what to do what to do?

[El grano de oro]

I would like some advise on a common situation I am sure some of you guys
have had.
I am starting a tequila collection and enjoying collecting bottles that would
make a good collection item. problem is that I have opened some of these bottles to share with friends. most of these people are tequila shooters,that they really didnt really taste the quality of the tequila. and now that expensive bottle is gone. dont get me wrong I dont mind spending on a bottle
that is going to be tasted and appreciated.for instance any of you that have
expensive bottles like herraduras supremas, would you just crack a bottle from
your collection just because somebody wants to taste it. or are there small
sample bottles of the expensive stuff? what do you guys do when this situation comes up. some of these bottles I havent even try myself.
I would appreciate some input from those of you who been there. thanks.

[MrAgave]

Expensive stuff I'll crack on a special occasions, but you should really educate your amigos a bit before putting the tequila in front of them. Unless you tell them they are going to experience a quality\luxury Tequila, you have about a 50/50 chance they will shoot it.

Serve it in a snifter or Riedel, this would hopefully prevent shooting as well.

[raiderj16]

I know how you feel, I personally do not like sharing my better tequilas with people who do not appreciate them, even when it's family! Fortunately, my collection is in an extra bedroom and is not seen unless I bring someone in there. What I would do is, do what Mr. Agave said and try to educate them so that they do appreciate it more. Failing that, I would just tell friends that the bottle is a collector's piece and that you do not plan on drinking it, as this would devalue the price of it.

[IceCold]

Here's what I do...

I have a set of caballitos that I like to use, they are narrow and tall and hold 50ml however they look like they hold much more so folks look all freaky when I pour, like oh my I'll never drink all that! So I tell them well just sip down half of it and then I don't have to pour another for you. Gets a splash on the tongue and an interest in what I'm telling them about the flavors and notes so now the next sip and subsequent caballito full is appreciated a little more.