Top Mexican tequila sells for six figures

Reuters ^ | 07/21/06

[Sax]

PS - If you've got any new recommendations, I'm always up for trying something new!

[TC Rider]

Surely, those prices are in pesos.

[presidio9]

I have never been able to tell the difference between tequila and mescal. Aren't they both made from agave cactus?

[Mike Darancette]

They don't put worms in Tequilla.

Whoa, maybe the worms came from me! :)

[Mike Darancette]

They don't put worms in Tequilla.

Whoa, maybe the worms came from me! :)

[discostu]

We did a blind taste test with my boss: Cuervo, Hornitos, and Patron he nailed them, actually didn't even need to taste them he got them on smell. Of course he grew up in Jalisco so he had a bit of an advantage. I can tell the difference in taste of various brands of cigarettes, and beers. Then with premium alcohols there's always the next day test, the fewer impurities creates fewer after effects. With some brands of some things there may be a price quality illusion, but not over all.

[RichInOC]

If you paid a quarter of a million dollars for a bottle of booze, would you drink it?

Not all at once.

[Max in Utah]

Tequila is the only liquor that no matter how much I drink I do not have a hangover.

Interesting. So, what planet are you from originally?

:-)

[Mike Darancette]

So, what planet are you from originally?

That has been my experience and I have really tested the limit doing shots. Maybe drinking good stuff straight has something to do with it.

[Old Professer]

I guess you can tell a book by its cover...

[Sax]

I believe that Tequila is only produced in one region and only with the Blue Agave plant. Mescal is produced in other regions and can use other varieties of agave.

[GallopingGhost]

I have never been able to tell the difference between tequila and mescal. Aren't they both made from agave cactus?

Tequila is made from Blue Agave only. Mescal is made from a variety of Agave plants and only in Oaxaca.

[Scarchin]

What would you recommend for a good 'rita?

[Sax]

Since there's a lot of sugar/lime in the margarita, I wouldn't go with the really good stuff because the subtleties get lost in the mix. A good Sauza tequila like Hornitos, or Commemorativo (although it's price has doubled in the past 5 years, would work just fine. Sauza's Tres Generacions has really gone up in price and I believe it is their top end.

Of course if you don't mind dropping $50 on the Patron for Margaritas, you probably won't ever have a smoother one - especially if you like them strong.

[Scarchin]

Thanks! I've used the Hornitos and love it. I've never tried sipping though. I'll try Patron. Is there something you eat when sipping to enhance taste (like wine with various cheeses/fruits)?

[Max in Utah]

Maybe drinking good stuff straight has something to do with it.

That must be the secret. My experience has been with Cuervo Especial for the most part, but I've sunk to drinking vile potions such as "Potter's Tequila" on a few occaisions-- think I would have enjoyed sterno about as much and had less of a hangover.

I'll get a bottle of Patrón one of these days and try it.

[Sax]

As straight up hard liquor goes, I think it's rather sweet (but that might be because scotch is my other liquor, and is a definite contrast to tequila.)

Since it is a mild, sweet taste, you don't want anything over powering or spicy since you'll mask the liquor's flavor. Maybe fresh raw veggies and a ranch dip? Or maybe chips and a mild fruit salsa.

Of course you could go with regular chips and spicy salsa, but I'd have a beer there too to wash out the food before enjoying a sip of the tequila. Kind of a Mexican boilermaker I guess you could say.

[Scarchin]

Thanks and cheers! You've given me something to look forward to this weekend!

[Mike Darancette]

I'll get a bottle of Patrón one of these days and try it.

A little salt and a lemon or lime, you know the drill. No Beer, other hard stuff or mixes.

[Sax]

PS - I was thinking the veggies might be good because I swear you can actually taste the plant itself in Patron. I know that sounds obvious, but I can't think of a better way to describe it.