From the article: A Guide to Popular Tequila Brands
I hear this all the time, particularly about tequila: "I can't drink that stuff anymore." The story usually goes that the person who makes that statement had one (or more) bad experience while drinking tequila shots. More often than not that tequila was a cheap gold and even more common is Jose Cuervo Gold. However I often have to "force" people to reinvent their tequila experiences using premium brands, reposados and anejos. This often works and what I would like to know is which tequilas you recommend to initiate friends to really enjoy this fantastic spirit that deserves a second (and appropriate) chance. Share Your Tequila
Campeon 100% Blue Agave Tequila
- Tequila is still my favorite distilled spirit. I learned how to make the best margaritas in college! Since then I've purchased better grade tequilas greatly improving shots and tequila cocktails. I've found Campeon 100% Blue Agave in either Silver, Reposado or Anejo to be incredibly smooth with a great balanced taste, delicious. I made amazing margaritas with the Campeon 100% Blue Agave Reposado last weekend. The best place to find it is at BevMo's.
- —Guest Rachel
Cazadores
- tried Cazadores recently + was impressed. I have about 15 brands (none over $35) and as long as it's 100% agave, it's fine.
- —Guest Barlee
Tequila
- El Tesoro anejo :- I recall introducing this brand to some people who had never done tequila shots and the reaction was yummm!!!
- —Guest sunil
Readers Respond: Which brands do you tur
- First, surprised that someone is calling out a margarita recipe of agave nectar, water (to thin the nectar), lime juice and añejo... With the right añejo, that's a great version of a Margarita. Regardless, the recipe is ideal (Look up Tommy's Margarita, thank me later). As for tequila brands to drink, each person should settle on what THEY like, but only after tasting a lot of different brands first. My shortlist of suggestions to sip: Ocho, Casa Noble, El Tesoro, Fortaleza, T1, Fina Estampa, Alquimia & Siembra Azul. If you still want to drink many of the brands already called out here after trying these, so be it - at least you can say you have tried what many consider to be some of the best made stuff on the market.
- —Guest Tequilaphile
Don Julio 1942, approx. $90/750ml
- Tequila has been my liquor of choice for over 30 years and I've tried a lot of different brands. I've had some bad tequila experiences and some really great ones. I bought my first bottle of 1942 a couple years ago. An absolutely amazing range of flavors and an excellent finish. If you want to make margaritas, buy the cheap stuff. If you're looking to sip on a smooth, great-tasting tequila, this is probably the best you can get for less than $100.
- —Guest cincymike
Espolon
- Gold or Silver, either is a great agave at a surprisingly low price.
- —Guest Espolon
Best Tequila Re-introduction brands
- First one Riazul Anejo ladies you will like this Second is 1942 (Don Julio Anejo) so very silky smooth
- —Guest Jason W
I have two
- Love the Kirkland brand of anejo tequila, bought it for a camping trip and it went over well with everyone. Also Hussong tequila, love the taste and the awesome clay bottle and both are easy on the wallet.
- —Guest Renaeshort
Hornitos Anejo
- After having a shot of Hornitos Anejo straight up I can't tolerate anything else. This is simply the best.
- —Guest Ronald
Karma
- I've had them all. This is far and away the best of the best. Located in the Highlands of Jalisco...the best growing region for agave plants. The more a product is distilled, the smoother it is. This is a blend of double AND triple distilled tequila. Unlike most triple distilled varieties which lose a lot of flavor in the 3rd distilling process, this blend is full flavored yet smoother than all the double distilled products. Great for sipping and obviously great for shots and drinks. 5 star quality!
- —Don_Hermano
Tequila to introduce friends to
- Centenario Reposado. Not to harsh and a hint of citrus at the end.
- —Guest knit45
HORNITOS REPOSADO
- After researching Tequila at a Mexican Restaurante and comparing drink varieties at various others I found Hornitos to be the most smooth, yet strong brand available. Served in a drink, on the rocks, or as a shot it has yet to let me down, and I have introduced it to many others, both tequila fans and those who are critics, with much success. Muchas Gracias Hornitos!
- —Guest Phil McGrath
favorite tequila
- Two Fingers Gold is my favorite. It is a delight when done traditionally, with the salt lick, the shot downing, and the followup lemon (or lime) finishing bite. The first try is a warm explosion in the stomach but all after that are smooth and easy. I recall introducing this brand to some people who had never done tequila shots before, and one lady turned a simple sitdown session into a wild and stormy night after 7 of those introductory shots. Finding Two Fingers in California has become problematic but maybe continued requests at the local liquor emporiums will have some results.
- —toxicavenger
Siembra Azul Blanco
- an excellant tequila, smooth, friuty and very pleasing as you sisp it down....
- —Guest D J CHAVEZ
Alacran
- not usually a tequila drinker, but went with a friend to La Biblioteca at 3rd Avenue and 40th Street NYC and had it. Was amazing smooth and warm...delicious! a must drink from now on....
- —Catcao
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