STOP Drinking Jose Cuervo Tequila! Drink These Other Brands Instead!

Jose Cuervo has a reputation, and not a particularly stellar one in the tequila world. While its iconic status and affordability make it a popular choice, true tequila aficionados tend to steer clear. If you’re ready to ditch the mediocre and discover tequilas that deliver a genuine agave experience, this guide is for you.

The Jose Cuervo Conundrum

So, why the aversion to Jose Cuervo among tequila enthusiasts? Here’s the lowdown:

  • Rankings Tell a Story: Websites like Tequila Matchmaker rank Jose Cuervo rather poorly compared to other tequilas. This suggests a less-than-ideal production process and overall quality.
  • It’s Not All Agave: If the bottle doesn’t say “100% Blue Weber Agave,” it’s likely a mixto. That means the tequila includes other sugars and potentially additives, diluting the authentic agave flavor.
  • The Taste Test: Many reviewers find Jose Cuervo Blanco harsh, with hints of rubbing alcohol, artificial caramel, and even a gasoline-like note. Not exactly a sipping experience.

Alternative Brands to Jose Cuervo That Won’t Disappoint

Ready to elevate your tequila game? Here are some excellent options, many of them surprisingly close to Jose Cuervo’s price point:

  • El Tequileño Blanco: Similar in price, this tequila is additive-free. Expect a pronounced agave flavor profile, complemented by black pepper and zesty citrus.
  • Arrete: A true budget-friendly gem, Arrete boasts 100% blue Weber agave and zero additives. Think roasted agave sweetness balanced with black pepper and earthy undertones.
  • Honorable Mentions: If you’re willing to spend a few dollars more, these tequilas are worth exploring:
    • Tres Agaves (great value for price). Made at the same Distillery that makes Cazcanes.
    • Suerte (reliable and widely available)
    • Cascahuin: Made at one of the best distilleries in all of Mexico.
  • The Reviewer’s Favorite: Cimarron holds a special place in the video creator’s heart. This tequila’s roasted agave, vegetal notes, and black pepper hints make it his go-to for a memorable tequila experience.

Beyond the Video: Additional Tips for Your Tequila Journey

  • 100% Agave is Key: This signifies the highest standard in tequila production.
  • Embrace Higher Proofs: While most tequila is 80 proof, opting for 100 proof delivers a flavor explosion if you enjoy a bolder agave kick.
  • Aging Matters: From unaged Blanco with its pure agave notes to the oaky smoothness of Añejo, aged tequilas offer unique flavor profiles.
  • Do Your Own Taste Test: Tequila is all about personal preference! Explore and find the brands and styles that tantalize your taste buds.

Final Thoughts

Expanding your tequila horizons is an exciting adventure. Remember, good tequila is meant to be savored, not masked with mixers. So, ditch the Jose Cuervo and discover the vast world of tequilas that genuinely celebrate the spirit of the agave plant. If you want more tequila recommendations check out this article.

Gran Coramino Tequila by Kevin Hart. Is it Worth it?

Hey there, tequila enthusiasts! Today, I’ve got something exciting to share with you: my honest review of Kevin Hart’s Gran Coramino Tequila. Now, we all know Kevin Hart as a hilarious comedian and actor, and he’s decided to dip his toes into the tequila game, just like his buddy The Rock and many other celebrities. But the big question is, does his tequila actually live up to the hype? Well, buckle up, because I’m about to give you the lowdown on Gran Coramino Tequila and whether it’s worth your hard-earned money.

It all started a few months back when I received a surprising DM. To be honest, I was at a loss for words, and the message has been sitting in my inbox ever since. But here I am, with a bottle of Gran Coramino in hand, ready to spill the beans. So, let’s dive into the facts.

Bottle Design:

First impressions matter, right? And I must say, the bottle design of Gran Coramino is pretty impressive. It has this elegant curved shape and minimalist branding that exudes sophistication. I can totally picture it being gracefully brought to your table in the VIP section. Interestingly enough, if it didn’t explicitly say tequila, you might mistake it for a bottle of vodka. But hey, let’s not judge a tequila by its bottle design alone.

Tequila Type:

Now, let’s talk about the type of tequila we’re dealing with here. Gran Coramino is classified as a Reposado Cristalino tequila. Reposado means it has been aged for up to six months in barrels, while Cristalino refers to the tequila being charcoal-filtered to achieve the appearance of an unaged Blanco tequila. I must admit, I’ve never been the biggest fan of Cristalino tequilas. They often seem like a contradiction, stripping away the aging process’s complexity and flavors that took years to develop.

Production:

Gran Coramino is produced at NAM 1122 distillery. Now, if you’re not familiar with the distillery numbering system, let me tell you that NAM 1122 isn’t particularly well-regarded among the tequila producers in Mexico. In fact, their most prominent product is Jose Cuervo, which, in my opinion, epitomizes what an awful tequila tastes like. It’s quite surprising that the same people responsible for Jose Cuervo are behind Gran Coramino. And guess what? Gran Coramino doesn’t come with a cheap price tag like its notorious cousin.

Celebrity-Owned Tequila Brands:

Before we get to the taste, let’s take a moment to talk about celebrity-owned tequila brands. It’s no secret that for many celebrities, these ventures are nothing more than cash grabs. I’m a huge fan of Kevin Hart, and I find him hilarious, but let’s face it, this seems like an attempt to follow in The Rock’s footsteps. The Rock’s tequila has been a massive success, and Kevin Hart probably thought, “Hey, I want a piece of that action too!” But does that mean we should automatically jump on the bandwagon? I have my doubts.

Tasting Notes:

Now comes the moment of truth. I took a deep breath, opened the bottle, and let the tequila speak for itself. On the nose, there’s a distinct ethanol scent, along with a hint of agave and a touch of sweetness. Nothing too extraordinary, but not terrible either. But then came the taste… Oh boy, it was not good at all. The predominant flavors I detected were vanilla and cotton candy. It’s advertised as smooth, but honestly, it was just bland and lacked character. Tequila is supposed to have a distinct taste, not try to imitate vodka.

Label Claims and Additives:

Let’s talk about the claims on the label. Smoothness, mellowness, and balance are mentioned as the desired qualities. But here’s the thing – those are not what I look for in a tequila. I want it to have its own unique character, with bold flavors and a delightful agave punch. The label also mentions Eastern European barrels and Californian Cabernet wine barrels, but it doesn’t give any specific details on how these aspects impact the flavor. It feels like they’re just using fancy buzzwords to attract buyers without providing any substantial information.

Conclusion:

After trying Gran Coramino Tequila, I have to say, I’m disappointed. The lack of flavor, body, and authenticity left me wanting more. And considering the higher price point compared to other tequilas in its category, I can’t help but feel like I’ve been let down. This review serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that celebrity-owned tequila brands may not always deliver on their promises. So, before you jump on the celebrity tequila bandwagon, take a moment to consider if it’s really worth it.

Remember, the tequila world is vast and filled with incredible options, crafted by passionate artisans who put their heart and soul into their products. Don’t settle for mediocrity just because of a famous name slapped on a bottle. Cheers, and may your tequila adventures be filled with memorable sips!

Fortaleza Tequila. Why You Can’t Find it ANYWHERE

Why Can’t I Find Fortaleza Tequila?

Fortaleza is one of the most sought after tequila brands on the market today. In my opinion, it is also one of the best tequilas ever made. It is also a brand that is incredibly hard to find, and people are always asking why it is never in stock. In this blog post, we will break down why this amazing brand is so hard to find and what makes it so special.

Firstly, Fortaleza is a relative newcomer to the industry, having been created in 2005. However, the people who make Fortaleza come from a long line of tequila producers spanning over 125 years. Don Guiermo launched the brand with the explicit goal of creating tequila in the ancestral way that his family had been known for, for generations. Everything they do is handmade and created in a craft way to the highest level of quality possible.

Fortaleza is one of the most sought after brands because it is one of the most traditionally made brands. This directly plays into why it is so hard to find. The cost is also high due to its high demand. Many people have learned about the brand in the last year or so. This has lead to higher demand and because of that demand, supply has dwindled. In addition, there are only so many bottles that they can produce on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. And that is because of the traditional method used in production. This factor usually takes longer to produce and produces less quantity, making it harder to keep up with demand. Hence, prices have increased over the last year.

What makes Fortaleza Different than other tequila brands?

According to Rob, known as the Tequila Collective on Instagram and TikTok, the traditional factor that makes Fortaleza so unique also plays a role in its limited supply. He explains that the agave plant needs to grow for about six to seven years before it is harvested. At Fortaleza, the agave is chopped up into quarters or halves, and the heart of the agave plant is cooked in an horno, or brick oven. The Horno uses steam for about five days to cook the agave. This traditional method takes time and produces less quantity.

Despite the difficulties in finding Fortaleza, it is widely considered the best tequila on the market today. Its distillery is ranked number one out of all the tequila distilleries in Mexico, according to Tequila Matchmaker. The brand is known for its amazing product, which is produced in the ancestral way. Which so many people feel results in the highest level of quality possible.

In conclusion, Fortaleza is a unique tequila brand that is difficult to find due to its high demand and limited supply. However, its traditional production methods and high-quality product make it worth the effort of trying to find. If you manage to find a bottle of Fortaleza, be prepared to pay a premium price, but rest assured that you will be experiencing one of the best tequila brands on the market today.

Don’t Drink Teremana Tequila! Drink These Brands Instead

Why You Should avoid Teremana Tequila

Teremana tequila has become a popular brand in the United States due to the celebrity status of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who launched the brand. This celebrity-owned brand has been making waves across social media and in bars all across the country. However, despite its widespread popularity, there are several reasons why you may want to think twice before trying this tequila brand. There are many problems surrounding celebrity owned tequila brands as a whole.

For starters, while some people claim that Teremana Tequila is free of additives, the truth is not as clear. The place that produces it doesn’t have the best track record and isnt one of the best ranked distilleries on Tequila Match Maker

But that’s not the only reason to avoid this tequila brand. While it may have a relatively accessible price point of around $30 for a bottle of the Reposado and a little bit less for the Blanco, there are so many other tequila brands out there that are much better in terms of taste and quality. In this blog post, we’ll be introducing you to three alternative tequila brands that we think are well worth your time and money.

So if you’re looking for a tequila that truly delivers in terms of taste and quality, you may want to steer clear of Teremana Tequila and try one of these other options instead. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.

Arette

One of the best alternatives to Teremana is Arette, which is confirmed additive-free. It is produced by the Orendain family, who have been producing tequila for multiple generations. The Blanco is available for about $23, while the Reposado is slightly more expensive at around $25. Arette is an excellent well tequila and works perfectly in a margarita.

Cimarron

Another great alternative to Teremana is Cimarron, which costs around $25. Cimarron is made at a distillery that produces other high-quality brands such as Tears of Llorona and Fuentesseca. Cimarron is 100% additive-free and has a great minerality and spice notes, along with a raw agave flavor. It works perfectly in a cocktail, but can also be sipped and enjoyed on its own.

La Gritona

La Gritona is a brand of reposado tequila that is owned and operated by a team of almost exclusively women. This matters because it is a rare thing in most industries. It is a lightly rested reposado and therefore it’s not as dark as some other reposado tequilas. Costco sells its across the country and it usually goes for about $30.

La Gritona is an excellent value for its price, and shows you what a great reposado tequila can be. The taste is vastly different from Teramana Repo, which has a fake vanilla and cotton candy kind of flavor to it. La Gritona has a beautiful bottle, but it can be a bit difficult to open.

When you take a sip of La Gritona, you’ll notice that it’s super light, almost barely rested, but it’s still technically a reposado. The agave flavor hits you right on the nose and it stands up really well in a cocktail. It’s a fun tequila to mix into your cocktails, but you can also enjoy sipping it on its own. Overall, La Gritona is an amazing value for a great tequila that is well worth trying.

Honorable Mentions:

While Tequila Ocho and El Tequileno are more expensive than Teremana, they are still worth considering for those who are willing to pay a little more for higher quality tequila. Tequila Ocho is a single estate tequila that can be found for around $45-$50 and is one of the best tequilas on the market. El Tequileno has two lines, with the regular line costing around $45 and the premium line costing around $90.

Teremana tequila has become a popular brand due to the celebrity status of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. There are many other tequila brands that are of higher quality and are available at a similar price point. Arette and Cimarron are both excellent alternatives to Teremana. They work well in cocktails and can be enjoyed on their own. Tequila Ocho and El Tequileno are more expensive but are worth considering. Especially for those who are willing to pay more for higher quality tequila.

Tequila Additives are ruining your favorite Tequilas.

Tequila is one of the most beloved spirits in the world, with a rich history and a unique flavor profile that has captured the hearts and palates of people across the globe. But did you know that many tequila brands are adding secret ingredients to their bottles? These additives, which are legal under Mexican law, can alter the taste, aroma, and appearance of the tequila. They also do not need to disclose that they use additives.

Despite the fact that these chemicals can impact the quality and authenticity of tequila, many popular brands continue to use them in order to create a consistent product and to cut costs. But is the convenience worth the compromise? Should we be concerned about the impact of these additives on our health and the environment? These are the questions that we will explore in this blog post, as we dive into the world of tequila additives.

From the sweeteners that make tequila taste sweeter to the artificial extracts that mimic aging, we’ll take a close look at each of the four additives allowed in tequila production and discuss why they are cause for concern.

We’ll also examine the legal loopholes that allow tequila producers to use these additives without disclosing them to consumers. We will also explore the impact that this lack of transparency has on the industry as a whole. And finally, we’ll delve into the rising popularity of tequila and the role that transparency and authenticity will play in the future of this beloved spirit.

Tequila Production

Firstly, let’s talk about the production of tequila. It takes between seven and 12 years for the blue agave plant to mature before it can be cut up, cooked, fermented, and distilled to make tequila. This lengthy process is why additives were originally allowed under Mexican law to help producers create a more consistent product. As long as the additives don’t exceed 1% of the total volume of the tequila, producers don’t have to disclose their use of additives.

What Exactly are Tequila Additives

The four additives allowed in tequila production are sugar-based sweeteners, glycerin, oak extract, and caramel coloring. Sugar-based sweeteners create a sweeter taste in the tequila and can also impart aroma and flavor. Glycerin is added to create a fuller or thicker mouthfeel. While oak extract is added to simulate the flavor of aged tequila. Finally, caramel coloring is added to make the tequila look darker and simulate barrel aging.

Why are Tequila Additives a bad thing?

So, why are additives in tequila a bad thing? For one, consumers are often left in the dark about whether their favorite tequila brands are using additives or not. The lack of transparency can be frustrating for consumers who want to know what they’re drinking. Additionally, some brands are using additives to create a cheaper, inferior product that imitates the flavor of traditionally-made tequila. This practice is dishonest and can mislead consumers about the true flavor of tequila.

Moreover, as the demand for tequila grows, the need for transparency in the tequila market becomes more important. Consumers want to know where their tequila comes from and what is added to it. Farm-to-table restaurants have become popular in the last few decades for this reason, and tequila brands should follow suit.

In conclusion, additives are allowed in tequila production, and some popular brands may have chemicals added to them that the consumer may never know about. The four types of chemicals allowed in tequila are sugar-based sweeteners, glycerin, oak extract, and caramel coloring. Consumers want more transparency in the tequila market, and some brands are using additives to create a cheaper, inferior product. As the demand for tequila grows, transparency becomes more important, and consumers deserve to know what they’re drinking.

There are many other issues surrounding tequila production, such as celebrity tequilas, which i made a whole video on that you should check out.

Don’t Drink Casamigos Tequila! Drink These Brands Instead

Casamigos Tequila is one of the most popular tequila brands on the planet. Everywhere you look, Casamigos seems to be on the shelves. But honestly, Casamigos is not a good tequila brand. It has additives, its overproduced and it not worth the price. In this Video I will show you the 3 best tequila brands you should be drinking instead.

Tequila is one of the most popular spirits out there and so many brands are capitalizing on it. Celebrities far and wide have tried to make a quick buck by selling tequila and there are so many bad brands out there. And that’s all thanks to Casamigos. Casamigos was created by George Clooney and eventually he sold it to Diageo for $1 Billion dollars so in a way they were responsible for the whole trend of Celebrity Tequila.

Celebrity tequilas are becoming a huge problem in the tequila industry especially as the tequila industry continues to explode in popularity. I did an entire video on the problems with Celebrity Tequilas which you can watch to learn more about. All of these celebrities are cutting corners and creating an inferior product to make money while hurting the tequila industry as a whole.

The Three brands I cover in this video are all family owned and run, free of additives and are all well worth your money.

Mijenta is a more recent brand to the industry but they are committed to sustainability and creating amazing tequila. Arette is a great budget tequila that is cheaper than Casamigos and certainly tastier. El Tequileno tequila has been a mainstay in Mexico since 1959 and is steeped in tradition.

These are the three best tequila brands 2022 you should be drinking instead of Casamigos.

If you would like more tequila recommendations check out this post, the best tequila brands you should be drinking!

818 Tequila REVIEW | Is Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila Worth it?

What is 818 Tequila?

818 Tequila is a “premium” Tequila owned by Kendall Jenner, one of the Kardashians. It is a tequila trying to capitalize on the hype train surrounding tequila at the moment as well as Kendall Jenner’s massive popularity to sell a tequila brand.

818 Tequila is a Tequila brand that retails for anywhere between $50 to almost $70 depending on where you buy it. They have an 818 Blanco, the also have a 818 Reposado and a 818 Anejo expressions and soon to come, an ultra premium extra anejo as well. While these prices are pretty high, they are in line with other tequila on the market. There are certainly more expensive and cheaper options out there. So they seemed to have gone for pricing in the middle.

818 Tequila has been making waves on social media and traditional media despite all of the other celebrity tequila’s coming out over the last few years. It’s hard to keep up with all of them to be honest, but 818 has been able to carve out a space for itself in the market. Especially utilizing the Kardashians giant combined platform, they have been able to break into a highly competitive market in a big way.

Though, it hasn’t always been roses for the brand. They have come under heavy fire for claims of cultural appropriation and copyright violations. It is a highly controversial brand to say the least. They have also been accused of contributing to the worsening of the problems surround the tequila industry.

If you want to learn more about the problems with Celebrity tequila, you can check out my video here.

While it is an incredibly popular tequila, No 818 Tequila Review would be complete without talking about what it tastes like and telling you exactly how I feel.

I tasted both the Blanco expression and the reposado expression, give you my thoughts on who this tequila was made for, and my final verdict on whether or not I can recommend this tequila.

Aviation Gin Review | Is Ryan Reynold’s Gin Worth It?

What is Aviation Gin?

Aviation Gin is a gin owned by Ryan Reynolds. It is an American Dry Gin that looks like it came straight out of the 1920’s. Ryan Reynolds Aviation Gin has been around for quite some time and has become an incredibly popular gin. Ryan Reynolds is a hugely popular person so no wonder his Gin has become so hugely popular.

Ryan Reynolds Aviation Gin commercials have been a huge hit online and incredibly funny which has really catapulted this gin into the public consciousness but what makes it special outside of having a celebrity owner?

It is a classic style gin, the bottle looks like it came straight of the pre-prohibition era, and it has actually been around for a lot longer than Ryan Reynolds involvement with the brand. They have been making this gin for a long time.

In terms of flavor it is a milder gin than many you will find in the market today. This might actually make it more appealing to folks who aren’t the biggest fans of traditional gins. I found it to be a bit too mild in flavor as I prefer them a bit stronger to be able to stand up well in a cocktail as well.

Speaking of which, while it worked reasonably well in a Gin & Tonic, in the cocktail I made I found that the honey and lemon easily over powered the taste of the gin and it did not feel well balanced.

In this Review I try to go in depth by giving you the break down on what Aviation Gin is, I also try it in various applications to find out how to drink this gin. I try it straight, in a gin and tonic, and also in a cocktail. Finally, I give you my final thoughts on whether or not its worth your time and money.

If you would like to see my review on more celebrity spirits, why not check out my review of Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila

Don Julio 1942 Review | Is it worth the $170?

Don Julio 1942 is a premium Tequila loved by Celebrities and tequila connoisseurs alike. It is an Añejo Tequila that retails for anywhere between $150 to $230 depending on where you buy it. It was one of the first ultra premium tequila’s out there and has an amazing reputation. Part of that reputation comes from Don Julio the company, as they were very well known and highly regarded. That paired with the celebrity hype behind this tequila, propelled it to super stardom. Don Julio tequila is one of the most popular and sought after tequila’s on the planet.

In this video, I give you my honest review of Don Julio 1942. While it is an incredibly popular tequila, No Review would be complete without talking about what it tastes like.

Don Julio 1942 Taste

I will not lie, This is one of the smoothest tequilas I have ever tasted in my life. It has those beautiful delicious caramelly, vanilla notes from the barrel it was aged in but it still has that distinct Agave flavor that still comes through. It is easy to drink and you could easily lose yourself in this bottle.

Its easy to see why it is so beloved as it is a perfect tequila, for non-tequila drinkers. It is exactly the opposite of what people typically associate with Tequila. Its not harsh at all, it is easy to drink, taking shots of it goes down super easy, and it looks amazing. If you want to ball out and look like the man at the club, this bottle will draw eyes. It stands out with its beautifully sculpted bottle.

Final Verdict

Truthfully, Don Julio 1942 is delicious. There is no denying it. My Biggest issue with this tequila is its price. For the price you pay, anywhere between $150-$230, I believe there are plenty of other tequilas out there worthy of your money.

One in particular i believe is more worth it is Fortaleza Añejo.