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Tequila

jodiego - 1-27-2009 at 11:31 AM

I' m heading down th TJ this Friday for some food and drink and thought I would pick up a bottle of Tequila to bring home with me. I've heard of two good liquor stores in town, La Playa and Kentucky Derby. Which would be better to find those hard to find tequilas such as the ones at the TJ Tequila festival? And where are the locations of both stores? Is one liter still the allowable amount to bring across?

Iflyfish - 1-27-2009 at 11:38 AM

Don't know if there is a Costco in Tijuana, but I know the one in Ensenada has tequilla and I purchased Corellejos there for a song.

Iflyfish

Limits?

Mulegena - 1-27-2009 at 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jodiego
I' m heading down th TJ this Friday for some food and drink and thought I would pick up a bottle of Tequila to bring home with me... Is one liter still the allowable amount to bring across?

Can you bring more than one liter, the first duty-free, others subject to a simple import tax?

fdt - 1-27-2009 at 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jodiego
La Playa and Kentucky Derby. Which would be better to find those hard to find tequilas such as the ones at the TJ Tequila festival?

Bodegas La Playa has many tequilas, mostly the ones that are most popular and sometimes something rare. Kentucky Derby specializes in hard to find, rare or artesan tequilas such as you would find at the expo.

jodiego - 1-27-2009 at 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fdt

Quote:

Originally posted by jodiego
La Playa and Kentucky Derby. Which would be better to find those hard to find tequilas such as the ones at the TJ Tequila festival?

Can you tell me where each is located?

fdt - 1-27-2009 at 12:54 PM

La playa is on Calle 11 (11th street) close to Sanchez Taboada and Kentucky Derby is on Calle 3ra (third street) almost at the corner of Madero, one block down from Revolucion.
Need a guide?

The Gull - 1-27-2009 at 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fdt
La playa is on Calle 11 (11th street) close to Sanchez Taboada and Kentucky Derby is on Calle 3ra (third street) almost at the corner of Madero, one block down from Revolucion.
Need a guide?

Which has better prices for the same brand?

fdt - 1-27-2009 at 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Gull

Which has better prices for the same brand?

What brand would that be?

fdt - 1-27-2009 at 01:44 PM

If you are looking to buy just any tequila or one that is a popular brand name then the best place would be either Soriana or Costco but jodiego asked for tequilas like the ones found at the tequila festival. Those would probably not be available except at Kentucky Derby.

jodiego - 1-27-2009 at 02:16 PM

Quote:

Thanks fdt. If I've got the time, maybe I'll check them both out.

Bajahowodd - 1-27-2009 at 02:24 PM

Maybe my ignorance is showing. Didn't Mexico lower the alcohol content in just about everything a few years back to deal with the borracho problem? I seem to recall seeing shelf after shelf of liquor, including tequila where the alcohol content was listed as anywhere form 35-36% as opposed to the traditional 40%-80 proof. Also, I recall Mexican beer once had a higher alcohol content than U.S. domestic or that imported to the U.S. I believe, for instance that Tecate now runs about 4.5%, when it was once around 6%.

I only raise the issue as a purist when it comes to drinking fine tequila, wondering if the taste is affected. Also, since Mexico still exports 80 proof tequila, is there really any savings in crossing the border when a place like BevMo might have it for around the same price??

jodiego - 1-27-2009 at 02:27 PM

Quote:

Can you bring more than one liter, the first duty-free, others subject to a simple import tax?

Is this a question or a statement? There is a question mark after it so it should be a question, but the syntax is all jumbled which makes it read more like a statement. What is the rule about bringing alcohol back to the states?.....that is the question.

fdt - 1-27-2009 at 03:39 PM

I believe it's still only 1 liter, don't know what would happen if you want to pay the tax.

fdt - 1-27-2009 at 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd

I only raise the issue as a purist when it comes to drinking fine tequila

Don't worry, I can pervert you

Bajahowodd - 1-27-2009 at 04:11 PM

Seriously, Fernando, am I right? didn't Mexico lower the alcohol content?

woody with a view - 1-27-2009 at 06:41 PM

pull up to the garita and proudly declare your fine sippin' ta-kill-ya. all the while knowing you'se got 2-3 others stashed in your wet wetsuit.... :light:

The Gull - 1-27-2009 at 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fdt

Quote:

Originally posted by The Gull

Which has better prices for the same brand?

What brand would that be?

Penca Azul Reposado
4 Copas anejo
Milagro single barrel Anejo
San Martin Extra Anejo

[Edited on 1-28-2009 by The Gull]

woody with a view - 1-27-2009 at 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Gull

Quote:

Originally posted by fdt

Quote:

Originally posted by The Gull

Which has better prices for the same brand?

What brand would that be?

Penca Azul Reposado
4 Copas anejo
Milagro single barrel Anejo
San Martin Extra Anejo

[Edited on 1-28-2009 by The Gull]

i feel a new "the list" in the making.......

Udo - 1-27-2009 at 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fdt
I believe it's still only 1 liter, don't know what would happen if you want to pay the tax.

Fernando...
I know what happens if decide to pay the tax when you bring extra bottles than you are allowed.
You pay the tax, and US Customs confiscates the bottles any way. Then in a few months US Customs has an auction where one gets the chance to buy back the booze they confiscated from you.
Been-there-done-that!

Mango - 1-27-2009 at 10:30 PM

Yeah, It's pretty hard if not impossible to bring back more than the 1 liter legally.

I researched it quite a bit a few years back - as I wanted to bring home a case of my favorite tequila. It turns out it's just a borderline nightmare/major hassle, with no clear answers, or guidelines.

You might check out this site:
http://www.ttb.gov/importers/personal_importation.shtml

Aren't you glad that you live in a free country that has negotiated a free trade agreement with Mexico? The governments ability to tax and create layers of laws that make things impossible for the little guy is the only thing around here that is free.

Mango - 1-27-2009 at 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Gull

Penca Azul Reposado
4 Copas anejo
Milagro single barrel Anejo
San Martin Extra Anejo

Gull, that sounds like a nice list. Which of those is your favorite?

The only one on your list I have had the pleasure of trying is the Milagro Single Barrel Anejo.

My favorite tequila came out of a 5 gallon white plastic container. I was visiting Tequila, Jalisco and the bartender poured me a batch from his friends distillery.. he told me it sold for $500 USD a bottle.

I tipped well.

In general, I like the highland tequilas. My favorite store bought is Corazon Reposado.

woody with a view - 1-28-2009 at 06:51 AM

got turned on to sauza commemrativo anejo.......mmmmm!

next to the hornitos, it's in the cabinet, too!

fdt - 1-28-2009 at 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Seriously, Fernando, am I right? didn't Mexico lower the alcohol content?

I ignore that.

fdt - 1-28-2009 at 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jodiego
What is the rule about bringing alcohol back to the states?.....that is the question.

Do what we do for the toy drive, "Contrabando hormiga".
Since you are in San Diego it would be easy to get someone that works there and lives in Tijuana to bring you a bottle a day. Done that many times.

The Gull - 1-28-2009 at 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mango

Quote:

Originally posted by The Gull

Penca Azul Reposado
4 Copas anejo
Milagro single barrel Anejo
San Martin Extra Anejo

Gull, that sounds like a nice list. Which of those is your favorite?

The only one on your list I have had the pleasure of trying is the Milagro Single Barrel Anejo.

I put them in order of rank, best on top. I have run blind taste tests on five occasions, with 4-5 people each time. It is universally the case that Penca Azul is on top, followed very closely by 4 Copas. Actually, I prefer the Single Barrel to 4 Copas. Since all of those run $80+ in the states even at discount houses, the San Martin Extra Anejo is the killer of the list. Very good taste and sells for about $18 at La Playa in TJ.

For all the Tequila pros among Nomads, if you haven't tried it, it is a must buy.

Woody, while they are good, you are spending too much on those Sauza brands when a bottle of San Martin Extra Anejo would change your mind about quality at a low price.

The Gull - 1-28-2009 at 09:43 PM

This is it.

penca_azul.jpg - 49kB

Taco de Baja - 1-30-2009 at 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Gull
This is it.

Penca Azul: $99.99 at Bevmo for a 750ml. That's $6.25 per 1.5 ounce "shot"

Thats definitely one to store on the top shelf. And for sure, should be sipped, not shot.

woody with a view - 1-30-2009 at 09:52 PM

Quote:

Woody, while they are good, you are spending too much on those Sauza brands when a bottle of San Martin Extra Anejo would change your mind about quality at a low price.

well, i'm always looking for a good deal on a new t-kill-ya.

anyone else got a sleeper kill-ya?

edit:

Quote:

Since you are in San Diego it would be easy to get someone that works there and lives in Tijuana to bring you a bottle a day.

anyone coming north wanna make $10? :light:

i can meet you along the I-5 near downtown.......

[Edited on 1-31-2009 by woody in ob]

[Edited on 1-31-2009 by woody in ob]

woody with a view - 1-30-2009 at 10:10 PM

talk about winning the lottery?

http://www.queondapm.com/index.php?option=com_content&ta...

elgatoloco - 1-30-2009 at 11:16 PM

Holy guacamole!

Maestro Dobel Diamond Tequila.

Followed one of theri links to an interesting looking yacht.

http://yachts.monacoeye.com/files/blohm_voss_970_a.php

Mike99km - 1-31-2009 at 10:32 AM

We started drinking 30-30 a few years back. It's very good at room temp. The flavor is very different cool. It is not a top shelf but is much better than the same priced stuff. Cost about $15.00 to $20.00 a lt.
It's our mixing and sipping choice while camping and roughing it trips.

Try it Woody, taste great after surfing and fishing all day.

BajaNuts - 2-1-2009 at 09:45 PM

OMG!!!!!!!!!!! $225,000 a BOTTLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How good can one drink be????????????????

Either you drink it yourself and for more than my house, you get a buzz...or you share it with others which means after 10 minutes, you gotta shell out another quarter mil!!!!

I can appreciate good alcohol up to about $100 a bottle, after that I don't get it. I can't believe that any alcohol can taste that good to be worth a quarter mil for a bottle.........

At some point ( for me it would be at around $80/bottle) it becomes not about the product as about the bragging rights of serving or drinking a very expensive drink.

In the end, it all goes in the same place...................(swhoosch).....

Bajahowodd - 2-1-2009 at 10:27 PM

Anyone notice that the marketing department has taken over? Freaky looking bottles designed to hook people. Personally, anything over $70 a bottle, cannot possibly be worth it.

The Gull - 2-2-2009 at 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Anyone notice that the marketing department has taken over? Freaky looking bottles designed to hook people. Personally, anything over $70 a bottle, cannot possibly be worth it.

Wrong, just plain wrong.

Let's get to the economics. Buying an $85 bottle of Penca Azul (discount place in Marina Del Rey) provides about 20 real good sized shooters. What do bars charge for any kind of crap tequila shot?

Stay home and enjoy is my approach.

By the way, a shot of PA at El Agave in SD is $15-20. At Crustacean in Beverly Hills or San Francisco, the same will cost you $30-40, each.

BajaNuts - 2-2-2009 at 05:47 PM

I can go along with Gull's math, but that still doesn't justify $225,THOUSAND

Bajahowodd - 2-3-2009 at 01:19 AM

Gull- Are you challenging me on the fact that tequila has gone the way of BMW? Raising the price and putting it an attractive package doesn't improve the quality of the product.

The Gull - 2-3-2009 at 07:23 AM

Your views are irrelevant, besides wrong.

Stateside, many popular brands, e.g. Tres Generaciones, Patron, Cabo Wabo, Herradura (and I can go on) have done things to change packaging over the years, but I can still buy them at or below the price I was paying for them 14 years ago. I'm sure Nomads who buy in the $30-$42 range will agree. Local super markets, Trader Joe's and Costco are replete with examples, daily. People who have seen and drank San Martin Extra Anejo at $17-$18 bottle find it both attractive packaging and excellent.

Late comers to the premium tequila party may have to resort to fancier packaging to get shelf space, but that does not provide for unfounded sweeping generalizations of what I have read from you.

Deal with facts not myth. Facts, sonny, use them.

I agree with BajaNuts, $225K is a bit steep. In fact all of those brands on that website are "over the top" IMHO.

Cabo Wabo and Hornitos on Sale

The Gull - 2-7-2009 at 12:13 PM

Go to Super King Markets in Anaheim, Glassel Park or Altadena

Every week they have gret deals on Tequila. This week Cabo Wabo at $24 and Hornitos for $14 (buy 3). Last week Patron Anejo for $35.

Pacifico or Modelo for $10 for a 12 pack of 12 oz btls.

www.superkingmarkets.com

BajaGringo - 2-7-2009 at 12:18 PM

So is it one bottle per car or one bottle per person???

Terry28 - 2-7-2009 at 12:19 PM

Check out Sondras restaruant in Puerto Nuevo, third street down, turn left, it's on the left hand side..the make their own tequila and you can buy some to take home...very nice sipping tequila..it was around $15 a bottle last time we were there....nice food too, spotless, and good service...

Bajahowodd - 2-7-2009 at 12:31 PM

Gee. I live about two miles from the Anaheim store and never knew about it. Very interesting mix of Mexican and Middle Eastern items- it's located in an eclectic neighborhood. Thanks for the link, Gull. (even if my views are irrelevant)

woody with a view - 2-7-2009 at 12:37 PM

$14 for hornitos??? it's $25 at my corner arab store....

No...they don't

Dave - 2-7-2009 at 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Terry28
Check out Sondras restaruant in Puerto Nuevo,they make their own tequila

Probably Viva Villa and coke. That's the standard homemade tequila scam. Fooled you, though. :rolleyes:

Terry28 - 2-7-2009 at 12:57 PM

No way dude..it's very real....and very good!!!

Yeah, right

Dave - 2-7-2009 at 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Terry28
No way dude..it's very real....and very good!!!

You've seen their distillery? The oven where they roast the agave and press where they extract the juice? Think about it and get back to us...dude. :rolleyes:

Terry28 - 2-7-2009 at 01:11 PM

I have no desire to get in a urinating contest with you...check it for yourself...We like it, and have for years. Have you seen all the other folks distillery's???doubt it....but I really don't care.......just passing on my opinion like the others...

DENNIS - 2-7-2009 at 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
Viva Villa

That stuff should be illegal.

Dave - 2-7-2009 at 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Terry28
Have you seen all the other folks distillery's???

What all other folks? :lol:

Anyplace that tells you they make their own tequila is lying.

How tequila is made:

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Tequila-Is-Made&id=287183

The Gull - 2-7-2009 at 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Gee. I live about two miles from the Anaheim store and never knew about it. Very interesting mix of Mexican and Middle Eastern items- it's located in an eclectic neighborhood. Thanks for the link, Gull. (even if my views are irrelevant)

Bummer that Anaheim doesn't have liquor. The other two places have it. Check out their weekly ads.

Mango - 2-7-2009 at 08:49 PM

Thanks for the further info Gull.

I agree.. that sometimes you need to shell out some serious cash to taste the better tequilas. But, I have also been able to drink some good ones for pretty cheap, so I' always on the lookout. Although I'm happy to splurge in the right circumstance.

In general, beer is cheaper in Mexico than it is in the states - Tequila is about the same price IMO. (Ok, slightly cheaper. but nothing like beer)

With tequila and wine I increase my budget just enough to get the better stuff.. not the best. You can get some pretty good stuff at the upper mid price range. Although l like drinking the best.. if I can afford it.

Someone told me an old saying about Mexico.. and.. well you can tell it is old.. but is makes sense.

The difference between a $10 dollar a night hotel room and a $70 dollar a night hotel room is not $60.

Bajahowodd - 2-8-2009 at 12:29 AM

Not sure it would be worth the 50 mile round trip to buy their liquor. But I must say, the Anaheim market was quite a trip. Never saw a more crowded supermarket. Almost shoulder to shoulder. Great produce. Halal meat. I'll go back, even though there's no booze.

fdt - 2-8-2009 at 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Terry28
No way dude..it's very real....and very good!!!

No offense but when I had the hotels in Rosarito, I to made my own tequila and the main ingredient was Viva Villa.

DENNIS - 2-8-2009 at 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by fdt
No offense but when I had the hotels in Rosarito, I to made my own tequila and the main ingredient was Viva Villa.

Oh Lord, Ferna. You arn't supposed to tell anybody.

The Gull - 2-8-2009 at 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Don Jorge
Penca Azul, best Tequila under 100 bucks, according to our many informal and very subjective taste tests.

Viva Villa and Tequila in the same thread, talk about a hijack! That poison helped my suegro kill himself and it didn't cost too much either. He was able to do it on el salario minimo.

Going to Guadalajara next week and you can be sure another day will be spent in Tequila. FYI, right now, non stop Mexicana flights from TIJ to GDL are around 200 dollars, which is only 2 bottles of Penca Azul. La Plaza, el Basilco, el Expo y Tequila, a nice 4 day trip.

Penca Azul Reposado, not Anejo. The Anejo picks up a raspy taste from the barrel which makes it taste like Cazadores - puke!

I found the Blanco version of Penca Azul at Costco for around $40. For 1/2 the price of Reposado, it could do in a pinch.