I can't drink the mass produced paint thinner the huge companies pump out so I went in search of some quallity tequilas and ran across several that really are quite good IMHO. I'd love to hear of some that you've tried that you would order again. In order of my favorite working down.... Herradura Seleccion Suprema- The best of the best but one of the most expensive, 250.00 to 315.15 a bottle. Fantastic stuff, like a fine brandy,at these prices you sip, you don't gulp. Put away the lemons and salt, you won't need them Patron Anejo- A great tequila with a light fruity flavor and a explosive finishing taste. 50.00 to 60.00 a bottle. Chinaco Anejo- A tie for my second favorite, the flavor reminds you of chocolate with a very smooth oak taste and an excellent finish. About 60.00 a bottle. Cuervo Reserva de la Familia- One of the best, think very smooth with an excellent bouquet. Very complex with a slow finish.60.00 to 79.00 a bottle. Herradura Anejo- A bold flavor with a nice finish and a sweet aroma. Best for the value, 45.00 to 50.00 a bottle. If you want to list some of the bad ones as well, feel free. PS: I know some of you hate the stuff but you should give the better ones a try some time
Reserva de Familia Cuervo Simply the best anejo tequila I've ever had. Aged 3 years, which is very long for a tequila. Even thoug it comes from the big Jose Cuervo house who are responsible for some of the worst tasting ************ I've ever encountered, this is the VSOP of the agave world. Expensive ($89-100/bottle) but worth ever penny. El Tesoro Silver The pure essence of agave. Spicy, peppery notes, with no bitter alcohol bite. Smooth, smooth, smooth, damn it's smooth. Great straight or as a mixer. It doesn't cost an arm and a leg either. Herradura Anejo & Reposado The standard of quality as far as I'm concerned. From what I understand the treat the worker better then most other tequila houses. They pay their Jimador a living wage as opposed to a by the pound fee, which results in better cuts of the agave leaving more of the sweet interior of the heart and less of the bitter outer spires. The list of shame (undrinkable crap) Jose Cuervo Gold & Silver Two Fingers Montezuma Just about anything found on the rail at most bars Just about any Mezcal (which ain't even tequila) as a weird bargain side note, Sauza makes the only non 100% agave tequila I'd ever consider drinking (last resort sort of thing don't you know).
Patron Silver is my personal favorite. I don't mind Sammy Hagar's brand Cabo Wabo. I left Cuervo in college and won't go back to either.
Good stuff. I also like Sauza Hornitos, don Eduardo, and all the Chinaco varieties. These are really best for straight shooting. Hornitos, which doesn't cost too much, is also good for margaritas. Avoid any crap like Cuervo Gold and its caramel coloring. Not real tequila. Isn't it funny how tequila typically jumps out of the liquor cabinet after you've already had too much to drink?
Sauza Hornitos is a really good, everyday tequila, straight or on the rocks with a twist of lime. Not strong, not wimpy. Order it in a bar and see how you like it.
El Conquistador Blanco. It's simply the best tequilla on the market today. While it is somewhat expensive, it's far far better than anything priced higher than it. I've pretty much had them all, and this one just stands heads and shoulders above the rest as the best.