March 04, 2013
By PH Online Editors
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It used to be the stuff of body shots and bludgeoning hangovers, possessing a Wild West sex appeal and characterized as a prelude to mayhem. How does that old country song go? "Jose Cuervo , you are a friend of mine...."
Modern tequilas are a whole new type of conquistador, as anyone who has sipped Patron is aware. Patron started the sagebrush rebellion that brought tequila into the mainstream with the wonders of the cactus juice done right, smashing tequila's reputation as an evil twin of agave-based mescal ("Eat the worm!").
The appeal remains, but premium tequilas are a whole lot more attractive than they used to be — more subdued and tasteful (Scarlett Johansson) than in your face (Kardashians). While the cheap tequilas were great in the backroom of an "interpretive dance center" (brass pole and all), the new ones are a nice complement to a gentleman's trophy room.
Whether you like your agave juice as a more robust blanco or user-friendly anejo (aged in whisky barrels) or reposado (aged in oak), these premiums are much less likely to leave you battered, weeping, and slightly embarrassed in the morning. Even if you're still searching for your pants.
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Dulce Vida With a smooth, clean finish,
Dulce Vida tequila will get your head right without making that fat girl in the corner turn into Megan Fox.
Herradura A gifted bottle of
Herradura tequila might finally get you access to a lease in Texas...or at least work as an incredibly tasteful thank-you to a landowner after you 'accidentally ' shoot that oversized, ear-tagged giant whitetail off the corn feeder because you were just sure it was cull buck. Oopsie.
Kah Ward evil spirits away from your hunting camp with
Kah tequila , a gold medal winner for taste. In fact, it's a double winner because it comes in a bottle that celebrates Day of the Dead.
Patron Patron brought tequila into American living rooms. Light on the tongue yet will not make you act light in the loafers. Produced in Mexico by the
Patron Spirits Company , Patron comes in four varieties (including XO Cafe Dark Cocoa, a dark chocolate/coffee blend) and is one of the most popular tequila brands in the U.S.
David Reyes Growing his own blue agave gave
David Reyes total control of his product from cactus to bottle, and the result is a high-end organic tequila good enough to dazzle those hot hippie chicks next door. Go green without turning your face green.
