unclebunk Posted April 30, 2012 Share Posted April 30, 2012 Ok.... since reading over this entire thread, I decided to spend some cash on Tequila.I bought Cazadores Reposado, El Jimador Reposado, Patron Reposado and Don Julio Blanco. I love them all!... Damn you, guys! I find that the Cazadores is the most different, in a good way. Not the most expensive (Don Julio wins that title), but it has a nice citrus nose and dry, earthy taste that really appeals to me. The only Mezcal I can find is Monte Alban. I think I would really like the better Mezcals, as I love Islay Scotch.... I have a thing for smokey spirits. :grin: What do you suggest I try, as far as Mezcals? Also, what is your take on 1800 Reposado? Don Julio Reposado? Cabo Wabo (in general)? Are Anejos worth spending the extra cash on? I think I may have found a new addiction. You're in a shitload of trouble, brother. Just like me!:grin: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luther.r Posted April 30, 2012 Share Posted April 30, 2012 Ok.... since reading over this entire thread, I decided to spend some cash on Tequila.I bought Cazadores Reposado, El Jimador Reposado, Patron Reposado and Don Julio Blanco. I love them all!... Damn you, guys! I find that the Cazadores is the most different, in a good way. Not the most expensive (Don Julio wins that title), but it has a nice citrus nose and dry, earthy taste that really appeals to me. The only Mezcal I can find is Monte Alban. I think I would really like the better Mezcals, as I love Islay Scotch.... I have a thing for smokey spirits. :grin: What do you suggest I try, as far as Mezcals? Also, what is your take on 1800 Reposado? Don Julio Reposado? Cabo Wabo (in general)? Are Anejos worth spending the extra cash on? I think I may have found a new addiction. Personally, I'm not too into reposados. I'm usually either in the mood for the in-your-face agaveness of a blanco, or the elegance and oak of a nice anejo, but not in between. I know I'm in the minority with this opinion though. I'd say 1800 products are good mixers but I wouldn't sip them. Cabo Wabo is pretty boring. Don Julio, to me, is kind of the EC18 of the tequila world. You can't go wrong and it's consistently good, but there's better stuff out there if you want to hunt and/or spend the money. I'd suggest you find some Del Maguey mezcal. All their varieties are spectacular. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unclebunk Posted April 30, 2012 Share Posted April 30, 2012 I was reading up thread Max's recommendations for on-line shopping and was amazed at the price differences from one store to the next on some items. Then I stumbled upon K & L Wine Merchants and found most of their prices and shipping costs quite reasonable, if not excellent. Muchote Reposado was $25. Fortaleza Blanco is selling for $45 (Binny's sells for $65!). Even some of their single malts were priced incredibly well: Lagavulin 16 is $65/Hi Time $70/Binny's $80, Ardbeg 10 is $43/Hi Time $46/Binny's $55 and Ardbeg Uigeadail is $59/Hi Time $59/Binny's $70. When you consider that shipping is $18 for four bottles ($4.50 per bottle), you still come out way ahead. Not sure how shipping costs compare with Hi Time Wine Cellars, as their site doesn't list rates like K & L does, but K & L seems like a good option for those considering on-line shopping. One disappointment for me was that K & L doesn't seem to carry the Corrido line which I was hoping to explore. Thought I'd pass along this info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luther.r Posted April 30, 2012 Share Posted April 30, 2012 Fortaleza Blanco is selling for $45That is an incredible price on the Fortaleza. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Power Posted May 1, 2012 Author Share Posted May 1, 2012 Ok.... since reading over this entire thread, I decided to spend some cash on Tequila.I bought Cazadores Reposado, El Jimador Reposado, Patron Reposado and Don Julio Blanco. I love them all!... Damn you, guys! I find that the Cazadores is the most different, in a good way. Not the most expensive (Don Julio wins that title), but it has a nice citrus nose and dry, earthy taste that really appeals to me. The only Mezcal I can find is Monte Alban. I think I would really like the better Mezcals, as I love Islay Scotch.... I have a thing for smokey spirits. :grin: What do you suggest I try, as far as Mezcals? Also, what is your take on 1800 Reposado? Don Julio Reposado? Cabo Wabo (in general)? Are Anejos worth spending the extra cash on? I think I may have found a new addiction. Every 1800 tequila is trash. Just like gasoline. Don Julio Reposado is AWESOME. A nice aged version of the blanco with mellowing and still a nice spice kick. Go get that one. Cabo Wabo is fine, but is overpriced. I see your liquor store has the standard selection. Do you ever buy booze online? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Power Posted May 1, 2012 Author Share Posted May 1, 2012 I was reading up thread Max's recommendations for on-line shopping and was amazed at the price differences from one store to the next on some items. Then I stumbled upon K & L Wine Merchants and found most of their prices and shipping costs quite reasonable, if not excellent. Muchote Reposado was $25. Fortaleza Blanco is selling for $45 (Binny's sells for $65!). Even some of their single malts were priced incredibly well: Lagavulin 16 is $65/Hi Time $70/Binny's $80, Ardbeg 10 is $43/Hi Time $46/Binny's $55 and Ardbeg Uigeadail is $59/Hi Time $59/Binny's $70. When you consider that shipping is $18 for four bottles ($4.50 per bottle), you still come out way ahead. Not sure how shipping costs compare with Hi Time Wine Cellars, as their site doesn't list rates like K & L does, but K & L seems like a good option for those considering on-line shopping. One disappointment for me was that K & L doesn't seem to carry the Corrido line which I was hoping to explore. Thought I'd pass along this info.Hi Time is about $36-40 for 12 bottles. About as good as K&L on lesser quantities.Mission has the best prices on Fortaleza...$40 for the blanco.You really do have to search for the best price everywhere. I've probably ordered tequila from 7 different places. www.zeetequila.com has the biggest selection and some good prices on some things. Their shipping is the most expensive though.When factoring in the shipping, you also have to remember that you pay no sales/liquor tax. The amount you save there is generally offset by the shipping...but you also don't have to drive anywhere. I love the online ordering. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unclebunk Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 Hi Time is about $36-40 for 12 bottles. About as good as K&L on lesser quantities.Mission has the best prices on Fortaleza...$40 for the blanco.You really do have to search for the best price everywhere. I've probably ordered tequila from 7 different places. www.zeetequila.com has the biggest selection and some good prices on some things. Their shipping is the most expensive though.When factoring in the shipping, you also have to remember that you pay no sales/liquor tax. The amount you save there is generally offset by the shipping...but you also don't have to drive anywhere. I love the online ordering.As you mentioned, the shipping costs are no biggie because you save on the sales tax (and no gas), so it's a wash. I like on-line ordering too and find that it's the only way to get stuff that's unavailable in my area. Looking forward to my first tequila order. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Power Posted May 2, 2012 Author Share Posted May 2, 2012 As you mentioned, the shipping costs are no biggie because you save on the sales tax (and no gas), so it's a wash. I like on-line ordering too and find that it's the only way to get stuff that's unavailable in my area. Looking forward to my first tequila order. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bmac Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 Alright guys, if you had to choose: Don Julio Anejo or Dos Lunas Anejo? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unclebunk Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 Where did you order from...and what did you buy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Power Posted May 2, 2012 Author Share Posted May 2, 2012 Eeeep! Never heard of Don Lunas..and I wasnt impressed with Don Julio Anejo. So...maybe I would go with Don Lunas just to try something different. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Power Posted May 2, 2012 Author Share Posted May 2, 2012 I haven't placed my tequila order yet but may do so today or tomorrow. I'm going with Hi Time and looking at picking up Fortaleza Blanco and Fortaleza Reposado, both of which are available to me here in Chicago but at much higher prices, even when shipping is factored in. Others on my short list include Corrido, Muchote and Dos Lunas (all unavailable here). Casa Noble, Chinaco, Arette and Siete Leguas are somewhat higher on my "want" list than those last three (with the exception perhaps of Corrido) but can be purchased at Binny's here in Chicago for comparable prices when Binny's runs their periodic 15% off all spirits sale. Given that it makes more sense to buy four or five bottles than two when calculating shipping, I might as well go for stuff I can't get here first and get the others later. (Also, my Mexican buddies are planning a huge party with live music, a goat roast, etc. Memorial Day weekend and I'd like to treat them to stuff they've never had before.) One thing I'm wrestling with is whether to go with blancos or reposados with all of these brands. I must admit that I have always favored reposados and anejos and have generally viewed (most) blancos as tequila better suited for mixers. But El Tesoro Platinum changed all that and now I'm craving the straight agave-in-your-face tequilas which has me re-thinking my erroneous attitude towards blancos. I fully expect Fortaleza Blanco to deliver what I'm after but with all the other brands, I just don't know.In the past, I used to but single malts from Shoppers Vineyard but they seem to have suddenly terminated out-of-state sales, so I'm now looking elsewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vange Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 Welcome Max and awesome info.So, I have been drinking tequila for nearly 10 years now. I am admittedly an absolute anejo snob. I like the depth, the wood, the oak. Same reason I love overaged bourbon (pappy 20) and macalan 18, etc. The Blue Agave forum is a great place for tequila discussion if you are looking for more outlets of discussion. Some of my favs though are:Don Fulano Imperrial (DFI)Herradura Selecion Suprema - the OLDER stuff, no the new bottle wit EXTRA ANEJO on it. that is lesser.JC RdF - 2004 and BEFORE. There was a line drawn for after 2004 where quality went down.Don Julio 1942 - again, the older bottling. The newer one pales in comparison.El Tesoro anejo - always amazing, if you can find a white label one, jump at itEl Tesoto paradiso - again, the older one...seeing a trend here yet?Penca Azul anejo - champagne of anejos, so good thoughCasa Noble - 5 year, even the 2 year is good. A pure tequila.Herencia Historico - old 5 year..Rey SolPatron was once good, then got popular, new NOM and now its average (but 10 times better than JCG or JCE)Being an anejo drinker for 10 years, I am upset at some of the product changes of products I used to love. Now I go around searching for tequila dusties with markings of it being an older bottling...My tequila collection has therefore diminished, but its nice to see all the new brands/labels entering the market. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokinjoe Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 I picked up a bottle of that Clase Azul Reposado yesterday for our Cinco de Mayo party on Saturday. Sipped on a few pours last night. Without a doubt, the finest Tequila I have ever tasted. Thanks for the heads-up on it Max and Dave.:toast: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Power Posted May 3, 2012 Author Share Posted May 3, 2012 Welcome Max and awesome info.So, I have been drinking tequila for nearly 10 years now. I am admittedly an absolute anejo snob. I like the depth, the wood, the oak. Same reason I love overaged bourbon (pappy 20) and macalan 18, etc. The Blue Agave forum is a great place for tequila discussion if you are looking for more outlets of discussion. Some of my favs though are:Don Fulano Imperrial (DFI)Herradura Selecion Suprema - the OLDER stuff, no the new bottle wit EXTRA ANEJO on it. that is lesser.JC RdF - 2004 and BEFORE. There was a line drawn for after 2004 where quality went down.Don Julio 1942 - again, the older bottling. The newer one pales in comparison.El Tesoro anejo - always amazing, if you can find a white label one, jump at itEl Tesoto paradiso - again, the older one...seeing a trend here yet?Penca Azul anejo - champagne of anejos, so good thoughCasa Noble - 5 year, even the 2 year is good. A pure tequila.Herencia Historico - old 5 year..Rey SolPatron was once good, then got popular, new NOM and now its average (but 10 times better than JCG or JCE)Being an anejo drinker for 10 years, I am upset at some of the product changes of products I used to love. Now I go around searching for tequila dusties with markings of it being an older bottling...My tequila collection has therefore diminished, but its nice to see all the new brands/labels entering the market.I'll admit that I tend towards reposados because I like the agave punch to the face with a mild mellowing and character from the wood. However, I try to judge all tequilas based on what they bring to the table. I actually just put my blog link in my signature that has reviews on many tequilas. I'm only up to 81 reviews right now...I have tasting notes and reviews to do for about 150 more right now. I mention that for example, I'm not a huge fan of anejos that get a thick dark chocolate/mocha character, but I know people that love them. So, I mention the profile without being critical whenever possible. I like many of the ones on your list. I've never heard anyone say Don Fulano is worth the price point, but i know I'll have to try it someday. The good and the bad with tequila is that there's 2000+ kinds so there's always something new. The bad is that you feel like you can never get to some of them. In your list, I love Penca Azul, DJ 1942 (green label...I have a brown label bottle, but it's unopened), Casa Noble. I'm all about finding cheap gems. Your list doesn't lack in price either. Check out these under $50 anejos.Cavalino (like a more aged Muchote)Volcan de mi TierraAzunia (amazing complexity)Ancestra Single Barrel Anejo (maybe too sweet, but really good)Centinela (fruity)Chinaco (old bottlings)Don Abraham (tons of bourbon influence)Don Pilar (also tons of bourbon...really well aged)JLPMarquez de ValenciaRiazul (not $50 or under...but is amazing)Pura vidaT1 (really rich and dark)Reserva de MexicoDon FernandoSol de Mexico (tons of flavors and character)Trago (fruity)Viva Mexico The list goes on and on... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Power Posted May 3, 2012 Author Share Posted May 3, 2012 I picked up a bottle of that Clase Azul Reposado yesterday for our Cinco de Mayo party on Saturday. Sipped on a few pours last night. Without a doubt, the finest Tequila I have ever tasted. Thanks for the heads-up on it Max and Dave.A tequila like that can change the way you look at agave spirits and how well they can be crafted. Let me know if you're looking for any specific flavor profiles and I'm glad to help. Enjoy that bottle...Cheers!:toast: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jono Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 Max Power, you have great website! If find the range of bottle styles very interesting with the Tequila and other Mexican spirits. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Power Posted May 3, 2012 Author Share Posted May 3, 2012 Max Power, you have great website! If find the range of bottle styles very interesting with the Tequila and other Mexican spirits.Thanks. I've only gotten serious about it (the blog...not tequila) over the past couple of weeks. I still have a lot more work to be done. I'm hoping to make it into a bit of a part time job with some local tequila consulting for restaurants and the occasional ad on the site. Hopefully that leads to industry samples as well. :grin: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clavius Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 Max Power, you have great website! If find the range of bottle styles very interesting with the Tequila and other Mexican spirits.+1! Great site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ebo Posted May 4, 2012 Share Posted May 4, 2012 Max, thanks for all the great info and insight on this wonderful, new spirit (new for me, anyway). I only have a few, cheaper Tequilas at the moment, but I'm really loving this new flavor profile.This is just in time, and very informative for any of us "newbies" to this fine spirit. I hope you enjoy this. http://youtu.be/sHCR0378g5Y Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexandergjones Posted May 4, 2012 Share Posted May 4, 2012 Max I completely Devoured your site! Great job on all the reviews. Looks Like I have a new spirit to get addicted to besides bourbon and Gin. Good thing my wife enjoys good cocktails so she doesnt get to mad when I buy copious amounts of liquor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Power Posted May 4, 2012 Author Share Posted May 4, 2012 Max, thanks for all the great info and insight on this wonderful, new spirit (new for me, anyway). I only have a few, cheaper Tequilas at the moment, but I'm really loving this new flavor profile.This is just in time, and very informative for any of us "newbies" to this fine spirit. I hope you enjoy this. http://youtu.be/sHCR0378g5YGlad to help. I have a passion for the stuff and the desire to help people spread the word that what they know of tequila may not be as much as they think. I know had I had no idea a couple years ago what was out there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Power Posted May 4, 2012 Author Share Posted May 4, 2012 Max I completely Devoured your site! Great job on all the reviews. Looks Like I have a new spirit to get addicted to besides bourbon and Gin. Good thing my wife enjoys good cocktails so she doesnt get to mad when I buy copious amounts of liquor.Stay Tuned. I have tasting notes on 80 more and still 70 more unopened bottles in the bunker. I'm looking forward to trying and reviewing them all. Thanks for the kind words. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unclebunk Posted May 4, 2012 Share Posted May 4, 2012 Stay Tuned. I have tasting notes on 80 more and still 70 more unopened bottles in the bunker. I'm looking forward to trying and reviewing them all. Thanks for the kind words. Loved the site too and enjoyed the photos as much as your insightful reviews. But Max, I'm gonna end up in the poor house because of you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unclebunk Posted May 4, 2012 Share Posted May 4, 2012 Went to a friend's house Wednesday night for a few beers and he busted out an unopened bottle of Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado. No disrespect to those who might enjoy the stuff but after all the fine quality tequilas I've been sampling lately, I can say unequivocally that I absolutely HATED it from the very first sip. I find it sharp, thin and completely lacking in the floral notes that I've come to enjoy. And talk about a pounding headache yesterday morning!:bigeyes: I'm going to gift my buddy a bottle of Gran Centenario Reposado, which he could have bought for the same price, so he'll have something decent in his cabinet that costs under $25. Or maybe I'll put an extra bottle of Muchote in my shopping cart when I place my on-line order and really treat him to something special and affordable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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