Tequila experts - what is a very high quality, but readily available, tequila?

[Flaxbee]

I'd like to buy a bottle as a gift, but I'd like it to be of very high quality / excellent flavor / drinkability. Great on its own, maybe with a bit of lime...

I've heard that Fortaleza Blanco is excellent, but I'd have to have it shipped to me in Virginia and I'm not 100% certain that is legal (I think it is, but if anyone has a clear statement about it I'd be grateful).

Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

[ohnoyoudidnt]

1. I'm not an expert, but I like Patron.

It's about $40 for 750 ml. It's certainly better than Cuervo or anything else cheaper that I have tried.

[mackerel]

6. Patron is sooooooo smooth!

[Manifestor_of_Light]

2. Hubby likes Blue Tarantula. It was recommended by a waiter at a Tex-Mex restaurant.

He says it's much smoother than Jose Cuervo.

[jmowreader]

20. That's not saying much - paint thinner is much smoother than Jose Cuervo

[Hoyt]

3. Patron is a safe choice, but there are so many better/cooler tequilas available.

Patron and Don Julio are in every well stocked bar. While there are " better," not sure there are safer gifts and most liquor stores will have one or both.

If you get something in the $40 - $55 range, it will likely be viewed as something special. I like the Blanco/silvers, but many prefer the aged offerings -- reposado and anejo bottlings that are darker colored from aging in barrels.

I have a good store near me, but this site has a good selection. Call them and ask for recommendations.

oldtowntequila.com

[Flaxbee]

5. that's the online store I was going to order the Fortaleza from ...

I grew up in / near SD which is why I chose it.

May give them a call and see if they know if they can ship to Va.

Thanks

[begin_within]

4. Tequila almondrado

is an almond-flavored tequila that is yummy!

[OriginalGeek]

7. Herradurra

I like Reposado but their blanco is great too. And it's usually a bargain considering it's quality. Never tried the anejo.



as a general rule of thumb, not written in stone mind you, for any tequila, I sip reposado and use blanco for mixing drinks.

[Kali]

18. correct

if available

[OriginalGeek]

25. the BAD part

is it's spelled right there on the bottles and I still misspelled it. lol

Tekillya will do that...

[Kali]

26. durr...

I didn't see it either

[vanlassie]

8. Anybody remember the one Bartcop loved?

[Doc_Technical]

9. Bartcop liked Chinaco Anejo.

RIP Bartcop

[vanlassie]

10. RIP

[OakCliffDem]

12. CHINACO

[OriginalGeek]

24. RIP

I always wanted to try that one but I haven't seen it out here yet.

[KamaAina]

11. I'm astonished that LynneSin hasn't checked in yet

and I think you can go the to the VA ABC website and check out their inventory (you can in PA).

[ailsagirl]

13. Ugh-- no worm in the bottom of the bottle, I hope

Or was that just an urban legend?

[KamaAina]

15. That's mezcal

also made from the blue agave plant.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tequila#.22Tequila_worm.22_misconception

It is a common misconception that some tequilas contain a 'worm' in the bottle. Only certain mezcals, usually from the state of Oaxaca, are ever sold con gusano (with worm), and that only began as a marketing gimmick in the 1940s. The worm is actually the larval form of the moth Hypopta agavis, which lives on the agave plant. Finding one in the plant during processing indicates an infestation and, correspondingly, a lower-quality product. However, this misconception continues, despite effort and marketing to represent tequila as a premium liquor—similar to the way Cognac is viewed in relation to other brandies.

[ailsagirl]

16. Thanks for the clarification!

Now I know!

[Ptah]

14. I prefer Hornitos

[Kali]

19. good and available most everywhere

not upper shelf, but good tequila

[ohnoyoudidnt]

29. I just bought a fifth.

I have to say, not bad for $20.

[Mosby]

35. hornitos sucks

Try Don Sergio or Jose quervo traditional.

[pokerfan]

17. Don Julio fan here

You won't have to pay an arm and a leg for it but it still says you care...



Don Julio Reposado is 100% Blue Weber Agave , double distilled, and rested in charred oak bourbon barrels for up to 11 months. Each agave is hand selected at maturity and only the heart of the distillation is used, as it is the purest part, free from most impurities.

http://www.tequila.net/tequila-reviews/reposados/don-julio-tequila-reposado.html

[herding cats]

22. I second this recommendation

Smooth and yet complex tequila at a reasonable price. Great recommendation!

[hifiguy]

23. Don Julio is very good.

[ReverendDeuce]

21. 1800 is good and affordable...

It's quite reasonable.

[ohnoyoudidnt]

30. Yes.

That is another decently priced tequila that I can drink without having to mix.

[ReverendDeuce]

31. El Jimador anejo is good for $24.95 as well...

Enjoy it regularly. Sort of like Corzo, but a lot cheaper. Make no mistake, though, it's not a super premium.

[pinboy3niner]

27. Everything I know about tequila I learned from the Champs

[panader0]

28. I'm no real 'expert", but tequila is my hard liquor of choice

and I found El Jimador to be quite smooth and also quite inexpensive.

http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=HN.607990214915722928&w=300&h=300&c=0&pid=1.9&rs=0&p=0

[ReverendDeuce]

32. Beat me to it... this is also on my short list of affordable yet damned decent... n/t

n/t

[Xipe Totec]

33. Chamucos

http://www.tequila.net/tequila-reviews/reposados/chamucos-tequila-reposado-especial.html

[Mosby]

34. cazul 100 anejo

If you want to go really high end try Penacho reposado, it's a very small batch tequila aged in used French cognac barrels. Very yummy. At total wine it's 40 bucks for a 375.

Fyi patron and cabo wabo are considered gringo tequila, never had that crystal head stuff but I doubt it's worth the price. Don Julio is good and avion is overrated.

[Hotler]

36. Suerte Tequila, Anejo

Aged 2yrs. smooth with a hint of butterscotch when it first rolls across the tongue.
http://drinksuerte.com/?pagename=home