If you ever get a chance to try these I would take the opportunity. Once you have the best everything else taste like, well... flat cola. You will never go back.
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Grew up in Europe, which obviously isn't the Tequila capital of the world, so never drank it till I moved to the US and had my first margarita. Now live in Texas, which is the opposite end of the spectrum with Tequila everywhere. Local stores literally have 100s of different Tequila's. Anyway enough story telling, my question is, what do you look for in a good Tequila and/or what do you avoid in a bad Tequila?
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Not really. To be honest, I am bit of tequila snob; I like drinking it straight. However, when I was younger I messed around with the long island ice tea mixture. Used Absolute Mandrin Vodka instead or regular vodka. That mixed with Bacardi white rum and Seagrams gin and 1800 tequila is very good.
Robert
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You make your own opportunities in life.
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Before I get to your question, I highly recommend the Tequila Matchmaker web page and app to learn about Tequila. Most tequila's out there have a rating. Based on my experience it is accurate. Tequila Matchmaker The app can also be found in the app stores.
A lot of how a tequila tastes comes from two things; where it is made and how much it is processed. All tequila is made in Mexico. However, there are different regions where it is made. If you look on a bottle of tequila, there will be a NOM number. This number tells you which Distillery it is made in. You can find a complete list here: Distilleries
Some distilleries produce multiple brands of tequila. While others like Fortaleza only makes a single brand. Note: the Tequila Los Abuelos shows two brands, however they are one in the same. There was a trade mark dispute with the name Los Abuelos in the U.S so they market it as Fortaleza. Interestingly enough under the Fortaleza label they have the Los Abuelos name etched in the glass. Typically, the more brands they make at a single facility the less quality there is in the tequila.
A lot of tequilas are overly processed. Meaning they add additives to the tequila to get a particular taste or smell. There are rules which state that only 1% of a tequila can be made up of additives. A lot a Distilleries will add certain flavors or color to the Anejos and Reposado. The problem is some additives are chemically enhanced to overpower everything else. Think of Classic Coke vs Coke Zero. There is a difference. Once you have a natural tequila you can pick the chemically enhance tequila. DonJulio tequila, which I happen to like, is a very processed tequila. Here is good article on the subject: The Lowdown on Tequila Additives
At the end of the day it really comes down to taste and which flavor of tequila you like; Blanco, Reposado, Anejo, Extra Anejo. I recommend anyone starting out in tequila to start out with the good stuff. This will give perspective to everything else. I always recommend starting out with the Fortaleza brands. They are not terribly overpriced and will give you a taste on what a good tequila should taste like. The next would be the G4's.
Finally, a word on price; Expensive tequila does not always equal a good tasting tequila. Use the tequila matchmaker app to research before you buy.
Robert
Fortaleza
NOM 1493
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If you ever get the chance, New Mexico has a quietly excellent Tequila and Mezcal scene. Santa Fe has its own little collection of Mezcal bars and there are several really great middle-of-nowhere spots all over the state.
I'm currently in Colorado but you got me thinking of some great times out in NM!
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My G4 Tequila came today. I have not had any of this since July. Looking forward to opening it this weekend.
Ordered it from Sip Tequila. This was my first time using them. Came with a personalized card and excellent packaging and fast shipping. I will definitely be using them again.
G4 Tequila
Card
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Rey Sol Extra Anejo. I have been wanting to try this for over a year. It on the expensive side ($250) which is why I have stayed away. Last week Sip Tequila had free shipping so I decided to give myself a early B-Day present to myself.
The box folds open to display a unique bottle. It comes with a cool glass stopper. Can’t wait to open it tonight!! Hoping it will not disappoint!
Robert
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In addition to the Rey Sol I also got the G4 5 year Extra Anejo. Another one I have stayed away from because of the price ($189). The the first time I have tried the 5 year. The regular Extra Anejo is 80 proof and is aged 3 years. This is 90 proof and is aged 5 years.
On a side note; this is what happens when you drink tequila and order tequila with free shipping.
Robert
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I thought it would be cool to do a review. The best way to do this is to have a shot glass like the one pictured below. After pouring the tequila smell the aromas. The shot glass being tall and thin enhances the aromas. For me closing my eyes and smelling works best. After you drink it pay attention to the flavors you taste. Some are instant and then gone while others hang around. Lastly, smell the empty glass. In a lot of ways the aromas are much stronger in a empty glass. It will give you a greater appreciation of the tequila itself.
Aromas: Caramel mixed with vanilla and oak and agave. The Caramel is the dominant smell. Mixed with the other aromas it creates a distinct smell which is instantly recognizable.
Taste: this is a really smooth tequila. Easy going down with a slight burn. The flavors of caramel and vanilla hang around in your pallet long after you drink it. It leaves you fulfilled yet wanting more.
Pros: Smooth, easy going down with lots of different flavors. This could be a con for some people, but the flavor hangs around long after you drink it. For me its very satisfying.
Cons: the price! At $250 a bottle it will put a dent in your wallet.
Verdict: this is a excellent tequila! This has moved into my top 3.
Robert
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Finished off my G4. Time to order some more. 
