A Worthy Pairing That May Not Be Your First Choice

[BigGuns]

Great read on Tequila:

https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/how-to-find-quality-tequila-1235367159/

I've been indulging in Tequila for quite some time now and having taken a few trips to Jalisco to tour tequilerias and go on tastings, my appreciation continues to grow.  I'd argue it is an incredible pairing for this fine hobby of ours and urge you to give it a try sometime to switch it up.  I've had most of the recommendations at the end and you can't go wrong with any.

Share your thoughts!  My go-to's (which feels impossible to narrow down) are Tequila 1-2-3 Uno (blanco), El Tequileño Blanco, Siete Leguas Reposado, and La Gritona Reposado.  There are many many more...

[targa88]

Cheap end: introduced to me by locals while travelling in Baja

Gran Centenario Añejo 

Mid range:

Cascahuin Extra Anejo

Top end: this was originally recommended by buddy in Jalisco - it was more affordable back in the day

Casa Herredura Seleccion Suprema

Always interesting to discover - tequila for sipping rather than as a mixer....

I seem to have a preference for the Añejo end of the spectrum

[MrBirdman]

Tequila gets a bad rap with many drinkers because of Cuervo et al, but it can be a remarkably refined beverage (if at times pricey). One thing I like about tequila is that unlike say whiskey it can be enjoyed white (without barrel aging) and savored that way. In fact blanco is my preferred style. To my palate tequila is better with NC styles than CC, but if you’re into spirit pairings both are worth a shot. 

[BrightonCorgi]

Kirkland Blanco or Reposado are our go to's.  Keep them in the drop in freezer and use for whole fruit margaritas in Vitamix. 

 

[ender.lmm]

All tequila distilleries are regulated by Mexican authority NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana, or Official Mexican Normative), all bottles should show the distillery NOM #. A good way to find "similar" tequilas related to the ones you like

I kind of agree that tequila matches better with NC, except in the case of añejos or extra añejos which remind me of cognac and make a great pairing with Cubans

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[BigGuns]

8 hours ago, targa88 said:

Cheap end: introduced to me by locals while travelling in Baja

Gran Centenario Añejo 

Mid range:

Cascahuin Extra Anejo

Top end: this was originally recommended by buddy in Jalisco - it was more affordable back in the day

Casa Herredura Seleccion Suprema

Always interesting to discover - tequila for sipping rather than as a mixer....

I seem to have a preference for the Añejo end of the spectrum

I've certainly enjoyed the first and third, but only the Cascahuin blanco, which is great.  I hear you on the Añejo.  Are you a whiskey drinker?  Reposados and Añejos tend to be more in line with the whiskey drinker's wheelhouse, for obvious reasons.  The barrels used for aging the two are typically sourced from different wineries or whiskey distilleries across the globe.  It's interesting to pick up the different profiles from wine vs. whiskey barrel-aged selections.

7 hours ago, MrBirdman said:

Tequila gets a bad rap with many drinkers because of Cuervo et al, but it can be a remarkably refined beverage (if at times pricey). One thing I like about tequila is that unlike say whiskey it can be enjoyed white (without barrel aging) and savored that way. In fact blanco is my preferred style. To my palate tequila is better with NC styles than CC, but if you’re into spirit pairings both are worth a shot. 

So funny you mention Cuervo, Brett.  I was saying the same thing - reflecting on many regrettable nights in my late teens with "The Gold" - until I visited the Cuervo farm and factory this past summer.  They are LEGIT.  Obviously the biggest operation in Jalisco, but they make some high-end stuff.  Their Reserva de la Familia (extra añejo) is superb and was served to us straight out of the barrel in cognac snifters. 

I also understand the suggestion that tequila is better paired with NCs, as the typical NC flavor profile has a bit more bite or pepper than CC (so I gather from what I read and hear), so they tend to "stand up" next to that perceived blue-collar finish of tequila.  That is precisely why I posted this and made the recommendations I made.  Even with those Blancos, the process being so refined, along with the maturity of the agave used in these selections, they present much smoother and well-balanced flavor profiles that don't necessitate a bump of salt and a chase of lime, making them a great pairing.  I certainly agree - worth a shot (quite literally!)

[El Presidente]

God I hate you Mike. 

The last thing I need is another vice rabbit hole to descend. 

[BigGuns]

😘

Thank me (or curse me) later!

[helix]

Gifted a bottle of Casamigos Reprosados . Not bad for a celebrity tequila , good mixer.

.

[MrBirdman]

On 11/13/2023 at 8:26 PM, BigGuns said:

I was saying the same thing - reflecting on many regrettable nights in my late teens with "The Gold" - until I visited the Cuervo farm and factory this past summer.  They are LEGIT.  Obviously the biggest operation in Jalisco, but they make some high-end stuff.  Their Reserva de la Familia (extra añejo) is superb and was served to us straight out of the barrel in cognac snifters

That’s interesting, I’ll keep that in mind if visit Mexico. I guess before the premium spirits movement they would keep the good stuff for themselves, but now that there is a market for it I’ll have to try to track down some of their better offerings. 

When it comes to good Blancos, I don’t have a single brand in mind. I’ve found that if it’s 100% blue agave you can usually count on it being a good product. The aged version of brands are going to be more distinct in flavor.

[Tinny]

For Blancos I really enjoy Siete Leguas 

[ubiquito]

The entire Siete Leguas lineup is exceptional, especially for the price. Also - anything Fortaleza.

I'm not generally a huge Patron fan, but the Sherry Cask Anejo is lights out good for my taste and one I keep going back to.

[99call]

Like I've pointed out on many occasion on this forum , reposado, anejo, and extra anejo tequila has more in common with Cuban cigars than any other premium spirit, rum included.

Cedar, honey, herbaciousness, citrus, caramel, vanilla, woodiness, hay. If you are smoking a colorado or claro CC there is no better 'hand in glove' pairing. 

Sadly, so many people burn their bridges with tequila with terrible cheap blanco rubbish while they are students, and never get the opportunity to taste the good stuff. 

 

 

[helix]

Could not even smell the cap for years after that bad bar Sauza . 🤮

[99call]

10 minutes ago, helix said:

Could not even smell the cap for years after that bad bar Sauza . 🤮

Yep, this is sadly the story for I'd say 85% of people who have tried tequila. A painful, singular experience, with a poor product, they don't want to repeat.