Tequila Forum

[Tequila Tourist]

I was recommended to this site via a member of another booze related forum as a place to talk whisky. However, my first love is tequila and I find that lovers of a good dram also like a good sipping tequila as well.

What does everyone like here and what is in your glass currently (or recently)?

[Tim F]

Chamucos Blanco is my current bottle and I love it. I tend to prefer the blancos, although some of the aged ones are fabulous too (thinking 1800 Milenio and the old Don Julio 1942 and Tapatio Reserva).

Also a big fan of Hacienda de Chihuahua Sotol.

[Moggy]

i've not tried many tequilas but of the few i have tried Clase Azule Reposado stood out. So i have a bottle of that..

[Mark C]

Loving some mezcals and sotols at the moment, actually, like Del Maguey and Hacienda de Chihuahua. But for good old everyday tequila then Tapatio is pretty good, although I'm quite fond of the Ocho 2007 bottle I have at home.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VYKp8uF7oM

[The Third Dram]

4 Copas Reposado works for me.

[Tequila Tourist]

Chamucos Blanco is my current bottle and I love it. I tend to prefer the blancos, although some of the aged ones are fabulous too (thinking 1800 Milenio and the old Don Julio 1942 and Tapatio Reserva).

Also a big fan of Hacienda de Chihuahua Sotol.

Those are some super premium aged tequilas. I love 1942. It's the tequila that got me to fall in love with the spirit.

HdC Sotols are great too. The aged ones are just as good as the blanco. They have a 5 year that is only available in Mexico that I was fortunate enough to get a 2 ounces pour of. Tons of wood and chocolate flavors. Really rich.

For your blancos, where do your preferences lie? Earthy, Green, Spicy/Peppery, Sweet? If you let me know I can probably point you in a good direction for something. Chamucos is a good brand with a lot of pure agave flavor. The box/bottle combo is fun too.

[Tequila Tourist]

i've not tried many tequilas but of the few i have tried Clase Azule Reposado stood out. So i have a bottle of that..

In the other thread someone talked about manipulated tequilas. I'll say this first...I love Clase Azul. Both the blanco and reposado are sweet and delicious. With that said, Clase Azul is one of the more manipulated brands. They use sweetener additives and color as well to make the repo as dark as it is. It's not really for the tequila "purists" out there, but I think that it's damn tasty anyway.

There's plenty of people who will dismiss it just because something is from a big company or other reasons that have nothing to do with taste. Ultimately, for me, it's about the flavor and if it's worth the cost whether it's whisk(e)y or tequila.

[Tequila Tourist]

Loving some mezcals and sotols at the moment, actually, like Del Maguey and Hacienda de Chihuahua. But for good old everyday tequila then Tapatio is pretty good, although I'm quite fond of the Ocho 2007 bottle I have at home.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VYKp8uF7oM

Being in Scotland limits the access to a lot of tequilas. You've got a couple of really good ones with Tapatio and Ocho. I just got the Ocho cask strength anejo in the mail and am looking forward to cracking it open. We just got Tapatio in the US within the last 6 months. The blanco was really good and I haven't opened up the repo or anejo yet.

So much deliciousness out there...but I'd prefer to keep my liver in tact at the same time.

[Tequila Tourist]

4 Copas Reposado works for me.

4 Copas is a great overall brand. Have you tried the anejo? It's one of my current favorites and has a ton of complexity. Great agave flavor with spices and smoke (not as heavy as a whisky smoke, but present for tequila).

I don't know if you buy online, but I can tell you a store with the whole line for 25/30/35 (which is a ton lower than most places) if you want.

[Willie JJ]

What about outlining some of the tequila basics for the clueless (i.e. me ) so that I can ask sensible questions?

[Moggy]

There's plenty of people who will dismiss it just because something is from a big company or other reasons that have nothing to do with taste. Ultimately, for me, it's about the flavor and if it's worth the cost whether it's whisk(e)y or tequila.

that's the way i look at things to.. if i like i'll drink it and if i like it enough i'll buy a bottle. i know next to nothing about tequila (or whisky as it happens) i just like the taste.

[Tequila Tourist]

What about outlining some of the tequila basics for the clueless (i.e. me ) so that I can ask sensible questions?

No worries about asking any questions. The vast majority of people think that "Mixtos" are tequila. Not to pimp my own blog, but here's a decent and brief description of tequila aging.

http://tequilatourist.blogspot.com/p/general-tequila-information.html

Tequila is a lot like whisky in the sense that there's a ton of different flavors that people don't know about. There's a lot of things that can change the flavor profile:

1. Age of the agave - Generally harvested between 8-12 years old
2. Altitude/Terroir - The highlands of Jalisco can range from 4000-8000 feet above sea level. This can change the sugar content of the agave pina dramatically.
3. Water - Much like whisky, the local water changes the flavors.
4. Yeast for fermentation (if used at all)
5. Cooking the agave (speed, oven, steam, etc?) and what type of mechanism cooks it and length of time that it cooks for
6. Crushing/Shredding - From the traditional 2000 pound stone wheel (tahona) to the industrial shredder/roller
7. Distillation - 2 or 3 times distilled (or 5 for people making agave vodka ) The more distillation, the less agave character
8. Aging - From the type of barrels to the length of time it ages.


Tequila is really complex spirit. We've all seen people with whisky who did something like try Dewars, hate it and declare all whisky to be terrible. Tequila has even more of an uphill climb because over half of what is sold in the US isn't even 100% tequila. It's a mixture of tequila, cane liquor and coloring. Imagine if the whisk(e)y industry tried something that disgusting where Kentucky used 60% corn/rye mash and 40% unaged rum. Blech...

That's a brief synopsis. I'm always happy to answer any questions.

[Frodo]

Have bottles of Del Maguay Minero and 1921 Blanco open right now. I tried the 1921 range a while ago with another poster (Wendy) and we both thought more highly of the aged versions of 1921.

Have bottles of Don German 3yr, El Tesoro Blanco and Paradiso waiting to be opened...

[two-bit cowboy]

What about outlining some of the tequila basics for the clueless (i.e. me ) so that I can ask sensible questions?

Try this, Willie: http://www.chinacotequila.com/landing.php?p=tequila

Yes, it's a tequila producer's site, but there's some terrific history, process, and geographic info. The tequila terroir button on the navigation bar offers more.

[bpbleus]

Welcome to the forum, tequilatourist. Please allow me to share some of my frustration with this spirit.

Although I'm sure there is great tequila, I think it is difficult to find. For this reason I never got my feet really wet with it. First off, I don't trust what is in the bottle. There are several legal methods to 'enhance' the spirit, a big problem with any spirit besides Scotch and bourbon. I don't want to pay through the nose for a drink that has been 'improved' with sugar cane juice, oak extract or artificial flavorings. A few years ago I shelled out $60+ for a deeply discounted single cask extra anejo that was suspiciously smooth and caramelly the way adulterated cognac is smooth and caramelly. No wonder, of course, that 'improvement methods' need to be applied to the spirit, as even an extra anejo may be too young for preschool.

BTW, how trustworthy is the blanco/reposado/anejo/extra anejo scale? I have little faith in the controlling powers of the Mexican judicial system. How many of the reposados and anejos are in fact blancos + chemicals?

Furthermore, this stuff is just bloody expensive in the States. If I want to throw $20-50 on a quality spirit, I have plenty of options with well-aged Scotch, bourbon and rum. In fact, as long as the label states 'Single Malt' I have a near 100% guarantee I'm buying something at least decent and perhaps even great, if I'm stretching the budget to $150. There seems to be no reason for me to spend serious money on tequila.

Unless, of course, you could suggest some serious (i.e. not for beginners and 100% real) tequila for reasonable prices.

[Frodo]

OK, how about...

- Casa Noble
- El Tesoro
- 7 Leguas
- Don Julio 1942

Those are where I would start. If I could get more, Los Abuelos.

[Yello to Mello]

My only experience of tequila beyond shots with salt and lemon was Patron (silver I think). I didn't like the sharp pepper and citrus notes so I dismissed tequila when looking for quality spirits.

Should I really try Don Julio 1942? It seems easily accessible.

[Tim F]

DJ 1942 is light years ahead of Patron Silver, which hasn't been very good since their contract with Siete Leguas expired. They're very different styles, in any case. If you're looking for a good blanco, Tapatio / El Tesoro, Chamucos, Tapatio and the afore-mentioned Siete Leguas are all top class imho. For aged versions, Tapatio Excelencia, 1800 Milenio and DJ 1942 are my personal favourites.

[Frodo]

My only experience of tequila beyond shots with salt and lemon was Patron (silver I think). I didn't like the sharp pepper and citrus notes so I dismissed tequila when looking for quality spirits.

Should I really try Don Julio 1942? It seems easily accessible.

Hi Y2M:

1) At the LCBO Patron is wildly overpriced IMHO. Decent flavours (unoffensive) but not very defined or expressive. I would look to try some Casadores at the LCBO at a tasting tower for a $40 entry level tequila.

2) I wouldn't buy the DJ 1942 blind as it goes for $140 at the LCBO (or something like that). Having said that, someone bought a bottle for me in Puerta Vallarta for $125 about 4 yrs ago so the LCBO price is about comparable. Given that tequila is usually cheaper (30-40%) in Mexico or the US, the pricing at the LCBO is broken in a good way on this. I'd recommend splitting a bottle of this with someone to lesson your risk. You still may not like tequila but this is quality IMHO.

There is a tequila trade show annually in Toronto (Tequila show and more) - perhaps this might be a place to try some?

[Willie JJ]

Thanks to Tequila Tourist and two-bit-cowboy for the info. I feel some serious research coming on in the not too distant future

[Yello to Mello]

My only experience of tequila beyond shots with salt and lemon was Patron (silver I think). I didn't like the sharp pepper and citrus notes so I dismissed tequila when looking for quality spirits.

Should I really try Don Julio 1942? It seems easily accessible.

Hi Y2M:

1) At the LCBO Patron is wildly overpriced IMHO. Decent flavours (unoffensive) but not very defined or expressive. I would look to try some Casadores at the LCBO at a tasting tower for a $40 entry level tequila.

2) I wouldn't buy the DJ 1942 blind as it goes for $140 at the LCBO (or something like that). Having said that, someone bought a bottle for me in Puerta Vallarta for $125 about 4 yrs ago so the LCBO price is about comparable. Given that tequila is usually cheaper (30-40%) in Mexico or the US, the pricing at the LCBO is broken in a good way on this. I'd recommend splitting a bottle of this with someone to lesson your risk. You still may not like tequila but this is quality IMHO.

There is a tequila trade show annually in Toronto (Tequila show and more) - perhaps this might be a place to try some?

Hi Chris, the Patron someone brought over to my house one time...I dont know the prices, it tasted like it was $40 but really $80. Right now I'm not concerned on price that much since I'm sitting on an LCBO gift card my boss gave me for Christmas. The DJ 1942 doesnt seem like its priced *that* bad in our neighbouring markets.

Other than that I know of that Tequila bar in the west end.

[jsaliga]

I was recommended to this site via a member of another booze related forum as a place to talk whisky. However, my first love is tequila and I find that lovers of a good dram also like a good sipping tequila as well.

What does everyone like here and what is in your glass currently (or recently)?

I'm currently sipping some Riazul Tequila Anejo. It's really lovely stuff.

Thanks for posting a link to your blog. I'm more of a whisky fan but I do enjoy a good tequila or mezcal from time to time. Your reviews gave me some ideas for future purchases.

--Jerome

[Frodo]

The DJ 1942 doesnt seem like its priced *that* bad in our neighboring markets.

Other than that I know of that Tequila bar in the west end.

The bar is Reposado on Ossington I believe. Heard good things about it.

The 1942 is priced comparably with the Puerta Vallarta price so I'd say it makes the tequila a best-buy value-wise!

[Tequila Tourist]

Welcome to the forum, tequilatourist. Please allow me to share some of my frustration with this spirit.

Although I'm sure there is great tequila, I think it is difficult to find. For this reason I never got my feet really wet with it. First off, I don't trust what is in the bottle. There are several legal methods to 'enhance' the spirit, a big problem with any spirit besides Scotch and bourbon. I don't want to pay through the nose for a drink that has been 'improved' with sugar cane juice, oak extract or artificial flavorings. A few years ago I shelled out $60+ for a deeply discounted single cask extra anejo that was suspiciously smooth and caramelly the way adulterated cognac is smooth and caramelly. No wonder, of course, that 'improvement methods' need to be applied to the spirit, as even an extra anejo may be too young for preschool.

BTW, how trustworthy is the blanco/reposado/anejo/extra anejo scale? I have little faith in the controlling powers of the Mexican judicial system. How many of the reposados and anejos are in fact blancos + chemicals?

Furthermore, this stuff is just bloody expensive in the States. If I want to throw $20-50 on a quality spirit, I have plenty of options with well-aged Scotch, bourbon and rum. In fact, as long as the label states 'Single Malt' I have a near 100% guarantee I'm buying something at least decent and perhaps even great, if I'm stretching the budget to $150. There seems to be no reason for me to spend serious money on tequila.

Unless, of course, you could suggest some serious (i.e. not for beginners and 100% real) tequila for reasonable prices.

The Mexican government is very strict about this stuff the same way they are about tourism. They know where the money is going to come into the country...so they protect it.

Anything that says 100% agave is going to pretty much be just that. Color is very rarely added. For the "American Palate," you'll find additives in brands like Avion, Clase Azul, KAH, etc. You can generally taste when the sweetness doesn't come entirely from the agave. With that said, I still like some of those. The limit of what can be added is 2% total.

Brands that I go to as "real" tequilas on a budget are Corrido, Don Pilar, Fortaleza, Alquimia, 4 Copas, Siete Leguas, T1. I know from the source that every single one of these are made naturally...and they are all delicious.

I'd also need to know what your palate tends toward to really recommend something, but this list is a good start in the $40-50 range.

[Tequila Tourist]

OK, how about...

- Casa Noble
- El Tesoro
- 7 Leguas
- Don Julio 1942

Those are where I would start. If I could get more, Los Abuelos.

El Tesoro is even fermented naturally with no yeast added. It's lowland, which gives it a nice herbal/grassy flavor. It's a nice option as well. Los Abuelos is Fortaleza here in the states. You can very easily get some.