Tequila Black 38 | Tequila Chocolate Cream Liqueur | Notes of Cocoa and Vanilla | 70cl | 17% vol. | Destilerias Espronceda

Product Information

Look for 100% agave tequila printed on the bottle label. This designation is only allowed to appear on bottles containing tequila that have no added sugars. When sugar (or corn) get added to the fermentation tank, the tequila style is called a mixto. How do you drink tequila? We recruited a panel of 10 testers, made up of WSET-trained experts and tequila fans, to give their thoughts on 40 blanco, reposado and añejo tequilas. Each was tried neat and then followed by some water to dilute and soften the alcohol, bringing out the more nuanced flavours. Blanco – a white-coloured spirit, bottled or stored straight after distillation or aged less than two months in stainless steel or oak barrels. Bursting with traditional agave flavours, as well as hints of pear, clementine and melon, it’s a supremely drinkable, modern tequila that pairs perfectly with a variety of mixers. We loved this in a simple tequila and tonic but it’s also delicious with a dash of lime soda or even on its own with ice. While the Blue variety is our favourite, we also highly rate the Butterfly Rosa Pink Grapefruit tequila. Its beautiful bottle also makes a wonderful gift for any tequila fans or simply as a treat to yourself. Tequila is made exclusively from the blue agave plant, grown primarily in the area surrounding the city of — you guessed it — Tequila, in the western state of Jalisco, Mexico.

Tequila can be a stiff drink, but it’s no stronger than any other spirit. When produced for consumption in Mexico it’s usually 38% ABV, but in the United States it must be at least 40% alcohol to count as the real deal. For consumption in the rest of the world, it can be anywhere between 31% and 55% ABV. How we test tequila Tequila is not just a drink; it’s an experience. Set the mood by creating a relaxing and inviting ambiance. Dim the lights, play some soothing music, and arrange your tequila-serving station with care. 4. Provide a Clean Palate It is best served slightly chilled, but avoid freezing it. Place the bottle in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. Freezing tequila can dull its flavors and diminish the overall experience. 3. Set the MoodThe name “tequila” is protected, so all brands and types come from Mexico. The spirit is mostly produced in the area surrounding the actual city of Tequila, and in the highlands of the central-western Mexican state of Jalisco. Here, the blue agave plant needs at least eight years to mature, after which harvesters extract the piaña (heart) from the plant’s core, stripping it of its leaves before distilling it. Sip the tequila slowly, allowing it to coat your palate. Let the flavors unfold on your tongue, from the initial notes to the lingering finish. Pay attention to the different taste profiles, such as the citrus, herbal, and spicy undertones. 8. Avoid Mixing The oak barrels used in the aging process also impart subtle hints of vanilla to the tequila. This delicate flavor adds depth to the overall profile, elevating the spirit’s complexity and making it a true pleasure to savor. The interplay of vanilla with other flavor notes creates a symphony of taste that dances on the palate. 3. Oak and Spice Before serving tequila, ensure your palate is clean. Avoid consuming strong-flavored foods or drinks that could overpower the delicate nuances of the tequila. A neutral palate allows you to fully appreciate the complexities of the spirit. 5. Pour with Precision This beautiful, colour changing tequila from The Butterfly Cannon is an instant favourite. Whether you’re already a die-hard tequila fan or new to the spirit, this modern take on tequila is guaranteed to excite you. Out of the bottle it’s pale blue in colour and transforms into a light purple once your mixer is added. Despite this excellent showmanship, it’s not all style over substance.

Reposado (literally meaning ‘rested’) is the next level up and aged for a minimum of two months in oak, up to one year. This extra step means the liquid develops a light golden hue and generally a smoother, more mellow profile. Here you can expect sweeter notes, such as coconut and vanilla. Anejo There’s also the relatively new ‘extra-anejo’ category (introduced in 2006) for the tequila connoisseurs out there. Aged for three years plus, we don’t see so much of it here in the UK. What's the difference between tequila and mezcal?Let’s be honest, slamming a tequila from time to time is still fun, but the best-tasting, smoothest examples shouldn’t be smothered with salt and lime. The different tastes are quite distinctive. With blanco, the agave flavours tend to be more intense, while reposado or añejo are usually smoother, mellower and more complex – and just like other spirits aged in casks, they can take on the flavours of the wood. How do I know it’s tequila? This category is aged for at least a year, but less than three, and is where you’ll really start to notice the influence of the barrel. Producers use everything from ex-bourbon to red wine or Scotch whisky casks to add subtle layers of caramel, toffee and oak on top of the fresh and peppery agave base. Other simple serves include grapefruit soda for a ready-made paloma or tomato juice for a breakfast bloody Maria.

Añejo – is aged tequila. This stays in the barrels for longer – generally between one and three years – and the barrels themselves are smaller, which adds to the flavour. When pouring tequila, be mindful not to fill the glass to the brim. Leave some space at the top to allow the aromas to gather and breathe. A standard serving is usually 1 to 1.5 ounces (30 to 45 ml). 6. Appreciate the Aromas If you wanted to label it like we do beer, tequila is your commercial lager and mezcal is your craft beer. How to drink tequila in 2023 Reposado – literally, a “rested” tequila, which has been aged in oak barrels for between two and 12 months.

Consider this similar product...

Once we’ve completed our initial taste testing, we compare the flavour and quality of each tequila to similar products across a range of price points and ask an all important question – is it good value for money? Our lengthy testing ensures there’s a tequila for everyone on our list, whatever your taste or budget.