Like a Fine Scotch, Taste Tequila

The American marketplace is seemingly saturated with quick shot glasses and beer bombs.  And it's very typical for Americans to come to Mexico with the same shotgunning attitude in regards to tequila.  But do any of us foreigners really know Mexican tequila?  

 "I remember when I thought a shot of Jose Cuervo Gold tequila was living it up. In fact, it may have been just a step above bar stock once I got to know my tequila. I remember the ritualistic licking of the salt, downing the shot and biting the lime. Now I know this is just a marketing gimmick to help you suffer through bad tequila."

"A good tequila can be sipped with pleasure, like a fine scotch. Yes, at between 62 to 110 proof, even the finest tequila provide a bit of a burn, but you shouldn't have to 'suffer' through something your paying $10 a bottle and up for!

First, let me say the best tequila is the one you like. There are also various tequila for various occasions. You can spend fromabout $7 for 750Ml of some white or silver tequila and these work just fine for that large vat of margaritas at the college dorm or back yard barbeque. But it is certainly not something I would pour in a glass for a shot, at least since I turned 30. In the US tequila start at about $10 for 750ml and a fine tequila can set you back over $500USD."

"Now, what is tequila? Like true champagne can only come from the Champagne region of France, true tequila can only come from Mexico. Mexican laws state that tequila can be produced only in the state of Jalisco and limited regions in the states of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. Tequila is a distilled beverage made from the blue agave plant, primarily in the area surrounding the city of Tequila, 40 miles northwest of Guadalajara, and in the highlands (Los Altos) of the western Mexican state of Jalisco. By international regulation Mexico holds the rights to the term 'tequila', although today some Caribbean islands are selling Agave beverages, likened to tequila."

"There are defined grades of tequila as well. Right out of the distillery's second run we get silver or white tequila. With the harsh edge, these are the tequila that may have spawned the ritual of lime and salt. Packing quite a bite, silver tequila are often used in mixed beverages. For this purpose I personally like that Sauza Silver Tequila , but this isn't a category from which I chose often. A silver tequila is usually inexpensive, around $10-$17USD, Although Patron makes a Silver Tequila for around $50."   

(Source: http://www.bajainsider.com/article/how-know-good-tequila)