Early Indications

[jdjohn84]

It started with a trip to Cancun at one of those all-inclusive resorts. My brother-in-law suggested we try sipping on some tequila on the rocks with a lime wedge. I didn’t expect to like it, but I did. Supposedly it was Don Julio (a blanco in retrospect), but who really knows what they bring you down there. The resort gave us two free bottles of tequila per person to take back home with us, but one of mine broke in my suitcase. Nice. The bottle says Mistico, and is apparently a member of the Cuervo family in some way.

I decided to delve deeper into the intricacies of tequila, and started researching and tasting without abandon. My liquor budget is out-of-control. I have purchased no less than seven different brands, plus another three sampler bottles up at the liquor store checkout counter. My neighbor has happily joined me in sampling (and drinking my liquor), which is fine with me since it allows me to empty bottles faster, and then try new ones.

Thanks to you guys and your reviews, I have now developed a good list to work through, assuming I can find the brands locally. I have been to almost every decent liquor store within about a 15-mile radius of my house.

My early samplings follow - all were tried neat initially, but also with a couple of squirts of lime juice (or Roses’ Sweetened Lime Juice) and sometimes agave nectar.

Cabo Wabo Reposado – not bad at all; rather subtle.

Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado – more burn than flavor; better for mixing than sipping.

1800 Reposado – excellent for mixing, and tolerable for sipping; good flavor, but not exceptional.

Casa Noble Reposado – now we’re talking; incredible smell and taste; vanilla and caramel tones with a hint of the oak; clearly an exceptional sipper, but a dash of lime juice also well received; a little agave nectar enhances the vanilla flavor of the tequila.

Herradura Reposado – much fruitier than previous samples, and less wood; a good sipper and exceptional mixer, but I’m looking forward to trying their anejo.

Sol Azul Reposado – more wood than anything; I don’t care for it as a sipper, but it gives an interesting flavor as a mixer.

El Tesoro Platinum – my first serious blanco, and worth the wait; lots of interesting aroma, even compared to a reposado; could easily be a sipper, or used as a premium mixer; can’t wait to try other El Tesoro offerings.

Casa Noble Anejo – these guys are a crowd pleaser for a reason – they got it right; I’ve only had small tastes since it is a sampler bottle, but rest assured a bigger bottle is sure to follow; the same underlying vanilla and caramel tones of their reposado, but I also sense some fruit in the anejo; incredible sipping experience, and definitely considered a sin to mix it.

Tres Generaciones Anejo – another sampler-sized bottle; very fruity, smells like Juicy Fruit gum to me; excellent fruity taste, although not extremely complex nor lingering.

Don Julio Anejo – last of the sampler bottles; excellent blend of sweet and savory; considering the volume produced, a quality product; I’m guessing their extra-anejo or the 1942 must be exceptional.

Mistico – this was the free stuff from the resort; can’t tell from the label, but probably a mixto(?) since I don’t see 100% agave written anywhere; rather complex, but very woody…almost peaty; it will sit on the shelf for awhile.

Future acquisitions: Centinela and Centenario seem to be reasonably priced; premium priced bottles as permitted would be AsomBroso, Penca Azul, Ocho; super-premium would be Don Julio 1942 and Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Anejo.

I would love to try Muchote if I could find it. There is a local distributor for it, but they don’t carry it right now. Any other ideas for getting some?

[MrAgave]

Welcome to the forum. Many of us order tequila online, depending on what state you are in. If you are looking for some Muchote you can try these stores:

hitimewine.net (CA)
ramirezliquor.com (CA)
totalbev.com (CO)
wineandliquordepot.com (CA)
missionliquor.com (CA)

Here is another store out east with a nice selection, but I don't think they have Muchote.
shoppersvineyard.com (NJ)

Lots of members here to help, enjoy your new hobby.

[jdjohn84]

Thanks! I live in TN, which unfortunately doesn't allow shipping for 'shall we say' obvious packaging.

I also meant to add Fortaleza to my future tasting list. Haven't found that locally either.

[Duaber]

If your thinking about centenario checkout the rep. its become my favorite lately; although the anejo was way too woody for my tastes

[Piña]

You wont find FOrtaleza locally as currently its only available in Cali and NEvada..

It is a MUST try...

I repeat, it is a MUST TRY..

THe online places written in previous messages ship it

[jdjohn84]

None of the stores will ship to TN, but I figured as much. Anyone want to do the new guy a favor?

On a successful note, I picked up a bottle of Ocho Anejo tonight for $50. I thought that was a good price compared to another store where I saw it (or the rep) for $80. So that was today. Yesterday I bought a bottle of Sol Azul Reposado and El Tesoro Platinum. Do you see the problem here?

[SeattleJuan]

Originally Posted by jdjohn84

None of the stores will ship to TN, but I figured as much. Anyone want to do the new guy a favor?

On a successful note, I picked up a bottle of Ocho Anejo tonight for $50. I thought that was a good price compared to another store where I saw it (or the rep) for $80. So that was today. Yesterday I bought a bottle of Sol Azul Reposado and El Tesoro Platinum. Do you see the problem here?

If you are basing the fact that they won't ship from what it says on the websites, trust me they will. For instance HiTime says beer and wine only to TN, but be assured if you order they will ship to you. Other than the alcohol sticker on the outside of the box and the need for an over 21 signature, you should be fine ordering from them. Now go spend some more money. The only problem is too much shopping and not enough savoring of the nice tequila.

[rrehkemper]

Originally Posted by jdjohn84

On a successful note, I picked up a bottle of Ocho Anejo tonight for $50.

I wish I could get Ocho in Hawaii, it would be one of my never ending bottles - great stuff.

[SPR-GRN]

JdJohn84 - I've recently joined this community as well, and, let me just say that I have spent more on Premium Tequila in the past month, than I have in my life; partly because I came across either really good deals (SETH!!) or partly because I used to drink only Bourbon (Note: Seth, thanks for the email about the 17yr old bourbon, can't wait for it to show up).

I feel I should tell you, if you enjoy Casa Noble, then try to get in contact with Park Avenue Liquors in NYC; they have an exclusive 300 bottles of 7yr extra-anejo, the first 150 went like hot cakes, and the second 150 bottles are probably mostly spoken for (won't be in the store until January), but if you talk to them, they will most likely work out shipping with you.

Welcome to the forum, pay attention to the "Tequila sales and deals" section.

[wichie13]

Welcome to the forum and excellent post.

Your well on your way. Casa Noble is one of my fav's as well you definately need to get your hands on some fortaleza.