El Tesoro Platinum tequila

El Tesoro Platinum
Originally uploaded by Lokis world

A few weeks ago I ran out of tequila and found myself in my happy place...the liquor store. I have been enjoying good tequila lately and have been trying out different brands. Patron Silver has been popular in the house, but I know there are better deals out there. The selection of tequila is large. First you need to decide what tatste you are looking for.
Blanco or white, silvers or platinums have a more mellow, less classic tequila flavor. They are un-aged and immediately stored after distillation or aged less than two months in oak barrels.
Oro of Gold is un aged blanco blended with rested or aged tequilas and often use caramel coloring or sugar based syrup or oak extract for added color to resemble an more aged tequila.
Reposado is aged a minimum of two months but less than a year in oak barrels giving is a golden color with hints of oak flavor.
Anejo is aged a miniumum of one year, but less than 3 in oak barrels.
Extra Anejo is aged a minimum of three years in oak barrels.
I prefer to drink a nicer tequila shaken with ice and served in a large shot glass. Cold is nice and the small added water from the ice melt helps bring out the flavors. Some prefer to bite into a lime wedge after drinking the tequila, but when tasting I will omit the lime to keep the flavors pure.
This round I tried the El Tesoro Platinum. They have been making fine tequila for 71 years. Don Felipe built La Altena in the mountains of Jalisco, Mexico in 1937 and his family continues to produce award winning tequila the old way.
I was very impressed with this tequila. Exceptionally smooth, with no mouth burn. The swallow is wonderful and the flavors are sublte and crisp. The price point of $28 USD makes this a true winner. Cheap enough to mix with, but equally wonderful to sip. Look out Patron silver, this one has you beat.

El Diablo

El Diablo
Originally uploaded by Lokis world

My version:
1.5 oz. Tequila
.5 oz. fresh lime
.5 oz. Creme De Cassis
Pour each ingrediant over cracked ice, stir. Some recieps call for ginger ale to be added.

If you've ever had a "Shrub" drink, you will like this one.

Patron tequila flight

Alright my loyal readers...all two of you. A neighbor stopped by with an assortment of Patron Tequila. We are primarily rum drinkers and the prospect of trying some high end tequilas couldnt be passed up.

The three contenders: Patron Silver (green bow), Patron Reposado (orange), and Patron Anejo (yellow).

All were served neat with a wedge of lime after the taste. Four judges. Water between each, starting lighter to darker.

First up, the Silver (Blanco) A 100% De Agave which is produced using only the sugars from the Weber blue agave. An unaged tequila and Patrons most popular. It is very smooth, no bite, little to no heat, great finish with a slight tequila taste. It is amazingly smooth. It is not cheap, but it deserves to be in your bar.

The second is the Reposado. It is a mixture of Silver and Anjeo aged 6 months and is 100% De Agave. It has a slight hint of oak flavor and it gives that classic tequila taste. It would make a great margarita. We were all a little disappointed in the taste drinking it neat as a sipper. I would have a hard time serving it in mixed drinks because its not cheap and only those with great appreciation for tequila would know the difference.

The Anejo is a 100% De Agave and aged up to 12 months. This was the stand out of the three. Extra smooth, great taste, clean finish and basically wonderful. It would be a crime if this were used to mix drinks with. A sipper only and a damn good one at that. We didnt even use the lime for this one, as you just dont need it. Around $65 USD for a .750l makes it less than cheap, but it will have a place in my bar for that special occasion or any day you feel like a quick visit to Mexico.

Tequilas have a new place in our bar and we are looking forward to trying some more premium brands out there. Patron is only the starting point as its easy to find and tastes great. The fancy hand blown glass bottles only adds to the allure of this fine libation. Of course, your mileage may vary. Goce de mis amigos.