New to Tequila, what to buy next?

[howardf]

I'm a heavily seasoned beer drinker (craft beer, not Budweiser) who's starting to get in to tequila. So far I've bought El Tesoro Platinum, Anejo and Paradiso, Casa Noble Reposado, and Asombroso Blanco. All of those have been pretty good, with Asombroso being my least favorite so far. So which brands should I try next, and which should I avoid? The brands we can get in Indiana (minus a few I excluded) are:

Amate, Asombroso, Cabo Wabo, Casa Noble, Chinaco, Cielo, Corazon, Corralejo, Corzo, Don Eduardo, Don Julio, El Mayor, Fina Estampa, Herradura, La Cava Del Mayoral, Milagro and Tezon.

As a rule of thumb, I don't buy booze that's less than $30 a bottle, but I also try to avoid the $100+ bottles. While I'm asking questions, I really love everything I've had from El Tesoro, is it worth seeking out and paying the steep markup on the 70th Anniversary?

Cheers,

Howard

[gsars1]

Of those you mentioned, I like the Amate anejo and if you get Fina Estampa, any variety, than buy all of it, it's all excellent and apparently no longer made.

[QuintoSol]

My NSHO is that you buy the 7Leguas B & A (I particularly like pre-2008; 7L has a date stamp on the bottle, in the vicinity of the neck)... and Fina Estampa (it is no longer produced).

As for the ET 70th A... it is VERY good to Excellent... and it is pretty much gone from most stores; pretty soon it will be non-existent... so if you don't mind shelling out over $100 then go for it.

Salucita de la buena!

[rainman]

I really like ET Repo, Casa Noble Crystal, Don Julio Anejo and anything from Fina Estampa

[Lippy]

Hi Howard.
I would say "YES". That ET 70th is remarkable good and worth the money (gasp -- I NEVER say that)

Especially if you are already an ET fan, pick up a bottle and BLISS OUT!

[AgaveSpirit1]

I also got to agree with Lippy and Quinto, ET 70th is some good great Tequila, just go for it, as you sound like you are willing to try some other great Tequilas. On another note here are some more Brands you must taste, Chinaco (Older Importer), All Fina Estampa offerings, 7 Leguas Blanco(currently a favorite blanco for me) and get this QS, i'm talking about the newer 1 Liter bottles on the market in Mexico. I get a very strong taste of crushed cooked Agave notes all over this newer Blanco Enjoy the journey with Tequila and please do tell us about your future experiences with other Tequila Brands you might try. Salud

[3libras]

Ok, so can I ask what happened to Fina Estampa? Why did it go under, and when? I've got the anejo here but since I just saw this I made the effort to go and order the rep and blanco before it's gone. But still, why? Cause I know so many rave about it. Thanks.

[Paul G]

From what I've heard, it (fina) just stop making tequila a few months back. As for why, I'm sure for the same reason so many companies have (hard times) and the market is getting flooded with so many new tequila brands. (JUST MY GUESS) I for one will miss it

[Duaber]

Believe it or not but I can get Corzo Anejo here for around 27 bucks and its the tastiest anejo i've tasted. I will rate my favorites that I have tried out of your list.
Amate, Asombroso, Cabo Wabo, Casa Noble, Chinaco, Cielo, Corazon, Corralejo, Corzo, Don Eduardo, Don Julio, El Mayor, Fina Estampa, Herradura, La Cava Del Mayoral, Milagro and Tezon.

Casa Noble
Corzo
Herradura
El Mayor
Cielo
Don Julio
Corazon
Cabo Wabo

[howardf]

Well I picked up a bottle of Fina Estampa Reposado on Friday, but it didn't really blow my skirt up. It tasted more boozy/harsh than anything else I've had to date. I just ordered a bottle of the 70th Anniversary from Ramirez as a birthday present for myself, and it is scheduled to arrive on my birthday. Definitely looking forward to a nice snifter full of that to celebrate another trip around the sun. I can't help but notice that this new interest is getting expensive