Not much of a collection
they are all for drinking, but all pretty good.Left to right:
Porfidio Anejo - Sadly, it is nothin' but fumes and memories, as we have not been able to get a refill. Arguably one of the best tequilas at any price.
Don Eduardo Reposado - very good Reposado, modestly priced.
Tequila Romance (by Milagro) - This is an odd bottle that has 250ml of Anejo in the center (dark) and 750ml of Reposado surrounding it, and has two spouts. Good, but mostly for looks.
Don Ramon Reposado - Low cost, but tasty. Probably the best value in a 100% agave tequila, it was only about $12 in Mexico.
Don Julio Anejo - Another REALLY good tequila, nothing else touches it in the $50 price range. Highly recommended.
El Cofre de Oro Anejo - We toured the hacienda where this is made in mountains outside of Puerto Vallarta. It's good, but Don Julio is the same price and kicks it's ass.
Legenda del Milagro Reposado - Wins the "cool bottle" contest with it's agave plant flowering out of the base. And? It's pretty good! Oddly tastes better than the "Romance" tequila made by the same company.
Patron Reposado - Good. Perhaps over-rated.
Corralejo Reposado - Good value, tasty, readily available.
I'd say the Anejo winner is the Porfidio, but cannot be found since they lost their license a few years back. That bottle was made in the last year before their closure. Out of the "available" Anejo's, the Don Julio is your best friend.
The Reposado field is closer. But I'd have to say both the Milagro and Don Ramon are very good choices. Don Ramon is perhaps the "best buy" winner, and the Milagro is just plain good stuff, and can be found usually at Costco.
There is a LARGE difference between the worst tequilas above and your typical Jose Cuervo found at a liquor store. I used to hate tequila because it gave me headaches and hangovers. Not to mention it burned my throat hard. Kinda a "macho" thing to drink shots of cheap tequila. It's typically only 51% agave spirits and the rest is neutral spirits (think Everclear). But after discovering what tequila is supposed to taste like, it has become my favorite liquor.
Basically, real tequila is made from 100% agave spirits. It comes in three ranges: Blanco (or silver) is not aged, but is still better than the best rotgut. Makes a great margarita. Reposado is the next step up, expect to pay about $25-$35 a bottle, as it is aged about 6m to a year. Anejo is the top shelf as it is aged at least 2 years. Prices can go nuts here, and that bottle of Porfidio was $250 in Mexico about 6 years ago. Some genuine bottles have went for over $700 recently. But to be honest, it is better than Don Julio ($50) but not $200 better.
The proper way to drink a fine tequila does not involve salt or limes. You pour out a small amount in a glass, then inhale deeply over it to gather the aroma. Throw it down your gullet, close your mouth and inhale deeply. You will taste many subtle flavors.
Or just grab a bottle a guzzle it down.
Certainly do not waste Reposado or Anejo by mixing it. If you want to make high quality mixed drinks, use the Blanco. The flavors of the aged tequila will be masked by sugar mixers.OK, time for a shot of Don Julio! :joker:
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