August 15, 2007 I find Don Julio 1942 a totally different experience from many "top-end" anejos. Don Julio is very light, and very sweet, with only moderate agave flavor and an incredibly smooth finish. I would go so far as to recommend this as a "starter tequila" for non-tequila lovers (are there such people?) as a way to introduce them to the joy of aged tequilas.

I could talk about the vanilla, caramel, and cinnamon notes, but it's all been said. This is just a very refreshing tequila.

The bottle is attractive but doesn't really catch the eye like some others. And the price is right around what you would expect for a good anejo. It's also available in just about any bar that boasts an "extensive tequila menu" for about $20.

 August 15, 2007 Herradura Seleccion Suprema is the standard by which I measure all anejo tequilas. It is, hands-down, one of the best anejo tequilas I have ever tasted. It is very rich, full-bodied, and complex. Tequila Joe absolutely nailed it with his description of a dense, heavy - almost syrupy feel.

For an anejo, I would say it has only moderate agave flavor on the back end; but what struck me was the exceptionally long duration of flavor, even when compared to other high-end tequilas like Gran Centenario Extra Anejo.

The presentation is classy to say the least. Simple, elegant, classic. Yes, it's $300 a bottle. It's not for everyday. But if you want to have one super high-end tequila in your collection, you can't go wrong with this one.

 August 14, 2007 4 Copas Anejo is a nice, full-bodied tequila with moderate agave flavor. I enjoy the bold oakiness accompanied by caramel and earth notes. The bottle is nothing to write home about and the price of about $100/750ml is in line with good sipping tequilas.

This is a great tequila for impressing company without breaking out the really good stuff we all keep for ourselves.

 August 14, 2007 This is one of my favorite reposados and one that I keep in the house at all times. It is light, sweet, and smooth with notes of vanilla and cinnamon. A great "everyday" sipping tequila. Although a bit expensive at $100/750ml, I don't really expect to pay less for a good sipping tequila. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a reposado that retains the flavor of agave while adding a slight, sweet complexity.

 August 01, 2007 At less than 1 mile from my house, El Carmen is my neighborhood tequila bar. And with over 400 varieties of tequila, I will NEVER get bored with it.

The food is cheap and served quickly. Is it great? No. But it gets the job done. For tequila pricing calibration, I always use Herradura Seleccion Suprema, which is $35 here; but there are some selections that tip the scales at $100 (too rich for my blood).

Like the description says, the ambiance is awesome. Mexican wrestler masks and bull heads line the walls. It can be dark and noisy at times, but never to the point where I am uncomfortable.

Not all the waitresses know their tequila, but the bartenders seem very knowledgeable and willing to offer samples and recommendations. (With 400 varieties, I can definitely use recommendations from time to time.)

Due to the massive selection, fair pricing, knowledgeable bartenders, and fantastic atmosphere, I have to give El Carmen a solid "A" and recommend it to anyone visiting Los Angeles.