Tequila!

All great suggestions, thanks!

Gran Corralejo Tequila Anejo but anything from the house of Corralejo is excellent.

Tequila is my favorite distillate. I grew up in South Texas and started partaking at a very young age. I've tasted so many ranging from stuff that really should only be used as lantern fuel to stuff too good to drink.

Personally, I prefer my sipping tequila kept in the refrigerator. Then, no salt, no lime, no nothing....only a tall shot glass 3/4 filled....sipped slowly until close to the bottom...then downed for a refill.

Back to your question....there are so many varieties. I've had many not available in the US and there are so many subtle flavors.

The most important thing I would suggest is to at least keep both silver and gold. I prefer silver and never drink gold unless there is no choice....and I only accept it in a cocktail.

I don't know who prefers gold...but some do because it sounds better. I believe if you study it....silver is actually better.

The most common (top shelf) silver IMO is Patron...as mentioned several times above. It is always "good enough" and most people like it.

Another is Don Julio.

I don't know where Hornitos falls in.

Most (not all) of the others will probably be something the person hasn't heard of.

Be carefull buying anything with a number as a name. Some are good...some are not.

Thanks so much, GS...exactly the type of info I need!

What a question. To start, gals favor silver, most guys favor gold. But, as shots or as mixed drinks? The answers for that part of the question are all over the board (I did see your double entendre).
So from a guy who spent almost 5 years in San Diego drinking on both sides of the border, what's in my cabinet (ignoring, omg, everything other than tq).
Silver: Abreojos Silver and Don Julio (for cocktails and margaritas).
Gold: Cervo, actually an empty spot due to the turkey day games. Not sure if I’ll pick up another bottle cause we switched to Abreohjos, and the game was powered by that till the wee hours. I think the spot will get filled by a bottle of Baileys due to a friend’s insistence.

What a question. To start, gals favor silver, most guys favor gold. But, as shots or as mixed drinks? The answers for that part of the question are all over the board (I did see your double entendre).
So from a guy who spent almost 5 years in San Diego drinking on both sides of the border, what's in my cabinet (ignoring, omg, everything other than tq).
Silver: Abreojos Silver and Don Julio (for cocktails and margaritas).
Gold: Cervo, actually an empty spot due to the turkey day games. Not sure if I’ll pick up another bottle cause we switched to Abreohjos, and the game was powered by that till the wee hours. I think the spot will get filled by a bottle of Baileys due to a friend’s insistence. Originally Posted by Unique_Carpenter

Thanks for the info.

xoxo,
LMx

Thanks so much, GS...exactly the type of info I need! Originally Posted by LilMynx69

de nada amiguita

What's your favorite top shelf Tequila? I need a nice one for anyone who visits my house and would like a tequila shot (or rocks).

I don't drink it at all, so I have no idea... Originally Posted by LilMynx69

I think asking your local Liquor store owner is the best first step. Tell them your a "newbie" when it comes to this area. I have never been led astray by my local guy with his suggestions.

Plus, I think any "guest", should be thrilled you went out of your way, and should just respond with "wow!, thanks for thinking of me!", accept what you offered, and be a gracious guest, not a pretentious drink snob!

I think asking your local Liquor store owner is the best first step. Tell them your a "newbie" when it comes to this area. I have never been led astray by my local guy with his suggestions.

Plus, I think any "guest", should be thrilled you went out of your way, and should just respond with "wow!, thanks for thinking of me!", accept what you offered, and be a gracious guest, not a pretentious drink snob! Originally Posted by Bancroft1957

Great advice.

Find a store with a wide selection. Try several. Talk to the people who work there. Ask them, who would be the best person to talk to about x or y kind of liquor. Try to go in during the day, when they're not busy.

I know I'm lucky enough to have a local store with a wide selection of my preferred tipple, and a couple of employees with knowledge of same.

And then be sure to buy there, too, don't get their knowledge and run down the street to save a couple of bucks. That knowledge is worth something, and it will go away if you don't reward it with your purchase.

Great advice.

Find a store with a wide selection. Try several. Talk to the people who work there. Ask them, who would be the best person to talk to about x or y kind of liquor. Try to go in during the day, when they're not busy.

I know I'm lucky enough to have a local store with a wide selection of my preferred tipple, and a couple of employees with knowledge of same.

And then be sure to buy there, too, don't get their knowledge and run down the street to save a couple of bucks. That knowledge is worth something, and it will go away if you don't reward it with your purchase. Originally Posted by LNK

Excellent advice overall, but I can't drink Tequila at all...I have a serious agave allergy that's actually landed me in the hospital...so no sampling for me.

And it's not about someone being a drink snob...I had a bottle of 1800 for years and no one complained, but I like to go out of my way...plus it's hard to justify having several nice bottles of scotch sitting next to a bottle of Cuervo...

1800 is pretty good. It has a different taste than Don Julio and I think it is great for the money. Originally Posted by JohnBQ

+1 1800 Reposado is very good.

...plus it's hard to justify having several nice bottles of scotch sitting next to a bottle of Cuervo... Originally Posted by LilMynx69

Exactly, a well-stocked bar does not have to be a haphazardly stocked full bar. And done right, it is less expensive overall.
Back to your original question; Specification was: Occasional sipper. That will eliminate quite a few of the various Tqs as the fruity/sweet versions are geared to mixed drinks. So use that phraseology when shopping. I still think you'll end up with a robust silver.

Exactly, a well-stocked bar does not have to be a haphazardly stocked full bar. And done right, it is less expensive overall.
Back to your original question; Specification was: Occasional sipper. That will eliminate quite a few of the various Tqs as the fruity/sweet versions are geared to mixed drinks. So use that phraseology when shopping. I still think you'll end up with a robust silver. Originally Posted by Unique_Carpenter

Thanks...I have a very extensive bar and the only thing lacking is Tequila. I want people to enjoy what I serve them, not just politely drink what's available.

Xoxo,
LMx