Everyone knows Fortaleza is amazing. But you're sooner to invest the 80 bucks into S&P500 and save enough for 1942, than you are to find a Fortaleza Anejo on the shelf.
Thank you so much for showing me El Tesoro. When I have friends over and show them the bottle, none of them have heard of it and it tastes absolutely amazing. Even my friends who “don’t like tequila” are amazed by how smooth and flavorful it is.
I was in Oaxaca many years ago and went to some mezcalerias in the valley and found some extra añejo (not technically a designation) and loved it but didn't buy it. At the time I lived in the states so when I returned I went out to buy the best Mezcal I could buy. I paid 3x as much for it and it wasn't hardly drinkable. We used it for flavoring for chili and then eventually gave away the rest. We tried several others and finally gave up. I've lived in Mexico now for years and there's a lot of stuff here that is fantastic but it's not owned by a large conglomerates and is never exported. Mezcal, Tequila, Sotol, Bacanora, Raicilla, and Charanda etc. We even have a growing whiskey market! The whiskey isn't great yet but they're making huge strides. The same for beer. I just did my review of my 132nd Mexican dark craft beer. None of them are exported. Good stuff.
Agreed. Mezcal all the way. Just had a laugh with a bartender buddy about this bottle and the kids/rich kids thinking they having something good haha. Such a dumb hype. Mezcal far more delicious and way more different varieties for way better prices! I've gotten some sub $20 bottles here in Chicago that are leagues ahead of tequila. Cool bottle tho!
As a Mexican born and raised in Mexico who worked in Guadalajara for a couple of years I can tell you there's nothing wrong with Don Julio 1942. It's only overpriced in the US and of course paying $1000 at a club is insane. If you happen to be in Mexico at a Soriana supermarket or Walmart the price will be ok. This is not your daily tequila because it isn't cheap. However, for a special occasion to celebrate, a birthday, Christmas, a goal accomplished, this is a fine gift that any Mexican would be glad to accept. Edit: I just checked the price at Costco Mexico and it is $150 including taxes, which I concede is a little bit more of what I remember (inflation is a bitch). However, I stick to what I said, if you have a special occasion and the person knows about tequila this is a fine present.
El tesoro is extremely good I've given to people who swear they don't like Tequila and they love it, if you haven't tried it definitely do I'll have to check out Maestro Dobel, any specific classification?
I've only heard good things about Number Juan Brand Tequila, but I'm not the best at telling what's great quality. I bought one of the cheaper ones and it seemed really good to me.
If people tried trading some of their crippling need of social acceptance for taste, they’d find a wealth of spirits and cocktails besides 1942 and espresso martinis.
Why do you never speak of Casa Noble. I mean.. you aren't a real tequila fan if you don't speak of Casa Noble. Casa Noble Blanco is certified USDA organic, and fabulous. Casa Noble Anejo is other-wordly.
Soy mexicano me encanta el tequila me encanta el don julio 1942 pero? Cómo bien dices acabo de probar el Fortaleza reposado y deberás es grandioso!!! Es un tequilazo! Es para mí el mejor tequila precio calidad robusto, con gran cuerpo pero digerible con gran sabor, en México se consigue la botella en aproximadamente 80 dólares y lo vale cada centavo! También entro al mercado un tequila que está destilando moet conjuntamente con henesy que se llama "volcán" y debo decir que están haciendo bien las cosas otra vez el reposado Fran tequila su más suave que el fortaleza pero muy bueno y la botella está más o menos en 60 dólares saludos desde México!
From my experience I didn’t really get the difference between bad and good tequila until I got into bourbons and now tequilas are low proof next to my bourbons and I discovered better the flavors in tequila. I enjoy fortaleza and even clase azul when I need something sweet. But I recommend try bourbons and then get back to tequilas and it changes your taste buds.
In California they’re now selling Don Julio 1942 in those mini 50ml bottles for about $13.50. Which is kind of crazy, because the value isn’t in the juice that’s inside the bottle. It’s in the marketing and hype.
Tequila Ocho Plata is my favorite but also harder to find in my local liquor store because I always buy out the measly 4 bottles they stock. Fortaleza isn't stocked in my state liquor store, but Tequila Ocho is only a few dollars cheaper and quite similar.
Binny's Beverage Depot slipped me the Don Julio 70 Cristalino ANEJO in a box when I asked for regular Don Julio Anejo, and did not notice buying a bunch of other liquors; my bad however a learning experience. A friend had to have Don Julio Anejo for their B-Day, and not my choice. Don Julio 70 Cristalino ANEJO tastes NOTHING like any Anejo, very HOT, NOT smooth, and none of the complex flavors of a true Anejo tequila. Its not even good for a Blanco. You are very correct, countless other better true Tequilas.
The problem with tequila is that many people don't like the burn or the sometimes harsh taste. When it has almost no taste (not over powering), and almost no burn. People will drink more of it. The good tequilas that have real flavor are regulated to margaritas. Clase Azul is awesome for that reason. And it's more on the sweet side. So even more inviting to those that want to drink it straight up or with a lime. Its overly expensive but, it fits the times and the folks that want to drink "that". To each is own.
Nerd much? 1942 is young and hip and that's why it sells. The same with Clase Azul. Plus, it is a good tequila. No one wants these brands they've never heard of no matter how good they are. Sure, they're good for your home collection, but most bars won't carry them. And if you're home tossinng back tequila shots on the regular that's an entirely different problem.
I really like Siete Leguas line up, so good. What do you think of Centenario? I've seen El Tesoro but was hesitant to buy because if Costco carries it, I thought it would be commercialized.
My wife’s cousin works for centenario, and my wife being from the city that produces this tequila, she swears by it. Her and her entire family and friends only drink centenario since they say it’s the best tequila around.
I was never able to find Fortaleza anywhere, I bought some El Tesoro and Cazcanes in Nashville, but it is 4-5 hours away from my home and I paid $100+ for a bottle. Locally I can buy Don Julio 1942 for $140 and it is great tequila. End of discussion.
As a MEXICAN who’s been drinking tequila for almost 25 years, I can tell you this guy has NO CLUE. Don Julio is one of the most traditional, prestigious and respected Tequila brands IN MEXICO, and has always been. Diageo IS NOT the owner of the brand, and neither has any relation on how the tequila is produced. Diageo is only the company that takes part of the distribution in USA, that’s it. To compare the 3 trashes to ANY Don Julio tequila (Don Julio 70, Reposado, Blanco, 1942) is beyond crazy, and shows he has no clue. In fact, the 3 tequilas he recommends, are not even sold in Mexico! Only Amazon sells them here, thats. It.
I agree when you say "stop buying celebrity tequilas". And i would add to that to think twice before buying heavily advertised tequilas like Don Julio in Jimmy Kimmel show, Patron tequila in the Sons of Anarchy series.1942 is overrated and overpriced.
There is one ☝️ A legend in Jalisco Mexico that even the jimadores who well know quality in tequila would drink back 20 years ago, when it wasn’t as available, San Matias would only release a certain amount and it would be gone. Now its more main stream and available since it got noticed and started winning awards, San Matias Gran Reserva Extra Añejo. Its just great tequila, and at a humble price still of 50 dollars, beats any Don Julio, its still my favorite ❤️ Edit: Its so good, people have mentioned it has to have additives, but testing have showed it not to, and you can find those tests on youtube and online, its just good stuff.
If you have not been to the Fortaleza distillery I highly recomend it. Just drop em an email and they will get you setup with a tour. You will have the place to yourself as it is done on request. They go by Los Abuelos in Mexico if you are in Mexico looking for it. They also have a still strength that is awesome.
my favorite tequila ive had is cabo wabo ive havent had it in a long time.....im looking at the prices online im not a tequlia drinker.....more into whiskey and havent looked for in a long time but they must and changed something within the company because back in like 08-09 a bottle of it was around 50 bucks but im looking and seeing it sell for 30 15 years later. i dont know how that makes sense. edit: nvm i figured out why.....the tequila is not the same anymore due to sammy selling the company. oh well
One of my favorite tequilas to sip on is one called Tears of Llorona, it's very pricy sadly but is one of the best things i have ever tasted. Also, its additive free
Honestly, I really wanted to try out some tequilla but it gets expensive here in brasil and the best I can find here are don julio blanco and espolon reposado, but after your videos It doesn't seem to be worth it
I do love the 1942. But, it's a special occasion bottle due to its price point. I LOVE Socorro!! It's the tequila that makes folks who think they don't like tequila like tequila! I'm finding the anajo for around $40 in the Austin area. It drinks like a $150 bottle.
I live in Guadalajara and I love tequila, my main grab is usually Los Abuelos (sell internationally as fortaleza) but my second favorite is a tequila call Los Búhos, sell by a tequila shop of the same name in Tlaquepaque, it's dirt cheap (under 20 bucks most of the time) if you're in Tlaquepaque this is must buy, definitely have the quality of a higher end tequila for a fraction of the prices
@@Lui_Fern award of the days go to you bro. Had me dying laughing after you said if your worried more about how you look with tequila then what your drinking 😂😂😂
I’m not a tequila drinker but I am annoyed of my guests are struggling to find a bottle of Don Julio 1942. I will have some choices for them to have in my pantry.
I be buying drinks between $15-$40 & no lie 6 months later they popular & cost $100+ I be like wtf! that was bottom shelf. White henn was the biggest theft to me that is left over residue put in a bottle 🤢🤮🤦🏾.
😂 I agree. Unsure why people pay that much for Tequila. If most should be $50 with this economy. Most solid and best Tequilas should be $30-$45. Lo dice un paisa!
Who decides what tequila is "supposed to be"? I live in Mexico and all of my Mexican friends think it's supposed to be young and hot. Literally the youngest, cheapest stuff. Tequila is mostly likely not "supposed" to be aged in oak barrels for at least a year and even though I like añejo or extra añejo it only makes up a very small portion of the market. As the market becomes more international I'm sure aged tequila will become more important and desired by people who enjoy whiskey or cognac but for now, it's mostly for export. Tesoro is owned by Jim Beam. Seriously. As you rant about Diageo you strangely don't mention Jim Beam. Cazcanes may be delicious, we wouldn't know here because none of my sources in Mexico can get it. Apparently it's designed for the export only. We can get tequileno and 7 Leguas in Mexico and they're not owned by major conglomerates. So good job there, oddly they're your honorable mentions. We can get Tesoro too, but then Beam Suntory probably ships it everywhere.
Do you mind if I ask if you know anything about La Gritona? That's been one of my favorite tequilas lately. I'm also tempted by slightly cheaper Cazadores and the suspiciously cheap Exotico. I want to make sure I'm supporting the people who actually make the spirit and not giving money to a distributor who does nothing but mark up the price.
What do you guys think of Casa Migos Añejo? I thought It was pretty good. But my favorite tequila right now is Class de Azul Añejo. I do want to try Fortaleza Añejo. That will be my next tequila to try. I was not a fan of 1942. I was not aware of the chemical additives in certain tequilas. I am aware now, thank you 👍🏽
Do something smart for your Body. Do not drink alcohol and save your Liver. Drink water!!! Be healthy and feel Great!!! Water is the key for a healthy life!!! and a lot cheaper!!!
Everyone. No joke. Listen to this guy. He's right. Alcohol is a poison. Now, even if you agree with him (and you should, I'm not trying to be funny here) but decide that you're gonna drink anyway, follow me for more Tequila Tips!
I'm no tequila conesouor, but a few months ago, I tried one called Tarantula Azul and loved it. I've never been a hard spirits shots person, and Tarantula changed that. It mixed well in anything too.
please do not lisent to this afficionate. he knows kind of enough to make it sound coherent, but lacks the real knowledge, you can see it by the brands he advertises probably paid
Always buy your tequilas from authentic Mexican stores. If you see 1942 for $130 ish you know you’re in the right store. Vons will sell 1942 for $200 and other tequilas at a premium. Cosco from what I hear will have awesome deals.
What’s funny is Vallarta accidentally labeled clase azul at $110 when literally everyone else had it at $200 so I grabbed a bottle and turns out someone forgot to update it but they sold it to me at $110 (wasn’t a good tequila) and they updated the price immediately to $179
Theres actually reports stating that Don Julio 1942 cant keep up with demand that the % of the alcohol isnt correct in some of the bottles. If your paying a premium but arent actually getting premium. Welp
OMG. These are my favorite brands. While I totally agree with you I’m mad you are letting the cat out of the bag! BTW, the Tesoro extra Anejo is better than the Anejo.
That depends on who you are. Are you making drinks for just yourself and friends at home? Are you a bar owner / bar manager ? Or are you trying to impress someone? Cazcanes and Fortaleza both have an amazing Still Strength that i think would make an amazing margarita but those bottles cost around $80. But if you're having a dinner party I'd say that's great. If you're looking for budget tequila options to make Cocktails and not break the bank i have a whole video on that right here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UknJX4jEcsk.html
The best price/flavor trade off for making tequila cocktails is Sauza Hornitos. It was recently rebranded as Sauza Hacienda Gold. Commemorativo is quite similar and also worth a try.
To mix? Inexpensive but quality ones would be best. Espolon, El Tequileno Blanco (this is actually a mixto, not a straight tequila), Espanita, Olmeca Altos, or Pueblo Viejo. In my area, G4 Blanco is $35 for a 750 ml and that is the best value for the money since it's an amazing tequila you can sip or mix.
Sounds like you've learned a lot since your troubling 1942 video from about a year ago. I haven't had it yet, but Cazcanes seems overpriced for autoclave juice.
Nothing wrong with autoclave, in fact it might be better than some hornos because of how difficult brick overs are to clean. What you don't want is anything that's used a diffuser then pumped with additives.
@@iess2006 I wasn't making reference to Cazcanes itself, but to the process being perfectly OK for a naturally produced product. I personally think there are many brands just as good as Cazcanes but much more affordable such as G4 and Tequila Ocho but Cazcanes is still an excellent product in no way diminished by their use of an autoclave.
@@bdwilcox Another good point, however I haven't run into an autoclave brand yet that I like including the El Tequileno Gran Reserva. Would u say that low pressure is better than high pressure autoclave?
@@iess2006 I've never been able to tell the difference, same with a screw impeller for extraction versus a tahona or roller mill. I thought the higher temps of a high pressure autoclave or the contact point of a screw impeller might alter the flavor compounds of the agave but I've never noticed a difference. The real flavor and quality killers are diffusers, additives and thermal acid hydrolysis.
I don't understand these prices. El Tesoro blanco is $45 everywhere where I live. Fortaleza blanco is $48. If you live in a town where this stuff is marked up an additional 25 percent then you picked the wrong place to live,
Love your Teq reviews. Bought a bottle of Don Julio Blanco @ $45 at Costco and I was so disappointed. It was drinkable but not better than other blancos at half the price.
Not a single tequila you mentioned is known in Mexico. Don Julio 1942 is a really good tequila, it’s just a bit overpriced. Born and raised in Mexico, i recommend any of you to try my personal favorite: 1800 CRISTALINO
@@dr_-df7is It’s los abuelos, and still is just a good tequila, nothing special. I’m also with Jorge, 1800 Cristalino is a far superior tequila, one of the best and under 100 usd (40 usd here in Mexico approx.)
Tried it recently, is good, but you are right doesn't quite taste like Tequila. Tasted like a vanilla shake, but was quite good and smooth. Thanks for the alternate recommendations.
My cousin and his cousin started their own tequila brand. It's really good tequila, but he said it has been difficult because celebrities bought up a bunch of the stock where they were getting their tequila from. His brand is azulillo. He said brands like tequila rose bought up most the stock, increasing their price per bottle, and amount of tequila they can get.
I'm from México city and I know a lot about alcohol, I use to run 3 recognized restaurants and 3 bars, and I never heard of any of the brands/bottles mentioned in this video, actually all those bottles freak me out a lot since they seam like imitations of the real ones we like here; such as: Don Julio 70 blanco and añejo (Not 1942), Centenario añejo and plata, Casa Dragones, Maestro dobel diamante, Herradura, Tequila 1800, Cuervo, Jimador, Patrón.
Maestro Dobel anejo is my new favorite tequila. It was recommend to me by hotel staff when I was in Mexico and in my opinion tastes better than anejos that sell for twice the price.
Fortaleza is Los Abuelos in Mexico and is actually pretty great along with Tesoro and made pretty damn properly BUT with that being said I’m super tired of people telling me not to drink 1942 or others because it isn’t “made properly” (which truthfully most aren’t) but if I enjoy it (which I do) then I’m gonna drink it.
Oh boy, jose cuervo is cheap colored alcohol, anything “blanco” is just alcohol, to use on ice cream, that tea cure or just snacks, 1800 and centenario reposado is ok, and I don’t even wanna mention good tequilas that used to not make it out of jalisco before theh were bought out by locals because I feel like you need to do more research yourself.
Fantastic video that should really end the debate. Also “smoothness” isn’t a desirable trait in alcohol, usually just means flavour less, and loaded with chemicals/additives. I got all those brands except for Siete Leguas, Cazcanes, and I’ll get those too when I find them! Mixing cocktails with premium bottles isn’t a waste, nothing like drinking the best Tequila in the world. 😉🥳
@@MotorHolmes I think your conflating little to no ethanol burn, with bland flavour less alcohol. This is even more pronounced in Tequilas. Fortaleza is not “smooth” for example, it’s a flavour bomb!
@@DirtyHairy01 smoothness can be desirable. So can having almost no flavor. Again, taste is subjective and a cocktail could call for any type of spirit for the appropriate complement. Also, no one likes the idea of additives, but basically every food you eat has them. It’s nothing new and calling them “chemicals”, while accurate, is only done to make them sound scary.
Any person who knows about Tequila and the 100’s that exist know exactly which ones are the best for their money. Like with anything else you purchase Quality will cost but you can always find SIMILAR items for a less expensive cost. JUST ENJOY YOUR TEQUILA AND LET IT BE YOUR CHOICE AND NO ONE ELSE’S!!! QUE VIVA 🎉 EL TEQUILA SEÑORES!
My friend was bragging about buying a bottle of 1942 and I told him to try some El Tesoro and he said wow this is better than 1942 and I could buy three bottles of it for what I paid for the 1942. Fortaleza, El Tesoro, Ocho, and Milagro are my favorites.
100% agree with 1942 and your alternatives. Fortaleza Repo and Cazcanes in top five. Do love the Volans Repo and basically most NOM 1579 tequila. Cascahuin Tahona Blanco a recent discovery that’s rocking it. Siete Lieguas Blanco 9s the only tequila I use for Ranch Water and Margaritas Keep up the great work
Thank you my friend 😁🙏 happy you enjoyed the video. And yes Volans in incredible as well. I'm getting some in this week, Cascahuin i have not been able to get yet in MA
Lui, For those of us that like making Margaritas, which tequilas would you recommend. I've had El Tesoro and the Forteleaza and both are good. We obviously have like minded palettes.
I have a friend who is tequila drinking machine. While leaving Cancun Mexico we each bought a bottle of "Aha Toro" anejo tequila at the airport. The following weekend after coming back from Cancun my friend told me that the Aha Toro anejo was one of the best tequilas that he ever had. I am not a tequila drinker. A year later my friend was at my house for a gathering and I brought out the un-opened bottle of Aha Toro anejo and his eyes lite up. I tried it and it was really good tequila.
People only drink this because their fAvOrItE cELeBriTy or RaPpEr and all i can say is keep drinking it because your going to jack the prices on the rest of my collection.
Great job Lui you had me in the 1st min when you called out 1942 for the over priced imposter that it is. I thought I was drinking vodka. I'll def put your 3 recommendations on my 'got to get to" list & your content & solid in & out delivery earned you a subscriber. I'm a bourbon & rye guy who's really enjoying working Tequila into my rotation & if you did a get a chance to answer I have 2 to ask your opinion on please. I def prefer extra anejo & while likely over priced as well J.Cuervo's Reserva De LA Familia really won me over & started me on my tequila journey & Don Camilo organic extra anejo, any feedback on those? Thanks & best of luck with your channel.
