Newbie going to Playa, looking for advice

[stogieokie]

Hello board,

I hate for my first post to be one asking for something, but I'm in a quandary and hope that you'll forgive (and help) me. I'm headed to Mexico soon and would like to bring back some exceptional tequila that's not available stateside. I've researched the ratings on this site and have prepared a list of everything that has received a 90 or better rating, but to be honest I think it has confused me more than it has helped.

I was hoping that some of you might be able to offer some suggestions on some exceptional bottles that I should look for and what I should pay for them? We're staying outside of Playa De Carmen and have some day trips planned to Cozumel and Chichen Itza if there are any places you're aware of that I should seek out.

You may be asking "well, what do you like"? I've searched the site enough to know that when I say Cabo--there isn't much good stuff available locally--you'll hopefully feel sorry for me and help show me the way to enlightenment.

Thanks in advance!

[stogieokie]

Someone?? Hate to fly without a net . . .

[stogieokie]

Wow, is this not a user-friendly board or is it just dead??

[MrAgave]

There are tons of tequila stores in playa, cancun, and cozumel. Recommended brands: Reserva de los Gonzalez, D Antaño, Tapatio, Cofradia Products

If you make it to Cozumel, check out Blue Agave Tequila Boutique. It is at 5A Avenida and Rosado Salas. They have a nice selection, prices a little high though.

Blue Agave Cozumel

And this store sells tequila and all kinds of tourist merchandise, can't remember the name, but great prices on Tequila.

Cozumel Tequila Store

[stogieokie]

Thank you so much for the information. I've been doing more research on what I might look for, but don't have a clue what I should pay for it. Guess I'll have to wing it and hope for the best.

[MrAgave]

Best to check out many stores before you buy, and try to find some honest locals to steer you in the right direction...

9 times out of 10, if you get off the tourist path, you can find some smokin deals!

[jasonrm72]

I recently went to Cancun, but I don't know any of the areas. As far as what to get while in MX :
I grabbed Maracame Anejo which I like alot. I paid probably $60 USD in Hacienda Tequila in the Kulk Mall in Cancun. That was a little high, but it was the only place I could find it .. except later at MX Int Airport where it was a few $ cheaper.

Anything from Casa Cofradia has been stellar so far. I bought an anejo not available in the States, very tasty.

Clase Azul Reposado was my 3rd purchase, you can find it anywhere and its reasonable $-wise.

In cancun I was disappointed to not be able to find many of the brands I was hoping for ie Don Valente, Penca Azul, Gran Jubile and a few others. There is plenty of selection, it just so happens I couldnt find the specific ones I had pegged ahead of time.

D Antaño was mentioned and I tried this while there .. I thought it tasted just like the 7 Leguas Anejo but with a bit more oak. I like that, however, any store that carried it in Cancun was selling it for $100USD. Its not worth that by a long shot. If you can get it closer to $50, Id grab it.

Have a good trip

[sogno]

Jason, when you were in Cancun, did you shop at La Europa? Excellent selection there. I picked up several bottles, and prices were fair. Then bought more at the La Fiesta markets in Playa the following week.

[jasonrm72]

I went to the one right on the strip not in downtown. I wasn't impressed with the strip store selection, Hacienda Tequila was much better

[sogno]

We just returned from Moxche, just outside Playa. You'll find a great selection and fair prices in Playa right on 5th ave. in some of the La Fiesta stores. They're the larger tourists stores, and one in particular had an excellent selection. I can't remeber the cross street, so would suggest you just check them all out.

I picked up several bottles.

Enjoy.