Results of the Tequila Tasting at Keri?s book signing
First place won by a large margin: Gran Centenario Anejo Tequila, 100% Agave. It was a winner, hands down.
Second place was Tequila Corralejo, reposado. If one shops around, it can be found for $22 (liter) in Rosarito Beach. Cost about $32 in San Felipe
(for one liter). Cost $20 for ? liter in Bahia.
Third place was Tanaya. Comes in a plastic beehive shaped bottle, with an attractive cost of $17 pesos.
Others in the contest: Viva Villa ($1.65 for 1 liter, tastes like kerosene); Tequila Joven Casco Viejo; Sauza extra tequila gold; Cabo Wabo; the blue
label Cien Anos; and 5 others, for a total of 12 tequilas.
Participants had a great time, with much discussion about prices, tastes, and where to get the best deals on tequila.
Special note to Tim and Tracey: All of us missed you two at the tequila tasting! I saved you samples (of each tequila) that night. Took them to
Keri in the morning only to learn you had already left town. Very sorry you were indisposed and unable to join us, especially after traveling to the
event because of the tequila tasting!!! Next year?
A big hearty thank you to the folks that generously denoted tequila samples even though they weren?t involved in the tasting. That was a generous
touch, one that us Baja Gurlz passed along?.but that is another story, one to be posted later. Anyway, it was very nice and I thank you.
To those that left their tequila in my keep: I didn?t really want to leave tequila for the morning workers, so I took it to my condo. I left a note
letting you know to come get it?none of you did, so it left town with me. I just want to let you know the Baja Bodacious Blond Babes put it to very
good use over the next few days. Thank you for your generosity.
I look forward to the next tequila tasting, as always. I?ve hosted about 12 of them over the years and it has always been a pleasure. Thanks again,
everyone. David K - 5-7-2004 at 12:23 AM
Thanks to you GeoRock... Never before have I had so much fun drinking tequila... 12 kinds!
The Gran Centenario was so far advanced in sipping pleasure over all others, it was almost incredible. Thanks to elgatoloco and BajaBarb for bringing
that one, for sure!
Wasn't the Cabo Wabo stuff about the worse? A big surprise was how poor the Cazadores rated, as well. I did remember Cien Anos being 2nd place for
some reason??? Maybe the tequila had already affected my memory? Perhaps I am just thinking of the restaurant in Tijuana by that name, I ate at?
I also want to thank another couple who donated a bottle, but didn't return after they went to dinner, to join in... that was Tristan and Kristen.
Tristan posts on Fred's board as Oiler-fan. GeoRock - 5-7-2004 at 07:01 AM
DK--you are welcome. I, too, had a lot of fun. It was a great group of tasters, and a good group of supporters nearby!
The Gran Centenario was excellent. Thanks Elgatoloc and BajaBarb, and thanks for your generosity! Pete enjoyed a taste last night-I believe his
reaction was "superb."
The Cabo Wabo was not the worse, but it didn't rank as highly as I would have thought. It did alright, though.
The Cazadores suprised us all by being rated the lowest, with comments such as "kerosene" being thrown around. Remember, the tasting is blind. Cups
just have a number and bottles are hidden so no one knew what they were drinking.
Thanks, too, to Tristan and Kristen. Your donation helped to make the contest more fun. Hope you make it next time!
tim40 - 5-7-2004 at 08:25 AM
Much fun.....and we appreciate all that you and other did to make it happen...we are already talking about next year. Thank you Geo....It was a
pleasure to meet you.
Gran Centenario
Taco de Baja - 5-7-2004 at 12:11 PM
What is the cost for the Gran Centenario?
And where do you get it?elgatoloco - 5-7-2004 at 05:02 PM
Bodega La Playa
Plutarco Elias Calles No. 1450 (aka 11th Street)
I found a reciept from February showing $254.00 pesos minus a 5% discount!
The exchange was 10.85 per dollar so the cost out the door was $ 22.24 US. That is also what I paid a few weeks ago. I may be heading down Sunday for
re-stock as I am having to consider drinking one of the other 19 bottles of Tequila I have in my office. Decisions, decisions! Oh well , there is
always wine!!
Calimax usually has it for a bit more. I hear that Smart & Final has good selection and prices although I can not confirm how much.
Maybe go to Bristol Farms in LH and check. I got some VERY good mezcal there awhile back. Mezcal Chichicapa Del Maguey Limited. Ver smoky with a nice
bite and a smooth finish.
Para Todo Mal Mezcal
Y
Para Todo Bien Tambien
Jonathans in La Jolla sells Gran Centenario A?ejo for $59.00.
[Edited on 5-8-2004 by elgatoloco]JESSE - 5-7-2004 at 06:07 PM
Tonaya got 3rd place????????
That stuff is poison, only hard core construction workers drink that.jeans - 5-7-2004 at 09:42 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by JESSE
Tonaya got 3rd place????????
That stuff is poison, only hard core construction workers drink that.
Actually, the bottle says Tonayita. What can I say? I'm a contractor's daughter!
GeoRock...
David K - 5-7-2004 at 09:54 PM
There were two plastic bottle tequilas. Both were beehive shape. One had a blue lable and was bigger. The other, a gold lable (I think)... Which one
is Tanayita and what was the other's name?
The smaller gold lable one is what was passed around the campfire at Camp Gecko a couple years ago. Humfreville's, Travelpearl, Paulina, Beach Bob,
etc. were there... as were the magic rocks.
It was surprisenly drinkable!
[Edited on 5-8-2004 by David K]jeans - 5-7-2004 at 10:22 PM
Tonayita comes with a blue label with clouds. I don't know about the other one, as this was my bottle.GeoRock - 5-8-2004 at 11:32 AM
Okay, I have the other bottle. It is a beehive shape containing 960 ml. It is 27% alcohol. With a yellow label, it's name is "Tres" and appears to
be from Tonaya, Jal. There are 3 king's crowns on it under Tres.
Last trip I found a premium Tonaya, costing a whopping 2 pesos more than this Tres stuff. The premium (and it said the word premium on the label) was
actually much better then this yellow label. I've looked since then for the "premium" and haven't been able to find it.
If you use this stuff for margaritas, along with orandain(tequila liquor-not sure about name), it makes anice drink.
what are you drinking???
bajagrouper - 5-8-2004 at 12:57 PM
I do not believe you are drinking Tequila if it has a yellow label at 26% Alc. and is 960 ml from Tonaya,Jalisco...and is 17 Pesos per bottle...it
sounds like you are drinking bathtub rum,the label i am looking at states"destilado de ca?a" witch i think means distilled from sugar cane....bottoms
up
The beehive bottle
Debra - 5-8-2004 at 01:19 PM
bottle passed around at Camp Gecko was Mezcal (I bought it in town for $1.60USD), I first spotted it on the counter at Tripui Rv Park south of Loreto
while picking up my laundry...it cost $1.25 USD (this was 1997) I bought several bottles to bring as gag gifts for friends (turned out it wasn't too
bad) it also comes in a beehive bottle with yellow label (I never remember the name), just know it when I spot it.GeoRock - 5-8-2004 at 05:13 PM
At the tequila tasting, all types of tequila are encouraged. That way we can distinctly tell the kerosene from the finely tuned drinks.
I believe you are correct, it is from sugar cane and is not really tequila. It was fun to compare it anyway.
When I drink tequila, I usually have correljo, though now that will become gran centario.
Well, I'm off to celebrate our 22nd wedding anniversary tonight. Wow. My how fast the years have passed!JESSE - 5-8-2004 at 08:06 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by jeans
Tonayita comes with a blue label with clouds. I don't know about the other one, as this was my bottle.
Tonayita and Tonaya are virtually the same thing, pure alcohol with a bit of Agave to make it drinkable, be careful, the stuff is barely legal.elgatoloco - 5-9-2004 at 10:25 AM
Update
Beverages & More is selling Gran Centenario A?ejo for $54.99!!David K - 5-9-2004 at 06:10 PM
Matt, can you shed some light on the cheap 'tequila' or 'mezcal' called Tres in the plastic bottle? Is this cheap agave juice or rum (cane liquor)
with a splash of agave? Is this "dangerous" to consume?
Remember the mezcal at Taco de Huitzilipochtli the owner served us? SMOOTH!PabloS - 5-9-2004 at 06:24 PM
Liquorama is selling Gran Centenario Anejo for $49.99 online here is the link>>
Remember the mezcal at Taco de Huitzilipochtli the owner served us? SMOOTH!
I don't know the differences either, but what Sr. Cordova serves to those who ask is "Pulque". Georock's eyes just about popped out of her head when
she read that on the menu. Unfortunately, he was out and would not have any
until the 15th (If I understood him correctly...a big "if"). He also said that it was not available for purchase anywhere. David K - 5-9-2004 at 07:09 PM
That's a 10-4 jeans... it is pulque, not mezcal. Pulque is the first stage of the tequila process, mezcal the second, and tequila the final step... as
I understand this.
Thanks for the correction. Remember how good it was? Did you gals have the Kahlua topped flan?
[Edited on 5-10-2004 by David K]jeans - 5-9-2004 at 07:13 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Did you gals have the Kahlua topped flan?
[Edited on 5-10-2004 by David K]
OHMIGOD! We forgot the Kahlua! But the flan was delicious without it.Mexitron - 5-9-2004 at 07:39 PM
Hey David--I think tequila is made by boiling the agave hearts and then is fermented/distilled. Mezcal is made by cooking the agave hearts over coals
before being distilled, thus the smoky flavor of mezcal verses the cleaner taste of tequila.....there are some very good high end mezcals out there
too--one that comes to mind is Don Amado....yummy smoky/cognac flavor.
Pulque, technically, is agave "wine" made from a different agave, although the fermentation stage of tequila or mezcal is referred to as pulque as
well. Roberto - 5-9-2004 at 08:11 PM
Pulque is more like beer - it ferments quickly and is ready to drink within days of fermenting. If you don't, it starts to take a vinegary taste,
something I've experienced before, including at "El Taco de Huitzilopotchli" - el Dio de la Guerra.
[Edited on 5-10-2004 by Roberto]elgatoloco - 5-9-2004 at 08:13 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Matt, can you shed some light on the cheap 'tequila' or 'mezcal' ...
I have no clue.
It was interesting to try it, but if I ever get within arm's reach of it again I will scoot my chair back a bit and pass.
In my humble opinion when it comes to tequila or mezcal it is better to stick with the good stuff and pass on the rest.
Life is too short to drink cheap tequila!
Tequila 101
bajagrouper - 5-9-2004 at 08:56 PM
Pulque is the milky,slightly foamy and sometimes viscous drink made by fermenting(not distilling) the fresh sap of certin types of Maguey.Any other
drink made from distilling the cooked Maguey is Mezcal,and if it is manufactured in the Tequila region from a numbered distillery,it is Tequila,all
three drinks are made from different species of Maguey.Only one species of Maguey is allowed by law for Tequila production,the agave Weber or Blue
Agave...
P.S. Look for 100% blue
agave on the bottle or your just buying a blend...enjoyGeoRock - 5-9-2004 at 10:41 PM
Hey, I just wanted to have the experience of tasting pulque. I've often read about it, and from my understanding it is only available in mainland
Mexico. Finding out I could finally have a taste in Baja, well, that would make anyone's eyes bulge out of their sockets!!!
Question: Do all mescal's have a worm in them? I'd like to try a fine, smoky mescal, but have no desire to try one with a worm in it.elgatoloco - 5-9-2004 at 11:02 PM
This is the Mezcal I prefer. No worms in the bottle.
You can find them at fine spirit stores in your neighborhood. Or you can stop by Casa Pebley for a taste. pangamadness - 5-9-2004 at 11:43 PM
Anyone try Agavero Taquila Licor.
This is goooooood stuff! Try it. You will like it!!!!!!!!!!! Natalie Ann - 5-10-2004 at 07:32 AM
Gran Centenario Anejo, a long-time favorite of ours, is available at Costco for $40.
did you know that on the mainland
capt. mike - 5-10-2004 at 09:45 AM
in certain southern reaches of mexico that women are not allowed inside traditional Pulque bars. i guess it's a mui machismo tradition?
btw....forgot to add, this weekend down
capt. mike - 5-10-2004 at 09:53 AM
in mulege i was served a new type of jello shot i'd never tried thx to some regulars down there. It was grape flavored sugar free jello with Mezcal on
board! the best i've ever had!! try it. i'm going to make some more this week. yummy....
The last time I drank tequila........
Tucker - 5-10-2004 at 11:24 AM
was when I was in Alaska. I was being inducted into the Musher's Club. Initiation consisted of drinking a gallon of tequila (which I started on
right away), killing a Grizzly Bear and having sex with an eskimo. I left the compound carrying my jug of tequila which was getting lighter all the
time.
Upon my return I had completed (I thought) two of the tasks. I was a little the worse for wear after my encounter with the bear, being that they have
large claws and teeth and such.
So I walked up (as best I could) to the Grand Musher and asked; "Where's that eskimo you wanted me to kill?"Mexitron - 5-10-2004 at 01:40 PM
now THAT'S funny!!!
Mezcal and Worms...
Herb - 5-10-2004 at 03:34 PM
I've traveled pretty extensively throughout the state of Oaxaca and every restaurant or cafe seems to have their own homemade Mezcal that they serve
at your table in some type of decanter. I've never seen a worm in the liquid, but many places do serve worms "on the side." They come on a plate with
chili powder to roll them around in. I have a feeling that this tradition may have something to do with the modern "tradition" we now see of the worm
in the bottles of cheaper Mezcal.
BTW - the state of Oaxaca has one of the largest populations of truly indigenous people in Mexico (many do not speak Spanish) and so they maintain
many of the old ways like eating worms and bugs. I?ve also had a tasty snack there that consisted of dried grasshoppers in chili powder (chapulines).
The worms and bugs actually make pretty good accompaniments to drinking alcoholic beverages in much the same way as we consume chips and peanuts in
bars in the US. I suspect most outsiders, though, would probably just say...
Agavero
bajalera - 5-11-2004 at 01:54 PM
Pangamadness, you're so right about this yummy liqueur. On a visit to the gift shop at the Jose Cuevo place in Tequila several years ago, I bought a
bottle of this because it was so attractive--green, and sort of agave-shaped. The addition of damiana liqueur really mellows the tequila without
smothering it--a great after-dinner drink. Or maybe pre-breakfast.
Unfortunately, he was out and would not have any
until the 15th (If I understood him correctly...a big "if"). He also said that it was not available for purchase anywhere. 
