Avoid these fake tequilas ...

Jul 30, 2021
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Here's a working list of tequilas we should avoid. We will keep adding to the list.

1) filled with additives to produce a taste that isn't like real tequila
2) way overpriced for the value -- think of it this way. would you pay $30 for a McDonald's hamburger
3) all about marketing hype. these are contract brands

For the most part, we have been fooled in the US by the tequila market. When you start drinking the real thing, you can't go back to these. And... the real deal is almost always less expensive.

Test:
1) if tall beautiful bottle beware
2) if celebrity is involved beware
3) if you taste heavy vanilla beware

 
Last edited:

SmarterBudweiser

Well-known member
May 2, 2022
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There isn’t a single celebrity tequila I’d suggest drinking. However, most are very good for de-glazing frying pans.

recommended brands:

Siete Leguas
Ocho
Cascahuin
G4
Arette
Wild Common
Don Fulano
Los Dos (new favorite Blanco)

There are many more.

 
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Jul 30, 2021
259
3,324
93
There isn’t a single celebrity tequila I’d suggest drinking. However, most are very good for de-glazing frying pans.

recommended brands:

Siete Leguas
Ocho
Cascahuin
G4
Arette
Wild Common
Don Fulano
Los Dos (new favorite Blanco)

There are many more.

That is a great list.

I have not tried Don Fulano yet.

Fortaleza deserves a seat at the table as well.
 

KindaBlue

Well-known member
Jan 19, 2022
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Here's a working list of tequilas we should avoid. We will keep adding to the list.

1) filled with additives to produce a taste that isn't like real tequila
2) way overpriced for the value -- think of it this way. would you pay $30 for a McDonald's hamburger
3) all about marketing hype. these are contract brands

For the most part, we have been fooled in the US by the tequila market. When you start drinking the real thing, you can't go back to these. And... the real deal is almost always less expensive.

Test:
1) if tall beautiful bottle beware
2) if celebrity is involved beware
3) if you taste heavy vanilla beware

I'm just starting to get into them, and the first one on that list strikes a chord...people always rave about Clase' Azul, so I've wanted to try. Good to know I'm not missing anything. On a side note: Going to Mexico soon...what to look for?
 

DeZeier

Well-known member
Jan 25, 2022
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My go-to for "affordable" is Milagro.

But I am anxious to try a few on this list. Tequila and soda is great when it's 90 degrees.
 

Nemeth5

Well-known member
Nov 12, 2021
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I dont know if it is good to the "experts" but I drink El Espolon and Cazadores a lot..... cheaper for sure but just as good as a lot more expensive bottles I have tried.
 

SmarterBudweiser

Well-known member
May 2, 2022
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I'm just starting to get into them, and the first one on that list strikes a chord...people always rave about Clase' Azul, so I've wanted to try. Good to know I'm not missing anything. On a side note: Going to Mexico soon...what to look for?
Depending on where you are you will probably be surprised to see the same brands you see at home at most bars: Don Julio, Herradura, Espolon, etc.

Fortaleza is labeled as Los Abuelos in Mexico and is a solid bet.
For a real treat search out Caballito Cerrero or Cascahuin Tahona.
 
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KindaBlue

Well-known member
Jan 19, 2022
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Depending on where you are you will probably be surprised to see the same brands you see at home at most bars: Don Julio, Herradura, Espolon, etc.

Fortaleza is labeled as Los Abuelos in Mexico and is a solid bet.
For a real treat search out Caballito Cerrero or Cascahuin Tahona.
Awesome! Thank you, much! I’ll be near Torreón, and I figure I’ll try to bring a bottle or two of something home.
 

MLU

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Jan 17, 2022
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Alquimia
Amatiteña
Arette
ArteNom
Atanasio
Cabal
Caballito Cerrero
Calle 23
Casa Mexico
Cascahuin
Cazcanes
Cimarron
Código 1530
Curado
Don Abraham
Don Fulano
El Mexicano
El Tesoro
Fortaleza/Los Abuelos
Fuenteseca
G4
Gran Dovejo
Hacienda Sahuayo (XA)
Insólito
La Gritona
Lalo
Los Do
Montagave
Ocho
Pasote (Both NOMs)
Patrón
Primo
Pueblo Viejo
Real Del Valle
Rey Sol
San Matias (XA or Tahona)
Santanera
Siembra Azul
Siembra Valles
Siete Leguas
Suerte
Tapatio
Tears of Llorona
Terralta
Tres Agav
Villa Lob
Viva Mex
Volans
Wild Common
Yeyo

All verified additive free...
 

SmarterBudweiser

Well-known member
May 2, 2022
3,964
4,992
113
Alquimia
Amatiteña
Arette
ArteNom
Atanasio
Cabal
Caballito Cerrero
Calle 23
Casa Mexico
Cascahuin
Cazcanes
Cimarron
Código 1530
Curado
Don Abraham
Don Fulano
El Mexicano
El Tesoro
Fortaleza/Los Abuelos
Fuenteseca
G4
Gran Dovejo
Hacienda Sahuayo (XA)
Insólito
La Gritona
Lalo
Los Do
Montagave
Ocho
Pasote (Both NOMs)
Patrón
Primo
Pueblo Viejo
Real Del Valle
Rey Sol
San Matias (XA or Tahona)
Santanera
Siembra Azul
Siembra Valles
Siete Leguas
Suerte
Tapatio
Tears of Llorona
Terralta
Tres Agav
Villa Lob
Viva Mex
Volans
Wild Common
Yeyo

All verified additive free...
Great list!

Patron was initially tested and listed as additive-free however they have declined to be re-tested this year.
I’m not sure what exactly that means for the juice.
 
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