A Buying Guide To Tequilas
The tequilas recommended here are by no means a comprehensive list, but rather suggestions for widely available tequilas across many price points.
Some good buying guidelines are:
- Avoid anything that is packaged in plastic or that costs less than $15 as these are signs of cheap tequila thatll burn like hellfire down your throat and taste like lighter fluid.
- Buy only tequila that states 100% agave on the bottle.
- Its perfectly reasonable to find a smooth, flavorful tequila for $25-$30 thats great for shots, cocktails, or sipping. A high price does not always indicate high quality.
- If theres a worm or scorpion or, really, any animal in the bottle, then dont buy it. Its a marketing gimmick used to sell cheaply produced tequilas and its almost guaranteed to be dreck.
Best For Beginners: Casamigos Blanco
Courtesy of Wine.com
Region: Jalisco | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Citrus, Agave
To help guests appreciate the nuances of a great sipping tequila, says Hurley, My job is to get people away from drinking tequila chilled with lime and salt. Casamigos helps. With its sweet, vanilla intensity, its a great entry tequila. Its like vanilla ice cream, Hurley says. Yet, it doesnt completely sacrifice that classic cooked agave flavor, and theres a touch of balancing citrus to it.
Medina enjoys its smoothness, a quality that helps make it friendly for beginners, who might want to drink it on the slightly cool side. If somebody has a wine fridge and wants to bring it down a few degrees from room temperature, Im not opposed to that, says Hurley.
Carlos Tequila: A Tradition Of Excellence
Though its not clear what first connected Santana with the Casa Noble company , rumor has it that is was love at first taste. Casa Noble does have a reputation for producing very highly-ranked spirits, and theyve been around since the late 1800s.
Santana was so taken with the Hermosillo family , that he not only lent his name to a tequila, he actually became part owner of the company.
It may have helped that both Carlos Santana and the Hermosillo family trace their roots back to Jalisco, Mexico. In addition, the distillery goes the extra mile in producing their liquor: their organic, handcrafted tequilas are thrice-distilled .
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Top Shelf Tequila Dinner Featuring Fortaleza
A 4 course dinner featuring our new favorite tequilaPlease join us for an evening featuring four courses expertly paired with Tequila Fortaleza. Mitch Wolf, Fortalezas International Brand Ambassador will be joining to walk us through the nuances of the most exciting tequila Eldorado has acquired recently. During our trip to Mexico last year, we asked around about tequila we should have in our collection that we didnt already, and the one name that kept coming up was Fortaleza. Once we tasted it, we knew why. These stunning tequilas are rich and complex, the culmination of more than a century of tequila artistry!
How can a tequila this good suddenly pop out of nowhere?This tequila truly surpasses all others, and the mystery was is how a tequila this good could suddenly pop up out of nowhere. Once you hear the story, you know that Fortaleza is actually from a family that has been making tequila for 140 years, from one of the most reputable names in tequila history, and one you will surely recognize! Don Cenobio Sauza started his distillery in 1873 in the town of Tequila, and his family was influential for generations. The Sauzas were the first to export tequila to the US, the first to use exclusively blue agave, and were instrumental in making tequila known to the world and protecting its status as a product unique to Mexico.
Guests must be 21+ and present a valid ID to be served alcohol.Tax and tip not included.All ticket purchases are final no refunds
Casamigos Aejo Vs The Competition
- Don Julio Añejo
- 1800 Añejo
Casamigos Añejo and 1800 Añejo will definitely compete for a tequila pundits liking.
Both have different fruits, confectioneries and spices in their respective tastes, with the 1800 Añejo displaying hints of cinnamon, candied pears, butterscotch and toasted oak . What could sink Casamigos could be the finish, as theres a slight lingering bitter feeling in the gullet as the last of the añejogoes down.
Practically the same case can be presented, when comparing the añejosof Casamigos and Patron.
Vanilla, raisins and oak wood are present in the taste, but they do not try to be the lead in the Patron añejo theater. The telltale peppery rush of agave is still in the drink, and is very much the dominant flavor.
Again, what could steer rookie and veteran tequila drinkers towards Patron is Casamigos aforementioned lingering bitterness in the finish. In contrast, Patron goes down the throat smoothly, aided by hints of caramel and ever-so-slight white oak smokiness.
However, when ranged against the Don Julio añejo, Casamigos is nowhere near close.
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Casamigos Tequilas Unique Taste Comes From An 80 Hour Fermentation Process
The first step to making great Casamigos tequila is sourcing high quality ingredients. Casamigos employ a Master Distiller in Jalisco to oversee the tequila-making process. The finest agave piñas are selected from where they are grown in Jalisco, Mexico, and they are roasted in traditional ovens for 72 hours. Most other tequila producers steam their piñas for just seven hours, but Casamigos Tequilas longer roasting process brings out the depth in the agaves sweet flavour.
A proprietary yeast is used by the Master Distiller to ferment the alcohol in order to produce a consistent, refined flavour. The roasted piñas are crushed and fermented, using Casamigos special 80 hour fermentation process. The average tequila is fermented for 48 hours, so Casamigos extra-long process brings a complexity of flavour which you can taste when you drink it.
Best Extra Aejo: Gran Patrn Burdeos
Courtesy of Reserve Bar
Region: Jalisco | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Cocoa powder, Dates, Caramel
Añejos and extra añejos should embody the flavor of the wood with the soul of the original spirit, says Hurley, so that the cooked agave flavor shines, complemented by notes of toasted oak, caramel, vanilla and cocoa powder.
This bottle from Patrón exemplifies the style. It is far too tasty, says Chasse. In part, thats due to the barrel program. A combination of used American and new French oak casks gives it a deep amber color that looks great in a snifter. Plus, a velvety mouthfeel and a drying and nearly tannic finale compels you to take another sip. But the pièce de résistance is the old Bordeaux barrels the spirit is finished in they lend a touch of the raisinated flavor youd expect from a wine.
It also does pair nicely with food, says Chasse, and if youre having a fancy day, with a fine cigar.
Region: Jalisco | ABV: 46% | Tasting Notes: Olives, Earth, Orange
If you want to know what tequila tasted like 100 years ago, Fortaleza is your go-to, says Hurley. At his estate in the town of Tequila, master distiller Guillermo Sauza makes the spirit the way his great-great-grandfather made it, using an old stone tahona and brick ovens. Bottled straight from the copper pot still without dilution, this blanco has an alluring earthy, olivey quality, says Chasse, with plenty of bright citrus, too.
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Ready To Become A Tequila Expert
This tequila guide will cover what makes a tequila a tequila and go over some basic definitions so you can dazzle yourself and others with tequila knowledge. Ill provide some recommendations for tequilas that are widely available so you can begin to stock your home bar and ensure the best tequila experience for your next party or quiet night at home.
Leela Cyd Ross
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Casa Noble Single Barrel Release Dinner
Be the first to taste our exclusive single barrel of reposado
Our team recently traveled to our favorite tequila distillery in the state of Jalisco, Mexico to select a single barrel of tequila. Please join us in celebration as we tap our Casa Noble Single Barrel Reposado. David Yan, the National Ambassador of Casa Noble, led us on a remarkable journey through the distillery, and guided our team as we tasted several single barrels and selected the barrel that was meant for us. David will be traveling from Mexico to join us for the dinner and will help lead you through the experience we were so fortunate to have witnessed firsthand. You will be the first to taste this truly magical spirit and hear the story of how we came to choose our barrel. Come and enjoy an evening full of delicious food paired with our beloved unique reposado, and learn why it is our favorite. Please join us at 6:30 for a welcome cocktail, with seating for dinner at 7:00.
Casa Noble Single Barrel Reposado tasting notes
A very heady, liqueur-like bouquet with notes of brown sugar, orange zest and baking spices. A rich, silky palate tasting of vanilla, toffee, and freshly-churned butter with hints of ginger and citrus. A bit of spice heats up the lingering finish.
Menu
Guests must be 21+ and present a valid ID to be served alcohol.
All ticket purchases are final no refunds.
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What Are The Different Types Of Tequila
Tequila is classified according to the length of time the spirit was aged. As Tequila ages, it goes from a young Blanco to a more mature Añejo. During the aging process, the Tequilas color and flavors deepen, and the spirit develops a smoother taste.
Here is a deeper dive into the five types of Tequila:
- Blanco Tequila, more commonly known as silver Tequila, can be bottled immediately or aged up to two months and is the purest flavor of Tequila because it contains no added flavoring agents and is the best representation of the blue agave plants natural sweetness
- Joven Tequila, or more commonly referred to as gold Tequila, derives its name from the golden color imparted upon the liquid from agents that add flavor to the Tequila beyond the blue agave plant
- Reposado Tequila is aged for two to 12 months in an oak container, giving it time to turn a pale golden color
- Añejo Tequila, where añejo means aged, spends one to three years in an oak barrel similar to the ones used for aging whiskey or wine. It gets smoother, darker and the taste is sweeter thanks to the barrel
- Extra Añejo Tequila is barrel-aged for more than three years. The spirit becomes a dark amber color, and the flavor is rich with nuts, caramel, fruit, and spice, similar to whiskey or an older rum.
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Best Reposado: Siete Leguas Reposado
Courtesy of Drizly.com
Region: Jalisco | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Baking spices, Vanilla, Slate, Shale
Like many bartenders, Chasse considers this reposado from Siete Leguas her favorite tequila in general, regardless of the expression. The distillery where its made uses a mix of grinding methods: efficient roller mill and traditional tahona, a millstone carved from volcanic rock. The result: A nice balance between sustainability and the wonderful qualities of earthiness from the more fibrous milling of the tahona, she says.
With its mix of minerality, wood-driven vanilla notes and baking-spice panache, this versatile reposado is perfect to sip on anytime along with many different types of foods, says Chasse. It just makes my heart happy.
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Best Overall: Tequila Ocho Plata
Courtesy of Drizly.com
Region: Jalisco | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Pepper, Citrus, Grass, Stone fruit
The beautiful story and unique process behind this tequila really help it shine, says Chasse. The family that makes Tequila Ocho Plata has been distilling for generations. They use traditional brick ovens to slow-roast extremely ripe agave, which is chosen from specific fields each year, so that the nuances of the terroir and weather come out, especially in the blanco.
It changes depending on the field and year, says Chasse, but in general, it offers crisp, clean peppery notes, bright citrus and grassy flavors, along with the fruitiness of the extra-ripe agave. The finish also offers a nice balance between floral and earthy notes.
Good to Know: How should you drink a sipping tequila? Hurley and Chasse suggest trying it neat in a tequila glass . Add a few drops of water to open up the flavor. Medina prefers to sip his aged tequila in a snifter with one large cube of ice, which melts slowly, keeping the spirit cool but not diluting it.
Best Under $: El Tequileo Reposado
Courtesy of Total Wine
Region: Jalisco | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Agave, Baking spice, Vanilla, Pineapple
You can still taste the lovely green and cooked agave amid the baking spice notes and vanilla that come out of the barrel-aging process, says Jamie Gordon, managing partner at Albuquerque, New Mexicos Artichoke Cafe, of this iconic reposado. I get a little pineapple, too, which is one of those flavors youre always happy to find in a spirit.
Gordon also likes El Tequileños story. Founded in 1959 by Don Jorge Salles Cuervo, the brand is now under the watchful eye of third-generation master distiller, Jorge Antonio Salles. Its the exclusive tequila produced at Jaliscos La Guarreña distillery. It has a history of place, says Gordon, and, most importantly, its delicious.
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What Are Popular Tequila Cocktails
When it comes to classic Tequila cocktails, there are just three you need to know. Master the recipes for the Margarita, the Paloma, and the Tequila Sunrise, and youll be welcome at any party. Plus, you can always substitute Tequila for other spirits in favorite cocktails like the or .
Here are some of the best Tequila cocktail recipes:
Lets Talk About Aging Tequila
The amount of aging and the amount of agave used to make a tequila are what create the different varieties. Each variety has a different type of flavor, aroma, and price point.
These are blanco, reposado, añejo, and extra añejo.
Keep in mind that añejo doesnt mean best, it just means oldest. If you prefer the flavor of blanco, then buy blanco. Extra añejos are often the most expensive tequilas.
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Buy Tequila & Mezcal Online & Have It Delivered
Tequila enthusiasts, youve come to the right place! If you are looking to buy tequila online, Worldwide Wine & Spirits has an abundant selection of brands and tastes to choose from. In addition to our wealthy selection of tequila for sale, you can also buy mezcal online at Worldwide Wine & Spirits. Whether you are planning on a celebration, winding down for the day, or want to relax with a margarita poolside, we make it easy for you to order tequila online and have it delivered straight to your doorstep. Shop for all of your favorite brands when you buy tequila from our online liquor shop!
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There Are Three Varieties Of Casamigos Tequila For You To Try
Casamigos Tequila comes in different varieties, which are defined based on how long the tequila is left to age. The youngest, the Casamigos Tequila blanco, rests for just two months, so it is crisp and clean, with flavours of citrus, vanilla, and sweet agave. The finish is long and smooth. The next youngest variety is the Casamigos Tequila reposado, which is aged for seven months in American white oak barrels. It is soft and smooth, with flavours of oak, caramel, and cocoa. The finish is silky and medium to long. Finally, the variety which is aged the most is the Casamigos Tequila Añejo, which is aged for fourteen months in American white oak barrels. It has flavours of caramel and vanilla, with both sweetness and spice. The finish is lingering and smooth.
Whether you like to sip your tequila neat, to pour it over ice, or to drink it in a tasty cocktail, Casamigos Tequila is sure to please. You can purchase a bottle of Casamigos Tequila now from our online shop!
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How Is Tequila Made
While grapes, wheat, or corn can be harvested a few months to a few years later before being processed and distilled into alcohol, the blue agave plants used to make tequila are different. They take about 10 years to grow before theyre ready to be harvested for tequila.
The labor-intensive harvesting is done by hand by agave farmers known as jimadores. Here are the main steps for turning agave into tequila:
- Agave harvesting: When ready to be harvested, the spiny leaves and roots are cut off the main plant body, called the agave heart or piña, which goes to processing.
- Process the agave: The hearts are slowly baked, which can sometimes take days. The slow cooking reduces caramelization and prevents the juices from turning bitter, thus maintaining the flavor of the agave.
- Crush the agave: Afterwards, the cooked hearts are crushed to release their sugary juices. This can be done by a mechanical crusher and grinder, or by the traditional way using a volcanic stone wheel called a tahona. Historically, a mule pulled the tahona, but these days an electric motor does the job. In theory, this slower practice of extracting agave nectar that will be fermented and distilled creates a more robust and complex flavor.
- Ferment the agave into tequila: The extracted juices are then fermented and twice-distilled as dictated by regulations. The distilled alcohol can then be bottled straight away or aged in wooden containers.
Elise Bauer
Santanas Latest: Carlos Tequila
There is no evidence that the Latin rock legend has covered the venerable instrumental classic. However, Santana has added a high-quality tequila to his growing line of Santana-branded products.
Latin-Rock Video
Check out the new video for this guitar and percussion-driven song by the leading Santana Tribute and Latin-rock band.
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