Joni Tyring wrote:Is it that strong?
Tequila doesn't usually exceed about 90 proof, or 45% alcohol by volume. Scotch usually rates out between 80-90, bourbon can come as high as 127 proof in some of the single-barrel, specialty lines. Vodka can be in the 80-110 range. Most brandies are topping off around 80 or so.
Tequila just gets its bad reputation from half-wit frat boys drinking shot after shot of 51% agave/49% sugarwater-based alcohol called
mixto, and then going out and getting stupid until they fall on their face in puddle of their own...
Tequila comes in 4 types usually:
Silver: fresh from the distillery, clear, the product of fermented agave plants
Gold: almost fresh from the distillery, a bit of carmelized sugar added for colouring. (Mostly an American thing).
Reposada: taken from the vat, put in casks where it mellows and smoothens; stored for up to 6 months in most cases, then bottled.
Anejo: taken from the vat, put in casks, and stored between 6 months and 3 years, then bottled.
The best stuff on the market is 100% fermented agave distillation, aged as long as possible (anejo). Next best is the rested (reposado). There are good silvers (like Patron) using 100% fermented agave for the distillation. At the bottom of the heap are the mixtos in silver and gold that really do need the salt and lime to kill the harsh flavour.
