About Tequila

All tequila comes from Mexico which owns the name under international copyright laws. Tequila is distilled from fermented sugars from the Blue Agave. Agaves look similar to cacti, however, they are a member of the lily family and take about 10 years to mature.  When the plant is ready for harvest, the leaves are stripped away and the "heart" is slowly roasted and mashed to release its nectar. This mash (called pulque) is fermented, then distilled at least twice before cask aging.  

There are four distinct categories of tequila that are based on how the spirit is aged:

Silver Tequila (also called white or blanco) is bottled immediately after distillation and is not aged. Silvers seem to pack a more substantial punch because the muggy agave flavor dominates. Many connoisseurs prefer silver tequila because of the distinct taste.

Gold Tequila may be aged for up to 6 months, however, the deep golden color comes from caramel or coloring agents that have been added to sweeten the spirit and balance the color. 

Reposado Tequila is aged, usually in white oak barrels, for at least two months and no more than a year. The oak imparts a delicate tawny color and softens the tequila flavor. Reposados have less "edge" than silvers while retaining much of the agave flavor.

Anejo Tequila is a rich, amber spirit in a class by itself. While some are aged in new oak barrels, most are stored for one to three years in used, charred oak bourbon barrels from Kentucky. The tequila acquires a deep amber color and a mellow, sometimes smoky taste from the lingering bourbon in the barrels. A good anejo is smooth, flavorful, and worthy of its reputation as a world-class spirit.


To be called Tequila, a spirit must contain at least 51% Blue Agave, however, the world's best tequilas are made from 100% Blue Agave nectars.   Tequilas that are not 100% Blue Agave are called "mixto". These tequilas can be shipped in bulk and bottled outside Mexico.   

Tequilas made from 100% Blue Agave are considered Premium Tequilas and their manufacture, bottling, and labeling are strictly regulated by the Mexican government.

A new class of Ultra Premium Tequilas is beginning to emerge. These spirits are the highest quality and showcase the distiller's expertise.  From single barrel reserves, to blends aged in fine sherry or cognac barrels, these tequilas are meant to be sipped and savored.



Lick, Shoot, Suck
The traditional way to drink tequila is with salt and lime. First lick the hollow between the thumb and fore-finger and lightly sprinkle it with salt. Next, lick the salt, gulp the tequila, and suck the wedge of lime. Then repeat.

For those who find this ritual too complicated or too messy, a Margarita Cocktail in a glass with a salted rim combines tequila with citrus flavors for you to enjoy.


Tequilas We Carry
     We currently stock over 30 distinct tequilas. If you're not   
     sure what you want, try a sampler of 3 half-shots for one 
     incredibly low price.
       

Silver
     Asom Broso
     Chinaco
     Dos Lunas
     Milagro
     Partida
     Patron
     Tarantula Azul*

Gold
     Cuervo Especial*

Reposado
     Asom Broso
     Cabo Wabo
     Casa Noble
     Corazon
     Corralejo
     Corralejo (Triple Distilled)
     Dos Lunas
     Herradura
     Hussong's
     Milagro
     Partida
     Patron
     Sauza Hornitos
     Tequila Reserva 1800

Anejo
     Casa Noble
     Corralejo
     Don Julio
     Milagro
     Partida
     Patron
     Sauza Conmemorativo*
     Sauza Tres Generationes
     Sol Dios

Ultra Premium 
     El Tesoro Paradiso


*  Denotes tequilas that are not 100% Blue Agave