Coming Soon: July 24th National Tequila Day

No peeking…

Perhaps you have noticed that while May News items were about tradition, June is a month of learning more about tequila from culture, to recipe’s, to history and more.

One of the questions that comes up is how to decide what is one’s “favorite” tequila?  Of course, part of the answer is always, “it depends”.  It depends on if you are making a mixed drink like a margarita.  It depends if you are talking about sipping tequila.  It depends on your mood.  It depends on your sensitivity to taste.  It depends on your budget. It depends on a host of things.

Lets just talk for a second on sipping silver tequila.  In other words, imagine you are at home with a close friend or partner sharing a great view of a sunset. You like silver tequilas and happen to have three different bottles of silver tequila in your cabinet:   Casamigos Blanco, Fortaleza Blanco and Herradura Silver and decide to share a sip of tequila . . . perhaps on ice.   You do not have to drive or go anywhere.  You are safely sitting on a porch.  It is still a bit hot and the conversation is good.  Try this:

Have your friend (or you for your friend) pour a small taste of each of the three tequilas:  Casamigos Blanco, Fortaleza Blanco and Herradura Silver.  Patron is always a good choice too. Don’t let the other person see which is which- no peeking.  Now have them slowly take an exceedingly small taste of each.  Don’t take a full shot! Just a small sip. Allow time between each taste for the taste-buds to settle.  Perhaps have some guacamole and chips, in between.  So, what is the difference?  One sweeter than the other?  One smoother?  What about the aroma?  What was your favorite?  Why?

There is no right answer.  It will be your own personal preference.  Your decision - not an advertising campaign’s. The differences will likely be in sweetness.  Likely differences can also be due to the crushing technique as well as fermentation process and the short aging environment.

Yes, who keeps three great bottles of tequila in their home cabinet?  Few people. To decide what is one’s favorite, it is sometimes useful to compare and contrast.  The challenge with any liquor is not to drink too much but just enough to get an authentic feel for the taste and aroma.  Doing this safely is important. As always, don’t drink and drive. That’s what designated drivers and taxi’s are for! Stay safe and drink responsibly.

Oh…by the way… July 24th is National Tequila Day.  That is coming up!