The Good Table | by: SCOTT CONDON, Manager, Leary’s Liquor Cabinet
The days are getting longer, and the sun is shining brighter—summer is here! These hot days deserve refreshing drinks. What better time to talk TEQUILA?!!!
Tequila is the healthiest and tastiest spirit you can imbibe, made from the fermented sap of blue agave and subjected to two separate distillations. There are several ways to enjoy it, but for the purpose of this tutorial, we are looking to highlight the best tequilas for margaritas and for sipping on their own (neat or on the rocks).
MARGARITAS
Espolòn Blanco:
The perfect tequila for a traditional margarita! It is unaged so it never touches an oak barrel which allows it to maintain the pure and vibrant flavors of the agave plant. A margarita made with Espolòn Blanco is exactly what you think of when you think margarita. Price: $37.99
Tanteo Jalapeño:
With spicy margaritas rising in popularity, the Tanteo Jalapeño is a must for anyone who’s looking to add a little heat to their summer sipping. It is a 100% blue weber agave blanco tequila infused with locally-sourced, fresh jalapeños. The heat and pure flavors of the peppers are perfectly balanced allowing for a full-flavored spicy margarita that provides just enough heat without going overboard. Price: $39.99
Herodes Mezcal Artisanal Reposado:
One of my personal favorite ways to enjoy a margarita is with a mezcal. It adds the ideal balance of smokiness to the sweetness of the agave and citrus tartness of the lime. The Herodes Mezcal Artisanal Reposado gives you this pleasant smoke flavor without masking the other flavors in the margarita, and the fact that it is aged to a reposado makes for an exceptionally smooth drinking experience. Price: $24.99
La Gritona Reposado:
This was the hardest addition for me because I very much feel like this one could be on the sipping list as well. This aged tequila is not only extremely smooth, delicious and would make for an excellent upscale margarita, but it is also the first ever distillery in Mexico owned and run exclusively by women. This tequila is an absolute must try! Price: $49.99
SIPPERS
Arette Reposado:
This six-month aged, budget-friendly reposado has the perfect balance of sweet and oaky flavors from its barrel-aging process which makes it an excellent sipper. This is a great summer alternative for bourbon lovers. Price: $56.99
Mayenda Blanco:
When you think about sipping on a tequila, usually a blanco doesn’t come to mind. Most tequilas that are considered sipping tequilas are thought to be aged to reposado or añejo, but the Mayenda Blanco is an exception. This is, without a doubt, one of the most polished blancos on the market. Its exceptional flavor makes it a highlight on this list. When this particular tequila was first brought to the store, I was blown away with its flavor profile and remarkable smoothness. With virtually no after bite, this is one of the only blancos that can be enjoyed neat, in a glass straight from the bottle, without ice. If there is any tequila on this list that I’d urge you to try, it is this one. Price: $64.99
Clase Azul Reposado:
If you’re entertaining this summer and really want to take the party to the next level there is no better way to show off than displaying this beautifully hand painted bottle. The tequila is more than just a pretty bottle though. It has a sweet, buttery aroma with hints of vanilla, caramel and oak. On the palate, you’ll notice a balance of sweet and spicy notes, with flavors of cooked agave, cinnamon and pepper. This is the tequila to get if you truly want to treat your guests and yourself. Price $159.99
Mijenta Reposado:
This tequila is unfiltered which enhances its unique flavor. It is aged for six months in American white oak, French acacia and French oak casks that allow for a more a mature and fuller expression and a beautifully long finish. Price: $69.99
Editor’s note: For information about tequilas not listed here, Scott is standing by to help at Leary’s Liquor Cabinet, 186 Heights Road, across from the Noroton Heights train station. All prices listed are from Leary’s Liquor Cabinet.
