Cinco de Mayo is almost here, so bring on the tequila! We tasted a bunch of them in honor of the holiday. Here are some recommendations. You’ll find more in our May/June issue.
Of the silver (or blanco) tequilas, we thought El Jimador Tequila Blanco was a good value. It’s got a pronounced agave aroma with lemony notes and lots of authentic agave flavor wrapped up in pepper and spice. Tequilador Silver Tequila is a definite step up. With warm aromas of hay with a bit of earthiness and toasted nut, it’s complex on the palate, showing subtle flavors and a delicate floral note. Corzo Silver Tequila is a classic, with rich, clean agave aroma complimented by citrus and orange notes. It’s smooth on the palate with crisp mouth feel and delicate smokiness on the finish. Tequilador Silver Tequila releases warm aromas of hay with a bit of earthiness and toasted nut. It’s complex on the palate, showing subtle flavors and a delicate floral note.
Reposados offer a bit more richness due to ageing. Again, we found the El Jimador Tequila Reposado to be a good value. It’s got the smokiness and woodsy notes of a reposado, but it’s also loaded with fruit – lemon, lime, and especially cherries on the finish. For lower-priced tequila, we also liked Azul by Gran Centenario Reposado Tequila for its warm, nutty aroma, full body and intense agave character. Tequilador Reposado Tequila had a delightfully unusual, delicate aroma of fresh figs with just a touch of honeydew. But once in the mouth, this one turns into a powerhouse, with assertive agave flavor and a delicious caramelized orange peel finish. Herradura Tequila Reposado Tequila has nice a woodsy aroma with notes of orange and cherry. It’s very bright, clean and smooth tasting with lots of fruit essence and good depth of flavor. Tequilador Reposado Tequila had a delightfully unusual, delicate aroma of fresh figs with just a touch of honeydew. But once in the mouth, this one turns into a powerhouse, with assertive agave flavor and a delicious caramelized orange peel finish.
Casa Noble Añejo Tequila is a real sipper, nutty and rich on the nose with fig, butterscotch and cherry aromas. Flavors are complex and a bit reminiscent of a good scotch, with smoke, dried cherry, toffee and burnt butter flavors.
