Cigars and Drinks Part II - Tequila!
Forget about the stuff you got too drunk off in 10th grade, Tequila is one of the finest spirits around. Most Tequila that people consume outside of Mexico and the Southern US is about as pure as low grade gasoline, and just as tasty. It is made with various components and often chemicals and really has no business being anywhere outside of a frat hall – I’m looking at you El Jimador.
Good Tequila on the other hand is made from 100% Agave, anything that doesn’t say 100% Agave on the bottle isn’t worth your money, unless it’s for you sister’s margaritas. That said 100% Agave Tequila isn’t cheap, starting around $40 USD/$55 CAD a bottle, up to well over $100. And the further you get from Mexico the higher that range and thinner the selection.
There are 4 main kinds of Tequila that you should know and understand before attempting to choose. These are the official guidelines that the Mexican Authorities has set forth.
Blanco or Plata – This stuff is bottled immediately after distillation. If it isn’t it is stored in steel vats, never wood. Don't bother matching this with cigars unless they are "It's a Boy!" brand. Seriously - margaritas only.
Reposado - This is aged in oak for between 2 and 12 months. Generally the best all round drinkable Tequila, very flexible and highly varied in flavours and could be used in mixed drinks provided you haven't paid too much. Typically best suited for cigars that aren't very complex, but there are always exceptions.
Anejo - Aged in oak for more than one year. If you like scotch or cognac but are not sure about tequila you should try this style. Tequila can become very smooth with only minimal aging and I have heard that many feel Tequila will not improve at all past 5 years of aging. The oak nose with the smooth and sometimes sweet finish can work really well with many complex cigars, but remember each is slightly different.
Joven or Oro – Also called Gold in English, it is basically Blanco with colour or flavouring added. I feel this should be avoided all together, except maybe in margaritas.
Generally Reposado and Anejo are the ones that are made with 100% Agave and I think are the best. There will definitely be something in either of these two widely varied styles that you will enjoy.
If in Mexico, take the opportunity to taste a bunch of different tequilas and that is the only way to decide which to buy. The people at each store are knowledgeable in terms of varieties, but sometimes don’t know all the info about bottles, or make it up as they go along. Either way, your taste buds will pick better tequila than any clerk can for you. Try to buy something not available outside of Mexico if you can, because their really aren’t many good deals in most cities, and even the Mexican Duty-Frees aren’t very low priced. In fact, I found a bottle at Wal-Mart in Playa del Carmen that was $5 cheaper than the Duty-Free!
As for matching with cigars, just about all Anejos and fuller Reposados will do just fine, but experimenting will tell you what you like. Anjeos are probably best because of the more prominent oak flavours. Again, each is different so consider the pair; for optimal results you are matching weight, and then decide if you want complimentary or contrasting flavours. There is no secret to matching drinks and cigars; it just takes some trial and error to know what you like; eventually you will find a harmonious pair that is purely sublime, with each component bringing out the hidden potential of the other. However, if you need one rule it is weight, because if you can’t taste one of the two you have just wasted something.
Good Tequila on the other hand is made from 100% Agave, anything that doesn’t say 100% Agave on the bottle isn’t worth your money, unless it’s for you sister’s margaritas. That said 100% Agave Tequila isn’t cheap, starting around $40 USD/$55 CAD a bottle, up to well over $100. And the further you get from Mexico the higher that range and thinner the selection.
There are 4 main kinds of Tequila that you should know and understand before attempting to choose. These are the official guidelines that the Mexican Authorities has set forth.
Blanco or Plata – This stuff is bottled immediately after distillation. If it isn’t it is stored in steel vats, never wood. Don't bother matching this with cigars unless they are "It's a Boy!" brand. Seriously - margaritas only.
Reposado - This is aged in oak for between 2 and 12 months. Generally the best all round drinkable Tequila, very flexible and highly varied in flavours and could be used in mixed drinks provided you haven't paid too much. Typically best suited for cigars that aren't very complex, but there are always exceptions.
Anejo - Aged in oak for more than one year. If you like scotch or cognac but are not sure about tequila you should try this style. Tequila can become very smooth with only minimal aging and I have heard that many feel Tequila will not improve at all past 5 years of aging. The oak nose with the smooth and sometimes sweet finish can work really well with many complex cigars, but remember each is slightly different.
Joven or Oro – Also called Gold in English, it is basically Blanco with colour or flavouring added. I feel this should be avoided all together, except maybe in margaritas.
Generally Reposado and Anejo are the ones that are made with 100% Agave and I think are the best. There will definitely be something in either of these two widely varied styles that you will enjoy.
If in Mexico, take the opportunity to taste a bunch of different tequilas and that is the only way to decide which to buy. The people at each store are knowledgeable in terms of varieties, but sometimes don’t know all the info about bottles, or make it up as they go along. Either way, your taste buds will pick better tequila than any clerk can for you. Try to buy something not available outside of Mexico if you can, because their really aren’t many good deals in most cities, and even the Mexican Duty-Frees aren’t very low priced. In fact, I found a bottle at Wal-Mart in Playa del Carmen that was $5 cheaper than the Duty-Free!
As for matching with cigars, just about all Anejos and fuller Reposados will do just fine, but experimenting will tell you what you like. Anjeos are probably best because of the more prominent oak flavours. Again, each is different so consider the pair; for optimal results you are matching weight, and then decide if you want complimentary or contrasting flavours. There is no secret to matching drinks and cigars; it just takes some trial and error to know what you like; eventually you will find a harmonious pair that is purely sublime, with each component bringing out the hidden potential of the other. However, if you need one rule it is weight, because if you can’t taste one of the two you have just wasted something.
posted by Adam Henderson @ 9:09 p.m.
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