Collecting tequila

[panchovilla78]

I would like to start collecting tequila

Looking for info on the top 5-10 tequila to collect

Is there a place were I can go to get info on collecting tequila and what to buy and what not to buy

Thank you

[bn087]

Your in the right place to talk about collecting. I think we are all collectors in some sort of fashion. Whether your interest is high end tequilas that are best left unopened, or ultra premium bottles that are designed to be devoured. What price range are you looking to start collecting, some of the best collectibles are sought at all price ranges.

You can collect vinatage bottles, sometimes ebay has some but be very careful and discuss with fellow members from tequila.net before you make a large purchase. Be sure and also learn everything there is to know about the bottle you are buying before you purchase it. Learn the distillery information, the history of that particular bottle, NOMS, lot numbers, even calling companies and discussing how many bottles they produced...etc. Some of these collector bottles start at a couple hundred dollars to thousands and thousands. Ley .925 even makes a couple in the 10,000 and 100,000 range...I've even heard of a million dollar bottle (I think).

[ALF_Melmac]

go to pocotequila.com, read some descriptions, find some you like and try to get as many of the bottles pictured there as possible.
If you can even get 5-10 you've got 5-10 collectible bottles. That simple.
..oh, and stay away from that Ley .925 garbage. It's for suckers.

[bn087]

Most collectibles are garbage compared to how much you pay for them.

Their are some excellent tequilas that are also collectibles to try, but anything over 500-1000.00; you are paying for the bottle and limited production. Not hardly any tequila is actually worth over about 200.00.

[ALF_Melmac]

Originally Posted by bn087

Their are some excellent tequilas that are also collectibles to try, but anything over 500-1000.00; you are paying for the bottle and limited production. Not hardly any tequila is actually worth over about 200.00.

Where on earth do you get that number? Do you know the process, labor, time in the barrel, tastings by the master distiller, testings, NOM fees, etc to be able to put a number on what it's worth?
That's the most random, unfounded number I've ever heard thrown out there -- unless you can actually explain where you came up with that. Please enlighten me...

[bn087]

Actually, another thread the same as this on tequila.net, talking about collecting tequila.

Everyone has there own opinions on collectibles correct? What I find a collectible, you may find junk. I can put a value on what I find a collectible. And if we are collecting bottles and not contents, prices can be extreme. But tell me, do you really feel that the contents of some of those 1k-10k dollar bottles are actually worth that? They are collectible bottles and limited production but I guarantee, the contents dont taste but maybe slightly better than some of the 100-500.00 bottles on the market.


Also, ALL tequila companies have to go through the same process. Whether its a single barrel or thousands of bottles. Who doesnt have to pay NOM fees, time in barrels, processes, master distiller tastings..? I understand limited production, collectibles...etc. The value of a collectible can only be determined by the connoisseur wishing to purchase it. Have you heard the phrase; another mans trash is another mans treasure? Dos Lunas has a 3000.00 bottle of tequila, do you really think that Dos Lunas has to price that bottle at 3000.00 because of all of the fees it takes to make that tequila? HELL NO. What about Clase Azul Ultra; are the contents really worth the 2.5k dollars? As for brands like Chinaco Negro for 220.00, that is a collectible that is worth every penny to most; I have never tried the tequila because I cant spend that much but that is a quality spirit worth the money. Why do you think most people think Don Julio Real is worse than DJ 1942? They only taste SLIGHTLY different but the Real is 300.00 more. You are paying for the limited production bottle, and the collector item...not the contents. Sorry if I came off as a little rude, but instead of pm'ing me your opinion....you made me sound like I didnt know what I was talking about.

[ALF_Melmac]

Okay, all I really took from your reply is that there are "overpriced" bottles; which there are and most of these companies make it obvious (Dos Lunas uses a Baccarrat decanter/ 1800 Colleccion has stated their packaging is half the price, etc).
But you are saying tequila isn't worth more than $200.. I say if you put that CA Ultra in a cheap plastic container; the tequila will be worth well more than 200 dollars. Same with the Dos Lunas. How about Porfidio Barrique? - is that worth more than 200? Or HSS?
DJ42 and Real are based on persons' opinions on cost to quality performance - completely subjective. Does Real cost more to make? yes. Does DJ have to charge more for it? yes. Do some people think it's worth the difference? yes. Are you stating your opinion on the comparison - or just taking other's opinions on this? Same with the Chinaco Negro - how do you know it's worth more than 200+?

With extra anejos out - the tequila is just sitting in the barrels as "dead time". The distillery could move that same tequila right away as a blanco, rep, anejo, etc - but they are foregoing their profits short term in hopes to create a premium tequila and make up for those 5 years or so of "dead time" by charging more for the extra time and work. Which they obviously should charge more and it's quite arbitrary to put a magical $200 limit on what tequila costs/is worth.

Again, I agree many premiums are packaged in an expensive or elaborate packaging to help sell the product -- but that should not diminish what's inside the bottle (with the exception of Ley .925 which is all show). My point here is quite simple - and is not attacking you; it's simply that there are many high end tequilas that are actually worth the price tag of 300, 400, + etc.
Oh, for the record -- Not ALL tequila companies go through the same process. There are numerous ways to get the end product and some of those ways are MUCH MUCH more labor intensive (thus a higher cost to consumers presumably based on a higher quality product).

[bn087]

hehe....tequila drama.


like I stated, everyone is entitled to their own opinions. i also am using other peoples opinions and i clearly stated I have not tried the majority of "collector tequilas" there is another thread about this and we got in discussion about collectibles and their value to consumers. im not going to argue my point anymore; it was fun yesterday though.

[RJC5XTC]

Not meaning to throw any more fuel on the fire, but my personal opinion for what it may be worth is I am not interested in collecting tequila - which may indeed be a worthwhile investment - as I am in consuming it. I would also have to say that taste is quite often subjective - what comes across as exceedingly tasty to one person may not be to another. I have also found that my personal tastes vary depending on a number of factors including mood, time of day, etc.

While I do have Don Julio Real, Chinaco Negro, Gran Patron Platinum and a few other ultra premium tequilas I do not find them to be noticeably better than other less expensive tequilas.

I do understand additional costs are involved in aging tequila and the longer the aging process the more costs are incurred; but on a relative scale the math doesn't work for me. Looking at Casa Noble Crystal at $35 for "fresh squeezed" tequila versus Casa Noble Anejo at $70 for a tequila aged five years, I can't believe Dos Luna's cost of aging tequila for 11 years adds $2,500 in value - nor do I believe that the extra years of aging adds that significant a taste difference to justify the price being charged. I believe a number of ultra premium tequila are simply producing a product that they artifically make expensive enough to convince buyers there is something really special about it to justify the higher price.

All that being said, I know there are buyers out there for these ultra premium tequilas. I am perfectly content to stick with my favorites that I can drink and not worry about the cost of what I just sipped.

Again just my $.02 worth.


Robert

[bn087]

Thank you Robert....you claified my point in a lot better way. And giving your opinion helps show once again that everyone has their own opinions about collectibles.