TEQUILA HITS A HIGH NOTE: From Harsh Hangovers to Top-Shelf Status

Frat boys doing shooters. Hallucinogenic worms at the bottom of the bottle. Killer hangovers. A reputation like that, cultivated over many years, is a hard thing to overcome. Tequila is often thought of as a brutally punishing alcoholic beverage that is inappropriate for sophisticated drinkers. However, these days times have changed. In the last few years tequila has become an option for drinkers of discernable taste. Premium tequilas have entered the market, and there are many excellent choices for those looking to make a delicious margarita, or simply sip a smooth tequila neat.

First, we should dispel the myths. The worm is a non-hallucinogenic marketing gimmick that only appears at the bottom of bottles of mezcal, a traditional Mexican liquor. All liquors distilled from any agave plant are “mezcal,” but only those made from the weber blue agave are branded as “tequila.” The weber blue agave is a succulent, not a cactus, with long spiny leaves and a pineapple-like core. The plants grow for 8 to 12 years before the cores are harvested, and the natural sugars they contain are fermented to produce tequila. The famous hangovers attributed to drinking tequila most often result from the consumption of mixed tequilas. By law, tequilas must be made from at least 51% agave. Distilling a mix of sugars, usually cane sugar, and water makes the remaining 49%. This mixed (“mixto” in Spanish) tequila, with the nonagave-derived sugar it contains, is the cause of the pain.

The Mexican government has been instrumental in improving the image of its native drink. Regulations are in place to ensure the quality of tequila. By following the lead of the French government (think of the highly esteemed brandy known as Cognac, and the sparkling wine called Champagne), only producers in Jalisco and a few neighboring areas of Mexico can use the tequila name. In addition, tequila labeling has become an accurate measure of the quality of the product. Only the best tequilas are made from pure agave juices. If a bottle of tequila is 100-percent agave, it will always say so on the label.

Premium tequilas are also identified by the amount of time they have been aged. When bottled immediately after distillation, they are called “blanco” or silver. When stored in oak barrels, however, tequila takes on a golden color and a smoother taste. Stored at least two months but less than a year, they are called “reposado,” which means rested. Kept in the barrels at least one year, they are called “añejo,” which means aged. The newest and most exclusive designation is called “extra añejo.” These new tequilas must be aged at least three years in oak. Strict regulations, clear labeling, and quality products have led to a drastic upsurge in the consumption of premium tequilas. Below are a few examples of fine premium tequilas for your drinking pleasure.

BLANCO

Don Julio Blanco
This is an excellent example of a pure agave tequila. It is clear with a pleasant aroma. After an initial bite, the flavor is crisp and smooth. It works as a sipping drink, but makes the perfect foundation for a top shelf margarita.

Corzo Silver
This clear tequila has a distinct citrus aroma, and a noticeable bite on the tongue. Once swallowed, it has a smooth finish, but would be best used as the base of a good cocktail using quality mixers.

REPOSADO

Patron Reposado
The Patron family of tequilas helped to dispel the poor reputation of tequilas in the United States. Their reposado has a light amber color, a smooth texture on the palate, and a fresh herbal flavor. Fine for sipping, and a luxurious main ingredient for margaritas that will wow your friends.

Cazadores Reposado
This popular reposado is readily available and used frequently by bars and restaurants for premium margaritas. It has a light golden color, a strong fruity aroma, and a pleasant finish. Try sipping it neat or blended with good mixers.

El Tesoro De Don Felipe Reposado
This tequila is slightly tan in color with a subtle wood scent. It offers a tingle on the tongue, and a smooth buttery flavor. Makes a smooth and delicious margarita.

AÑEJO

Tequila 33 Añejo
This golden elixir smells like candy, is incredibly smooth going down, and has virtually no bite on the tongue. An excellent choice for those who want a cognac-like sipping experience.

Herradura Añejo
With a light golden color, a slight oakiness, and very smooth texture, this añejo would be an excellent choice for sipping out of your favorite snifter.

EXTRA AÑEJO

Tres Generaciones Añejo
This is a delicious tequila from the Sauza family. It is a pale golden tequila that smells sweet and slightly oaky. Extremely smooth going down and has a subtle sweet flavor. Another fine sipper, that happens to have a down-to-earth price (around $60 a bottle) considering the category.

Don Julio Real
This is a very limited production tequila aged three to five years. It has a light golden color, and a floral, aromatic scent. There is a strong, yet smooth flavor with hints of citrus and roasted agave. This one is strictly for sipping with your most cherished snifter. Costing at least six times the others reviewed here, the Real is meant to be a rare treat.

The secret to enjoying fine tequilas without painful consequences is in knowing what to look for. And while purists will claim that premium tequilas are intended to only be sipped, we believe that the quality of a mixed drink is dependent on the quality of the ingredients. So go ahead and mix your margaritas with premium tequilas. You will enjoy them that much more. If, however, you are looking for a fine sipping alternative to brandy or single-malt scotches, you will not go wrong with any of the añejo tequilas reviewed here.