Want a great tequila? Look at these 4 things first.

'Tis the season for tequila! With the holidays fast approaching, you’re breaking out those favorite recipes to share with family. And, of course, your best tequila! In about 30 seconds, you’ll boost your seasonal spirit with a special holiday drink. Everyone who LOVES tequila appreciates a good cocktail especially at the holidays! Using a GREAT tequila makes all the difference in the taste of your cocktail!

When choosing tequila, remember…NOT ALL TEQUILAS ARE CREATED EQUAL! Each brand and expression offers its own unique flavors. Knowing what to look for when buying a great tequila ensures you’re getting a high quality product.

Let’s talk tequila

With so many tequila brands on the market, there are 4 things you should look at BEFORE you walk down the tequila aisle:

1. Purity

A GREAT tequila is a pure tequila. This means the bottle label should include 100% agave or 100% blue agave. If it doesn’t, something’s been added to the tequila to keep the price low.

2. Harvesting

The key factor when choosing a pure tequila, is where the blue weber agaves are grown and how they’re harvested. For the best tequila with a consistent flavor quality, the agaves should be grown and harvested on a single estate. A typical agave plant takes about 8-12 years to reach full maturity. The longer it stays in the ground, the smoother it tastes!

For an earthy, spicier flavor profile look for one where the agaves are grown in the lowlands of Jalisco Mexico. If you want a fruity, sweet flavor try a tequila produced in the highlands.

3. Processing

When it comes to a great tasting tequila, the process for cooking and distilling the agave can completely change the flavor profile. The best tequilas are always made from old tried and true processes. Roasting in an old- fashioned oven retains more of the natural agave flavors.

4. Aging

Also, known as maturing, the tequila is stored in wood casks for aging. A Blanco (aka Silver) can be aged up to two months. But if you are a purest select a Blanco that is unaged, and you will appreciate tequila in its purest form.

If you enjoy the woody, distinct oak flavors of the barrels you’ll like a tequila that’s been aged longer. As tequila ages, the color and flavor profile change. Reposado tequilas are usually aged between 2 and 12 months while Añejo is aged 12 to 36 months.

Small batch, hand crafted tequila

When trying a new tequila, it can be hard to make a decision with so many options. That’s why a small batch, hand crafted tequila made from a family recipe like Señor Rio makes a great choice. We’ve got a taste that people love and over a dozen awards to prove it!

Don’t take our word for it, see what consumers like you have to say about our Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, Double Barrel Añejo, Extra Añejo, and Café Elegancia expressions. To let the flavor of our expressions help you decide, stop by Total Wine & More stores that sell spirits and ask to sample if permitted State by State laws allow you to try before you buy.

Salud!!!