you use it for Margaritas.

Don Julio 1942 - $100.00. $120.00 if you're paying big. Superior sipper. Outstanding.

Don Julio Real - $250.00. $300.00 if you really want it bad. Best tequila ever in my book. Nothing I've ever had even comes close.

Have fun,

Jerry

[Bob in St. Louis]

Nice. Thank Jerry. I can always count on your for "bar related" things. 
Looks like I'll stick with the Resposado, given the choices.

Bob

p.s. Still nursing my $50 bottle of Anejo Patron (which is about gone)

[JerryM]

Nice. Thank Jerry. I can always count on your for "bar related" things. 

Likewise, I'm sure. 

[srb]

The resident "expert" at my (new) local Total Wine & More, recommended Don Sergio Anejo ($23) as equal to the Patron Anejo and a bit better than some other equal priced competitors, like the Gran Centenario.  I don't have anything to compare it to side by side, and my memory of the Patron is several years old.
 
I think the longer aging of the Anejos can sometimes make them taste more similar to other aged distilled spirits and less like Tequila.  As I do further research, I may find that for me, the Reposados could be the ideal middle ground and might serve double duty for both sipping and Maragaritas.
 
Steve

[DaveC113]

Just got a bottle of Herradura Anejo at the local store for $35. 

That Don Sergio sounds like a good deal, thanks.

[Delta Wave]

Espolon Reposado was recommended to me about a year ago. It is certainly shooting well above its price point. I am now seeing it on some restaurant bar shelves right next to the Patron and Herradura.

I also like Cazadores Anejo.

That is very good tequila, I have a bottle here... It's yummy. Cazadores is good stuff too. Neither can be beat for the money and I prefer Cazadores to Patron, hands down.

[BobM]

When last down in Mexico (Cancun) I spoke with a local down there who has regular Tequila tasting nights. The participants really know their stuff and taste both reasonable and high prices stuff. He does not sell anything. His take on Patron is that it is the Absolut of tequila. Great marketing but an average product.

Some of his more reasonably priced and available tequilas are:

Herradura
Ortigoza
Cazafores
Espolon
El Tesoro
Riazul

[g567mart]

I love Crotalo tequila extra Anejo. It is a limited production of less than 1500 a year production. It is a very smooth tequila, but will cost you about $130 a bottle.
Gerard