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
Clase Azul
- it's a bit pricey but i like it. of course it's not something to be drinking on a regular basis but i always have a bottle stashed around the house just in case something special happens and i decide i need a celebratory shot.
- —Guest That Guy
The good stuff
- pour 3 shots of 1800 tequila over ice in a pint glass and mix with redbull energy drink & bingo. Sounds bad I know but dont knock it to you try it.
- —Guest New Zealander
I have to go with Tiki
- Voodoo Tiki tequila is by far my favorite. Everything about the brand is hand-made... Mmmmmmmmmmmmm So good
- —Guest tequilalover
I prefer Sauza Hornitos
- While living on the Mexican, I learned to enjoy Tequila. On my travels throughout Mexico, I asked various vendors of Tequila, "what is the best"; most recommended Sauza Hornitos. I tried it and now I keep going back.
- —Guest Ray Lyons
Tequila for grown-ups
- Jose Cuervo is to Tequila what Taco Bell is to Mexican food. And, yes, they are working on producing some better spirits, it is best to stick with the masters. Don Julio in all of its forms for a variety of uses. Also, any of the Gran Centenarios - just now appearing on US shelves. If your friends aren't ready for sipping tequilla, introduce them slowly by giving them an 'Origianl Marguerita' with simply a good tequila a very good orange liquer (think Contreau or Grand Marinier) and lime juice - shake over ice and poor into a martini glass (the origianl tiny glass not the fish-bowl ones). This allows the flavor of the tequila to come through without bringing back bad college-days memories.
- —Guest awtnm
Inocente Tequila
- It's a little expensive to be throwing down shots on a regular basis but I promise, you'll never get tired of drinking it.
- —Guest Bill Conger
Casa Noble
- Both the Casa Noble reposado and Anejo are fantastic sipping tequilas. Both distinct and extremely smooth and flavoful with zero alcohol burn. The blanco is great as a mixer.
- —Guest Jason
My favorites
- I bartend in a tequila bar, and I often have to help people find "their" tequila. Everyone has different tastes and different expectations, so I try to give them a small taste of a few that are really different to help me steer them in the right direction. I've found that El Tesoro, Casa Noble, and El Gran Jubileo make great jumping off points. While El Tesoro is floral and aromatic, Casa Noble is deep, chocolaty, and rich. On the other hand, El Gran Jubileo hits you with some sweetness and then slaps you with some spice that I just love. Since every customer has different tastes, I can suggest other brands from which of those three they prefer. Most people end up liking El Tesoro, and even though I prefer to sip the añejo, the silver sings beautifully in a margarita. My own mother hated tequila, and she now has a bottle of El Tesoro at home. Hope this helps! ¡Salud!
- —Guest Adrianne (@agallatin)
My favorite Tequilas...
- I too, have met my fair share of people who declare they will never drink the spirit again because they had a bad night with Jose Cuervo. But that would be like declaring I will never drink beer again because "night train" did me wrong. To really experience what Tequila was meant to be, you must start with a smooth, quality tequila. My favorites for subtlety and smoothness are Patron Silver and Sauza Hornitos. Tres Generacions is another good choice. Start off with some mixed drinks such as a margarita (made with real lime juice, not a mix!) and slowly work your way to sipping it with some sangrita. Buena suerta!
- —ChelsieKenyon
A few of the many...
- To get started, I have a few tequilas that are my go-to's to transform tequila opinions. The best I've found that is almost everywhere is Don Julio Reposado and any of the Gran Centenarios are also excellent, especially the reposado chilled. I also get a wide selection of tequilas coming through the door and one that made everyone stand up and explore the full tequila line was Maestro Dobel - it's clear with an anejo character. Lining up a sipper of each of the types of any brand is also a great method - start with the blanco and work to anejo...people are amazed that tequila can taste like oak and actually be delicious.
- —abcocktails
