Re: TEQUILLA advice please

Quoting primesuspect

The difference between cheap tequila and good tequila is astounding. It's an entirely different drink.

This is the literal truth.

The Mexican government strictly regulates Tequila. Basic Jose or Pepe or even Sauza may be fine in a mixed drink, but NEVER drink it straight. This stuff is cut with various ingredients up to 49%, as "Tequila" need be only 51% agave by law. The gold colored tequila you see from these brands' normal lines is actually blanco (white, un-aged tequila) that contains caramel color and artificial wood flavoring to look and taste reposado (rested) or añejo (aged), but it truly is not. If you're buying tequila of this grade, you're better off just buying a bottle of blanco because it has less chance of having as much artificial crap in it.

If you are choosing a tequila to drink it, make absolutely certain you choose something that is 100% Agave. If a tequila is 100% agave, it will definitely say so on the label. If you don't see it on the label, assume it is mixto (51%) and don't try it neat unless you want a headache the next day. Generally speaking, the more aged the tequila, the smoother the flavor. 100% agave tequilas, since they aren't cut with anything else, are less likely to give you the hangover that people generally associate with tequila.