Tequila

[TerryV]

Hola,

My first entry in PP is getting close I recall a string from the old Forum about picking up Tequila once across the border. Well with the move to the new forum those archives are gone so I would like to ask of you folks can help me recall where the duty free shops are and also could you make a few recommendations on some high quality tequila.

Thanks

Terry

[rockyptjoe]

The duty free shop is just before you cross the border into Mexico (in the little plaza where the Post Office is). Another good source is at Vasquez...when you go thru Sonoita. Can't really recommend any particular brand, but I prefer the "blanco" for sipping/shots.

[InkaRoads]

I found that "La Ley" supermarket in PP has very good prices on tequila, not a great selection, they carry my brand "Corralejo" liter bottles for $19 US on sale now and then, just make sure you go Monday thru Thursdays during the sales, any other day prices almost doubles, you know that they know the US is coming for the weekend!!!
UETA in Nogales has the 750 ml. for $25 so I imagine the UETA in Lukeville will be the same + o -
"do not drink and drive" do all the drinking before you drive, just kidding!!!!

[dmcauley]

More myths- The Ley, nor others, raise prices for the weekends- Get real, enjoy RP, and leave the bad attitudes on this side of the border.

[InkaRoads]

More myths- The Ley, nor others, raise prices for the weekends- Get real, enjoy RP, and leave the bad attitudes on this side of the border.

huhh???? sorry I meant "Super ley", attitude??? which one??? have a shot of tequila might make you feel more open to better suggestions!!! :sunny:

PS dmcauley, we were told by one of the cashiers at Super ley about the sales Monday thru Thursday, my wife just reminded me about it!!!! :o

[joester]

I have a few suggestions:
get yourself to a tequila bar witha few friends, and do your own taste-tests by ordering a single shot of as many brands(that you may find to buy for yourself) as you can - then taking TINY sips, and using crackers or chips between to cleanse your palate, see which you like best.
anyways - for my money, here's what I like:

for just sipping (and never salt and lime - that's for cheap stuff) -
my favorite is Corazon reposado. The anejo is also terrific, generally about 5 bucks more/bottle.
Corralejo anejo (tall red bottle) is also very good, as is Sauza Tres Generations anejo.

over-rated and over-priced: Patron (very smooth, lacks aftertaste),Don Julio, Cabo Wabo, El Tesoro, Azul, and a bunch of others.

for margaritas, I like Cassadores reposado - it has a little bite straight out the bottle, but makes a fine margarita.

at Lukeville, the Corralejo anejo was 25/fifth, Cassoadores about 22/liter.
they have had, but not always, the Corazon. I always bring one bottle of Corazon to get myself started.

your taste buds will differ, and everyone has their own favorites.
remember this about tequila - it only needs to be made from 51% from the agave to be called tequila. premium tequilas will say 100% agave. the best tequilas will usually say 100% BLUE agave.
have fun doing your research - I'm still working on the perfect margarita recipe - last one includes pomegranite juice.

anyone care to share their margarita recipes?

[garyd]

Try the Cazadores Anejo but don't mix it with anything as you will be wasting it. Good stuff :o

[joester]

Gary -
does it have the same bite the reposado does, or is it a bit mellower?
for instance, I like cassadores reposado in a marg, but not so much straight up.
some of the anejos have too much bite, and too raw a taste for me.
don julio and cabo wabo for instance - the reposados are OK - but the anejos of
those 2 are just too raw for me, like the curevo la reserva, not a great taste for me.
compare then the corralejo - I don't care much for the reposado (tall blue bottle),
but the anejo (tall red bottle) is very nice and smooth.
I'm sure everyone has their own likes/dislikes. part of it is probaby just what you
find for a reasonable price locally, and what you get used to.

[garyd]

This Anejo in my opinion is very smooth and better than the Repesado but not cheap. $31 at Super Ley

[joester]

thanks -
I'll see if I can pick up some here in tempe - I'm ready for some margs this weekend! :chef:

[cactusamigo]

Reposado (rested) is aged for a period of time.
Añejo (old?) is aged longer, and should be smoother, but may assume a whisky character.
I prefer a white tequila such as Orendain for margaritas. We all have our own preferences.

[garyd]

I like white for margs and Anejo for sipping and sometmes repesado depending on the kind

[garyd]

Spell check "reposado"

[joester]

good thing there are enough varieties to keep us all content.
I believe anejo means aged. generally a minumum 6 months, sometimes up to 3 years or more, depending on the brand. all tequilas I've seen use oak barrels, some even use barrels from wineries.
one tequila we found - XQ anejo, bottle is shaped as a blue X.
this we found is actually aged in 3 types of barrels, a red oak, a white oak, and elm. the 3 aged tequilas are then blended (no idea what proportion) to make the XQ anejo. It's very smooth, and not dark like some anejos, but is pretty expensive. after buying it a couple times, decided it just wasn't worth the 70-80/bottle price. one other tequila I like that is very smooth and tasty, but also too expensive for general drinking, but makes a great gift - La Pis anejo. dark cobalt blue pyramid-shaped bottle. runs about the same 70-80/bottle - too expensive for most of us to drink very often.
now I've got to find that Cassadores anejo for this saturday......
got myself all worked up in a tequila lather :D

[Jim]

I'm not really a tequila guy but my brother and people he knows swear that Mickeys tequila is better than any of the expensive brands that they have tried.

[joester]

Jim -
tell me more about Mickey's, I don't know my way around RP much. taking our rv, we pretty much stay on the Mirador corridor and don't get out much other than a quick ride or cab into town for fish and shrimp.
when we're lucky, we just buy that from the vendor who drives into Playa de Oro alomost everyday.
so where do I find Mickey's tequila?

[working to retire]

I heard that Mickey (owner) died (God rest his soul). I have not seen Mickey's open since. I agree it was the best tequila. I could never stumble out of the place without Mickey giving me 1 or 2 bottles "for the road". I miss it and Mickey.

[Jim]

Yes, Mickey died a few months ago. He was a great guy and a wonderful host. His son has taken over and is kind of following in his fathers footsteps. Free shots and lots of fun. I too have been there a few times when the doors were locked during normal business hours but they are still doing business. For a while they could not sell tequila to go but I guess they got their permits in order and now the do. It is in the malecon area just East of the Subway and Thrifty Ice Cream store. Last time I bought a bottle for my brother it was $20.

[garyd]

You can buy Mickey's Tequila in Sonoita (SP?) :mexico: at the big store on the right on the way out of town on the way back to the US :usa and I think there it is less than $20. Memory says $10 but after so many shots the brain cells fade. It is called "Tiquilito" and is very good but I sometimes think it is so smooth because it is only 35% or 70 proof. what is also strange is that nowhere does it say it is 100% agave or Blue Agave anywhere. I still like the Cazadores Anejo better but my taste buds may be fading as well. :mrgreen:

[joester]

I did a search of it - came up with: Don Valente. TIQUILITO GOLD - is that it?

here's a link - does this look like the bottle?
http://www.sppb.net/donvalente/tiquilito_artesanal.html

here's another one -
http://www.barnonedrinks.com/tips/dicti ... -2444.html (http://www.barnonedrinks.com/tips/dictionary/d/don-valente-tiquilito-gold-2444.html)

[garyd]

The first one (website) is the one I got at Mickey's I also had jugs from his big cask in the restaurant.

[joester]

but, but, but --- carmel color added? :o :shock:

[Jeff]

The Don Valente is the premium version of Tiquilito. They sell the Anejo version @ Mickeys for $55 USD. You can also purchase the Tiquilito and Don Vallente @ Vasquez Licores in Sonoyta.The Tiquilito is $10 USD. Mickeys is open 8-4 and closed on Wednesdays.

Godspeed Lupe. :mexico:

[garyd]

For $31 try the Cazadores Anejo at Super Ley

[joester]

Gary -
did try the cassadores anejo this weekend - my friend picked it up in Maricopa for I think it was $37. it IS smoother than the reposado, but I still like my Corazon.
still working on the pomegranite marg recipe, practice, practice practice :)
if I'm approaching 50 bucks for a bottle, I rarely will buy it unless I have had it before, at least a taste. learned the hard way with the Azul and a few others.

[garyd]

I'll give that one a try. Do you have a good Margarita recipe using limes? I have tried 1 pat Tequila, 1 part lime juice and 1 part Grand Mariner (SP?) but it was a little to heavy and sour. Any secrets? GD :chef:

[Jeff]

3 parts tequila! :mrgreen:

[garyd]

Now why didn't I think of that !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :sunny:

[joester]

for a marg using key limes - this is the way we make them-
glass of ice - 3/4 full
one part tequila
1/2 part grand Marnier
1/2 key lime squeezed in press
1/4 to 1/3 part sweetner - we buy it at the Michigan store, it's made from fruits, it's almost a syrup - I'll have to look at a bottle we have at home for the name - comes in one-liter bottles for about 4 bucks.
one part cold bottled water
stir well.
I like a bit a more lime, and a touch more sweetener, wife likes a bit less lime and less sugar.
it comes out everyone likes it a bit different.

for the pomegranite margs :
one part tequila
1/2 part grand marnier
one part Trader Joes marg mix
3/4 part 100% pomegranite juice
1/3 part sweetener -
blend with LOTS of ice.

[Beachbum]

If this is a double post I apologize. Coulda sworn I already asked :?: but cant find it.

The wife and I are going down to RP in 2 weeks and jsut curious. How many bottles of Tequila can we bring back with us? Were staying at Las Palomas. Can we get the good stuff down by the fish market or just in town?

I havent been down there in 15 years so...

THX!

[Jeff]

1 Liter per person of legal drinking age.

[joester]

I would suggest the duty-free store, stop on your way back into AZ.
we drive thru customs and then park on the west side by the store.
go in and buy a bottle each, then walk arouind the palm tree and follow the pedestrian signs
thru to the customs office.
have your passports/ID ready with you on your person (don't forget in your car).
try the Corralejo anejo (tall red bottle) for $25usd - best buy for premium I have seen there so far.

[Ladyjeeper]

Joester,
That pomegranate margarita sounds delish! I may have to make one of those this weekend!
Chari

[joester]

TTT -
not that this really belongs in "Border", but to continue my post from earlier in this thread -
the syrup sweetener we use in our margs is labled this:
Madrilena Jarabe Natural Endulzante. All I get from that is the syrup part being natural.
anyways, we buy it at Michgan Market on our way in town. If anyone knows where this can be purchased in Phoenix area, I sure would appreciate a location, I'm almost out. (I gave away 2 bottles to framily who can't get to RP).
thanks - makes all the difference in the marg with just tequila, grand marnier and lime - and this syrup.
also makes the pomegranite marg just perfect!

[Jeff]

I think my bro-in-law gets it @ AJ's...

[joester]

as in AJ's fine foods?
I'll see if they have it -
thanks!

[Stuart]

Anybody want to buy my tequila collection? I'll never drink it and it just sits, getting dusty.
About a dozen bottles, all with Mexican tax stamp and unopened. Some old, some newer. I can provide a complete list if anybody's interested, but some are:

Don Tacho (Nopal bottle) (http://www.tequila.net/tequila_reviews/reposados/don_tacho_reposado.html)

Hacienda Large (#65 of 200, collector Agave bottle, beautiful)

Roger Clyne's Mexican Moonshine (http://www.tequila.net/tequila_reviews/anejos/roger_clynes_mexican_moonshine.html)- Yes, the real thing! Sold only once (that I know of) at one of his Circus Mexicus concerts and at JJ's Cantina. Only 1000 ever made, period.

La Cofradia - Ceramic Saguaro - seems like some of this has just evaporated through the ceramic over time because it sures feels lighter than full, but never opened. (http://www.tequila.net/tequila_reviews/reposados/la_cofradia_reposado_edicion_cactus.html)

Casa Noble - blue bottle (http://www.tequila.net/tequila_reviews/reposados/casa_noble_reposado.html)

Milagro - pretty, but not unique bottle (http://www.tequila.net/tequila_reviews/reposados/milagro_reposado_tequila.html)

Corrales - round blue bottle

Las Trancas - haven't seen this brand around much (http://www.tequila.net/tequila_reviews/reposados/las_nuevas_trancas_tequila_reposado.html)

300 Anos (bacanora, I've only found this once in 20 years, very nice bottle)

Tequila Chamucos (2 bottles) (http://www.tequila.net/tequila_reviews/reposados/chamucos_reposado_especial.html)

Tequilitos

All are reposado, even the bacanora. Roger Clyne's Mexican Moonshine is an anejo. All or nothing deal; serious offers only. If you know tequila, then you know the top two on the list fetch about $100 each. :mexico:

On edit: Blue brand names are links to the ones I could readily find. Bottles and tequila are same as shown in the links. :sunny:

[AZ Miguel]

Oh hell, after the first 3 shots they all taste the same ;)

[joester]

Stuart -
that's quite the assortment, and as much as I have tried, some of your list I have never heard of, let alone taste.
I can vouch for the quality of the casa noble - very good stuff.

[Stuart]

Oh hell, after the first 3 shots they all taste the same ;)

I'll give you that. The most important difference between GOOD tequila and AVERAGE tequila is not so much taste (although the good stuff is sooooo much smoother), but in the the way you feel the next day AFTER those 3+ shots!! I found that out years ago in Cabo drinking Tequila Sauza vs. the standard bar tequila. I paid extra for the top shelf stuff, while the rest of the gang drank whatever the hell they were serving. Way late night, very early morning, and I was the only one not feeling like death and puking my guts up when the water got a little rough fishing the next day. Live and learn, amigos! Hahahahah! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[joester]

check a site called tequila.net -
lots of user reviews, most of which I disagree with, which is to be expected.
as much as any other beverage, peoples' tastes are very different regarding tequila.
for example, Corazon reposado or anejo are my favorite tequilas I can find around town in the 50 dollar range. one reviewer had what I would consider marginal tequilas for sippin (don julio, cabo wabo, chinaco) rated WAY higher than corazon. go figure.
we all have different tastes, and that's what keeps in interesting!

[rockyptjoe]

Oh hell, after the first 3 shots they all taste the same ;)

I'll give you that. The most important difference between GOOD tequila and AVERAGE tequila is not so much taste (although the good stuff is sooooo much smoother), but in the the way you feel the next day AFTER those 3+ shots!! I found that out years ago in Cabo drinking Tequila Sauza vs. the standard bar tequila. I paid extra for the top shelf stuff, while the rest of the gang drank whatever the hell they were serving. Way late night, very early morning, and I was the only one not feeling like death and puking my guts up when the water got a little rough fishing the next day. Live and learn, amigos! Hahahahah! :lol: :lol: :lol:

I take care of those problems after drinking.....with a couple Motrin....and PLENTY of water to hydrate!!! :lol: :lol:

[jerry]

http://community.webshots.com/photo/ful ... 3379LuizWa (http://community.webshots.com/photo/fullsize/1060305948012823379LuizWa)


I like mine with a little bite

[joester]

have seen the rattlesnake tequila before, never had the urge to try it.
we did try the mota tequila once - just horrible tasting, and couldn't tell if
it had any other qualities because the taste was so bad.

[Ladyjeeper]

Did it taste like Cannabis? :lol:

[joester]

more like dirt.
it was pretty horrible - in a gallon jar like sun tea - stalks of weed with some buds on them,
on the bar at panchos in cabo.
they also had the rattlesnake which we passed on.
did our own tasting with 6 of us - we each choose a shot to start -
from what I remember (it was 7 years ago) the choices we made to try were:
cuervo la reserva
la familia
porfidio
casa noble
XQ
some other forgettable one.....
we liked the XQ out of those the best, with casa noble right behind.
still really like those 2, but a bit pricy to buy bottles of. for regular use/abuse.
I think they run in the 60-80 range per fifth.
thinking of buying a bottle of don julio 1942 - saw some really interesting reviews -
one of these days.....
have a great weekend y'all!

[Ladyjeeper]

Joe
Mota means marijuana in Spanish. Cannabis is the ingredient in marijuana. :lol:
Sorry, it was a bad joke. :mrgreen:

[joester]

I know - :shock:
I guess my attempt at humor was even worse ;)
I tried to by sneaky with the "other qualities" part.
a carrrer in humor is probably not in my future,
better keep my day job :D

[Ladyjeeper]

It's not you Joe, the stalks of weed with buds on them part got right by me. :roll: :oops: I need a vacation. :(

[joester]

well, I finally couldn't resist looking at that nice bottle of El Conde Azul reposado at Costco, and bought one. cracked it open Friday night - rather nice taste. shared it with a few other freinds who also like a good bluejuice - they all agreed it was good, but at $55/fifth, I probably won't buy it again. it was good, but not better than my Corazon I like so much.
just thought I'd pass it on in case any of you have looked at this on Costco, and wondered.....
is this any good? it's good, you wouldn't be disappointed by it - and would make a real nice gift -
but you may others you'll like more for the $$.

[rockyptjoe]

Another one of those "rating" sites....
http://www.itequila.org/besttequilas.htm

And an interesting article (2 pages)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/19/AR2008081900631.html?referrer=emailarticle

[InkaRoads]

All this talk about tequila open my appetite for one drink.....poured some Corralejo "Reposado", from the blue bottle in a snifer? a cognac glass, I have been told that to appreciate the real flavor it is better to sip it than to gulp it from a shot glass, it has a goldish tint to it and a very nice aroma, smooth yet penetrating and the best part is the flavor you can really taste the agave, mmmmmmm!!!!! I really like Corralejo, used to buy at Costco for $35 a fifth, they do not sell it in Tucson any more but now I buy it at Super ley for $20 a liter bottle.
If you all excuse me I am going to make an "ass" (as per JGMS) of my self and enjoy my Friday by sipping Corralejo
no tropical juices today!!!!
Jeff that it qualifies me as an "asshat"

[jerry]

E.....High end design/fabrication fueled by high end tequila....Might be a slogan for your business card and a way of life! If you are buying steel next week drop by the shop mid week. I want to get your opinion of something,,,,bring the bottle!

[InkaRoads]

hip!! well I dono if there hip!! will be any left by tomorrow, but I defenitely will stop by hip!! :mrgreen:

[Wahoo]

can not find a bump icon.

[nojopo]

Our family keeps it simple- this is passed down from my Dad. Just remember 3-2-2:

3 parts tequila
2 parts fresh lime juice
2 parts triple sec

I find Grand Marnier too sweet for the 3-2-2 recipe. I must admit that although I am now more of an anejo sipper then a margarita drinker, I will use the best tequila I can afford even for my margaritas. Life's too short to skimp on taste.

Besides all of the fine tequila's list in this thread, I also like the new Costco Anejo $20/liter. Also the cheap reposado at Trader Joes ($14/liter) - its better then the premium they sell.

[cactusamigo]

nojopo - Good recipe for a triple sec margarita. However, I prefer a Controy margarita made with white tequila, such as Orandain Blanco. I use the recipe on the back of a bottle of Controy:

1 part Controy
3/4 part white tequila
1/2 part lime juice

Some add a splash of Squirt.

[nojopo]

Now that you mention it I do always use Controy when in Mexico. The recipe on the bottle translates to 3-4-2 (3 tequila, 4 Controy, 2 lime). That's just way too sweet for me. Needs more tequila and lime...

[joester]

love the variations on a simple margarita recipe - we all have our own tastes and that's the way it should be!
viva tequila!!

[kasdanh]

Has anybody every been to "The Tequila Factory" in RP? I went last year and it was great. They let us take sample shots of all their different flavors and told us the story behind how it's made, where it's made, and all about the different kinds. The shots were free but a tip was in order. It's basically just a little little liquor store where they specialize in their own brand. I think the brand was Manny's but I can't recall right now. It was great though, I highly recommend it!

[Vvalenz]

I love the Agavero, it's a Tequila liquor you can drink it alone, on ice or make a mixed drink with it. Very smooth. here is the link to their web site. http://agavero.com

[Costa Diamante]

I definately vouch for the tequilla factory. We make a stop each time we go down. Their basic blanco, anejo, reposado are very good. For an overall tequilla experience with a reasonably priced bottle; it is pretty tough to beat.

[rockyptjoe]

I'll say hello to Fernando for all you guys.....I need to pick up a bottle of the Almond Tequila for a friend.....they had run out the last time I was there.....

[Manny Sanchez]

Hey everyone, the Tequila Factory has all 9 tequila flavors in.

[kasdanh]

Hey everyone, the Tequila Factory has all 9 tequila flavors in.

Yes! I will be paying them a visit next weekend!

[DonJaime]

Hornitos Tequila best for Meeeee!

[joester]

bought a bottle of the "Kirkland" (costco) brand anejo on Friday.
23.99 for a liter, and is marked "extra aged" - not sure if this falls into the
"extra anejo" catagory or not.
smooth, but very full with lots of flavor - almost overpowering, but not bitter at all, just a VERY full, robust taste.
I'm trying to think of another anejo to compare it to - perhaps the Jose Cuervo La Reserva, but smoother than that, but with as full a taste as the La Reserva, no kidding.
made a fine papaya/pineapple margarita batch.....
darn bottle must have a leak in it - it was gone Sat afternoon :)

[rockyptjoe]

bought a bottle of the "Kirkland" (costco) brand anejo on Friday.
23.99 for a liter, and is marked "extra aged" - not sure if this falls into the
"extra anejo" catagory or not.
smooth, but very full with lots of flavor - almost overpowering, but not bitter at all, just a VERY full, robust taste.
I'm trying to think of another anejo to compare it to - perhaps the Jose Cuervo La Reserva, but smoother than that, but with as full a taste as the La Reserva, no kidding.
made a fine papaya/pineapple margarita batch.....
darn bottle must have a leak in it - it was gone Sat afternoon :)
Saw they also have a pre-mixed margarita....may try it, since I suck at making a margarita that I like.....I have wasted so much good booze trying various recipes....

[rockyptjoe]

Hornitos Tequila best for Meeeee!
Yeah...it's good for making margaritas....but try the Tequila Factory...get some free tequila "tasting"....you may like some of it!!!!

[beachgirl]

I want to buy a bottle of flavored Tequila for a co-worker, but I can't remember what flavors they had when I was in there a few weeks ago. I'm not a Tequila fan at all, but the Tequila Factory with Fernando as our host was so cool. I did try a couple of the flavors.....................but like I said, not a fan. Although, I did like the Rocky Point Sunrise. But anyway, I'd like to know what flavors are available right now.............we'll be there Friday morning (RP, not the Factory!!). Let me know ASAP, so I can find out what flavor she'd prefer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oops, or was it called the Rocky Point Sunset????????.........................(and I had not been drinking before we went there, this is just a sign of old age, LOL!!)

[sunshine]

We purchased the Raspberry Tequila, great taste. Made raspberry jelly shiots too and no one turned them down!

My favorite was the Pina Colada Tequila. Tasted others but on the mixed drinks we would have to purchase 3 different kinds and the budget
could not handle it on that trip. I will be prepared when we visit the next time!

Sunshine

[Ladyjeeper]

Darn bottle must have a leak in it- it was gone Sat afternoon

I just hate it when that happens...........LOL!

[AZ ROB]

Thats is odd My bottle seemed to have a hole in the top also

[rockyptjoe]

I want to buy a bottle of flavored Tequila for a co-worker, but I can't remember what flavors they had when I was in there a few weeks ago. I'm not a Tequila fan at all, but the Tequila Factory with Fernando as our host was so cool. I did try a couple of the flavors.....................but like I said, not a fan. Although, I did like the Rocky Point Sunrise. But anyway, I'd like to know what flavors are available right now.............we'll be there Friday morning (RP, not the Factory!!). Let me know ASAP, so I can find out what flavor she'd prefer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oops, or was it called the Rocky Point Sunset????????.........................(and I had not been drinking before we went there, this is just a sign of old age, LOL!!)
It was Rocky Point Sunset.....they have the following flavors....coffee, caramel, piña colada, almond, raspberry, apple, pomegranate, quince and peach. I prefer the coffee/caramel/almond concoctions that Fernando comes up with!!!!

[rockyptjoe]

Hey Manny...can I get your new offer retroactive?.......

Tequila Factory (http://www.facebook.com/tequilafactory) Hey! We got a new special.
Every time you buy a bottle of Tequila of the Manny's Beach Club brand, you get 2 free margaritas at Manny's Beach Club. So stop by, stock up and get your free drink tickets

[SolScorpion]

Yes, Vasquez is great. They even help pick good quality Tequilla in the price range of interest. They take Visa too. It is on the Left as you turn on main road to RP.

[beachgirl]

Thanks RPJoe, that's what I was looking for. That would be an awful lot of free margs I bet!!