Sure, you are among the millions of tequila fans. But, are you a purist or are you not?! Let's find out if you’re a true tequila purist. You know,
the kind who savors every sip of their tequila straight, without any bells and whistles. Whether you're a seasoned sipper or just starting to explore the nuances of this beautiful spirit, let's see where you stand on the purist scale.
Añejo Tequila: The Sip-Worthy Choice
First, let’s talk about añejo tequila, the crème de la crème for those who love to sip and savor, tather than throwing back shots. Añejo, which means "aged" in Spanish, is tequila that’s been aged for at least one year but no more than three years in oak barrels. This aging process gives it a rich, complex flavor that's perfect for slow sipping. Imagine swirling a glass, taking in the notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, and then letting that smooth, luxurious liquid dance on your palate. If this sounds like your idea of a perfect evening, you might just be on the path to becoming a tequila purist.
The Purist's Preference: Raw and Unadulterated
Now, let's get into what truly separates the purists from the crowd. Tequila purists appreciate their spirit in its most authentic form, without any added flavors. While some tequilas might have hints of vanilla, caramel, or other flavors due to the aging process or even added additives, purists prefer their tequila unadulterated. These additional flavors can make the tequila smoother and sweeter, which many people absolutely love. But for the purist, these extras are seen as distractions from the true essence of the agave. They cherish the clean, crisp taste that highlights the natural flavors of the agave plant, giving them a genuine and unmasked tequila experience.
Three Examples of Purist Tequilas
Tequila Ocho Añejo
Known for its traditional production methods and robust agave flavor, Tequila Ocho Añejo is highly regarded by purists. Each bottle is crafted
from a single estate's harvest, emphasizing terroir.
Fortaleza Añejo
This tequila is prized for its authentic taste and meticulous craftsmanship. Fortaleza boasts a complex flavor profile with strong agave presence, complemented by notes of vanilla and caramel from aging in oak barrels.
El Tesoro Añejo
Made using traditional methods, El Tesoro Añejo is celebrated for its deep, earthy flavors and balanced oak influence. Purists appreciate its minimalistic approach to highlighting the natural qualities of the agave.
The Non-Purist Preference: Smooth and Sweet
But for others (and I confess I am among them), a smoother tequila with perhaps some vanilla notes from the aging process is a preferable option. For them, the pure standard is not important only what they experience on the palate.
Three Examples of Tequilas for the non-purist
Don Julio 1942
A favorite among those who enjoy a smoother, sweeter tequila, Don Julio 1942 is aged longer than most añejos and offers a rich, caramel and 
vanilla profile with a velvety finish.
Casa Amigos Añejo
While I am a bit embarrassed by loving a tequila with a US celebrities name on it (George Clooney), it doesn’t stop me from buying this relatively inexpensive delicious tequila.
Clase Azul Reposado
Recognized for its distinctive bottle and equally unique taste, Clase Azul Reposado easily competes with añejos of other brands. It offers a smooth, sweet flavor with hints of caramel, vanilla, and spices, appealing to non-purists
who enjoy a rich and creamy tequila experience. Unfortunately, recently the price has gone into the stratosphere and out of my range of willingness to pay.
Conclusion: Are You A Tequila Purist?
So, are you a tequila purist? Do you revel in the complex yet straightforward taste of a well-crafted añejo, or do you prefer the smoother, slightly flavored varieties? No matter where you stand, there's a world of tequila out there to explore and enjoy. Cheers to finding your perfect sip! Shameless Commerce: Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta and Vidanta Riviera Maya both offer a tequila tasting experience. Book a week vacation now , and have a week to figure out if your are a tequila purist.
