I remember the first time I drank tequila: I was barely 19 and standing at the bar top of a rowdy dance floor encased in a nebula of cigarette smoke and weird smells. I had never been to a bar before and hadn't the slightest idea of what I might order. So my (much hipper) photographer friend ordered for us: two shots, two limes, and pass the salt. Β Β
Nasty!Β But don't we all have a tequila story that starts out like this? Luckily, we're allowed to move on, because tequila and its agave sister spirits are some of the most complex and exciting drinks around.
Tucson is experiencing a tequila renaissance, and Hotel Congress is its center. At the downtown club's yearly Agave Fest, discerning drinkers could sample tequila, mescal, sotol and bacanora brought in from all across Mexico. Some bottles on the table ranged upwards of $100. Β Β Β Β
Because tequila is the new Scotch, I've put together a compendium for the regular guy who wants to learn more. In the related assets, check out the "expert's guide to tequila and agave spirits" to find about each spirit's flavor profile and where it's made.
Also in related videos: Mescal educator Sergio Inurrigarro demonstrates the proper way to taste a tequila. (Hint, it's all about making a kiss!) During the festival, he also brought up grasshoppers from Oaxaca, which were toasted and tossed with chile and citrus. Tasting them for the first time, I thought they were great! But our video producer? Let's just say, he's got a new story to tell ... Β Β
