Tequila

1. Type

Blanco ("white") or plata ("silver"): White spirit, un-aged and bottled or stored immediately after distillation, or aged less than two months in stainless steel or neutral oak barrels; Joven ("young") or oro ("gold"): A mixture of blanco tequila and reposado tequila (Ex. Jos Cuervo Oro). Reposado ("rested"): Aged a minimum of two months, but less than a year in oak barrels of any size; Aejo ("aged" or "vintage"): Aged a minimum of one year, but less than three years in small oak barrels; Extra Aejo ("extra aged" or "ultra aged"): Aged a minimum of three years in oak barrels. This category was established in March 2006.

2. Recommendation a. Herencia de Plata Tequila Blanco The distinguished flavors of this tequila are highlighted with a smoky, herbal note. A shot of this 100% agave tequila will leave your mouth with a hot, fruity, pepper snap. b. Don Eduardo Silver Tequila Don Eduardo Silver Tequila does not have the harshness of many other tequilas. The mix of pepper and fruit flavors produce a smooth, silky 100% agave tequila. c. Lapis Platinum Tequila 100% agave blanco tequila that has a slight hint of honey and sweet agave flavors. Lapis Platinum Tequila has a smooth pepper finish instead of the bite. d. Sauza Gold Tequila Sauza over Jose Cuervo because it is slightly less harsh and has a slightly richer taste. Highly recommended as it is not a mixto. e. Olmeca Tequila Blanco For those on a budget a bottle of Olmeca Tequila Blanco (around $18) is a great choice for a blanco tequila. This light, dry tequila is balanced with layers of pepper, fruit and spice that finishes with a snap of sweet agave, salt and pepper. f. Don Diego Gold Tequila You will find a variety of flavors in a bottle of Don Diego Gold Tequila. This pale gold tequila has a mild pineapple and passionfruit taste highlighted with cinnamon and pepper. A kick in the end of hot peppers will snap you to attention making this a fun tequila to shoot.

g. Real de Magueyes Silver Mezcal This is a very drinkable Mezcal that is smooth and fruity. Good choice for shots if you like a peppery bite with a smoky, roasted touch at the end. h. El Tesoro de Don Felipe Platinum Tequila

This is a clear, spicy 100% agave tequila with a peppery bite. The flavors of agave are wonderfully pure and distinct, making this shot an intense eye opener that is sure to be enjoyed by many. i. Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila Arguably the world's most popular tequila and the most often used for shots, Cuervo Gold is not one of my personal favorites (in fact I avoid it) but it's here because it is popular. For around $20 a bottle it's a good deal, but many of the stories I hear of people shooting it (or too much) has ruined many tequila experiences for a lifetime. That is a shame. Monte Alban Mezcal If you're looking for the worm, a bottle of Monte Alban Mezcal is gauranteed to have it. This Mezcal is well-rounded with an earthy array of flavors, a peppery finish and very little burn. ULTIMATE TEQUILA: Trago - ($50-70) available in silver, reposado, anejo - All of them are divine! Reserva Del Dueno - ($45) Don Julio - available in silver, reposado, anejo - ($40-48) Cabo Wabo - Sammy Hagar's name is attached - ($50) Don Eduardo - ($45-50) Herradura - available in silver, reposado, anejo - ($40-47) Rio de Plata - ($43) TOP SHELF TEQUILA: Patron - it's got 'ultimate' prices, though...currently in silver & reposado - ($50-55) Sauza Tres Generaciones - silver, anejo - ($35-40) El Jimador - silver, reposado - ($26-30) Hussong's ($38) Sauza Hornitos (reposado) / Sauza Conmemorativo (anejo) ($27-30) Jose Cuervo Tradicional ($30) Cazadores ($35) MIDDLE-CLASS TEQUILA: Sauza - silver, gold - ($17-19) Jose Cuervo - silver, gold - ($18-20) Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffet's / silver, gold - ($16-17) 1800 - reposado, anejo - ($25-35) BUDGET TEQUILA: Pancho Villa - silver, gold - ($13-14) Pepe Lopez - ($17) Arandas - silver, gold - ($14-17)

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