5 Expert Tips For Choosing and Tasting Tequila

When it comes to agave spirits, Mexico’s tequila is still the undisputed king.

 

Already one of the most popular spirits in the U.S.—if not across the globe—tequila is the key ingredient for Margaritas, Palomas, and more classic cocktails. And over the past few years, scores ofcelebrities have hopped on the tequila train, rolling out their own bespoke brands and drawing still more attention to the already-thriving tequila arena.

 

But for those new to tequila, it can be confusing to navigate, and new bottles and categories have made store and bar shelves more crowded than ever. How do you select a bottle and serve it? Here are a few tips, sourced from some of the pros who specialize in the spirit.

 

Look for 100% Agave Tequila

 

Not all tequila is created equal. You always want to make sure your tequila is 100% agave and additive free. Producers are allowed to use up to 1% of four different additives, like caramel color or sweetening syrups, without disclosing it to consumers, and lots of the big brands do just that.

 

Further, keep an eye out for the word “mixto” on a label. Mixto tequila can include up to 49% of non-agave components, such as

Select an Age Range: Blanco, Reposado or Añejo

 

The next step is to decide if you’d prefer a tequila that’s bright and crisp, deep and complex, or somewhere in between. The categories of an age range include: Blanco, which will be unaged, reposado will be rested in barrels from 2–12 months, and añejo will be aged 1–3 years.

 

Starting with a blanco is suggested as it is bright and, showcases the tasting notes of the agave without the added flavor from barrel aging. By comparison, reposado will have some barrel-aged notes, although the agave still shines through, while longer-aged añejo offers lots of vanilla and spicefrom the longer barrel aging time. If you are a whiskey drinker, starting with añejo may be best, as the barrel-aged notes will be very familiar.

 

Look Beyond the Packaging

 

One of the biggest misperceptions about tequila is that premium prices and pretty bottles denote quality spirits. An eye-catching bottle might look nice on a bar cart, but that doesn’t always signify great liquid inside.

 

The best stuff is typically made by people who have a history in the tequila and bar industry—the people who are third, fourth or fifth generation tequileros. Heritage, tradition, and innovation are things we prize when it comes to American, European, and Asian distillates. It should be no differentwhen it comes to tequila.

 

Try It Neat (But Don’t Get Hung Up on That)

 

Try blanco tequila served neat while sipping it alongside a lager or mineral water and enjoy it slowly.

 

If you prefer mixed drinks beyond the classic Margarita or Paloma, try a tequila Negroni with an overproof Blanco, or sample it in a highball with mineral water and lime.

 

People should drink tequila the way they like to drink best. There are no real rules to this since at the end of the day it was made to enjoy.

Written by Liquor.com

Published on June 01, 2023