Tequila Gringo: Finding a better tequila

Bob Bennett and Giulio Costanzo, founders of Tequila Gringo, are passionate about tequila (these guys seriously LOVE tequila) and felt that there wasn’t enough information about tequila available to the masses. Tequila is more than just a spirit, as Bennett explains. “It has incredible variety, astounding range of flavors and quality, fascinating culture, rabid following, cool bottles and it just seems to create good times.”

 

Bennett says his first experience with tequila was the same as most everyone else –getting roughed up on Cuervo Gold and at this point not remembering too much about it other than maybe saying something like 'never again' the next morning. It's that all too common experience is what he's trying to change about tequila's perception. Finally, it was a friend that introduced him to his first fine tequila, a Casa Noble’s 5yr Anejo. After that he was hooked.

 

Although the Tequila Gringos are aficionados they’re not tequila snobs. There’s no tequila they’re not willing to give a fair chance. Bennett, Costanzo and a panel of tequila testers have personally tasted every brand they list on their site and offer a description of flavor, price and user rating. They’ve also compiled a “best of” list for Blancos, Reposados and Anejos that range in price anywhere from $60 -$300.

 

The main goal behind Tequila Gringo is to let people know that tequila is more than a shot that has to be covered up by salt and a lime wedge or drowned in sour mix. “We would love [people] to know the truth, that this spirit has a long history and can hold its own with fine single malt scotch or cognac for refinement and delicacy, and beat anything for variety and interest.”

 

When asked, Bennett associated having a favorite tequila with an astronomer having to choose a favorite star. But when pressed he offered one from each category:  

 

Blanco: Arette - citrus!
Reposado: Dos Lunas - hint of cinnamon, just the right caramel, big full body.
Anejo: Herradura Seleccion Suprema - would be my overall favorite right now.
And for Margaritas: Cazadores Repo - great flavor, not too expensive, amazing bang for the buck.

One last question for Bennett, Worm vs Scorpion…which one’s better? 

For fishing, the worm. For pranks while camping, the scorpion. For tequila, neither.

 

And where can fellow tequila aficionados drink tequila? If you're in LA checkout El Carmen (mexican wrestling masks and a huge selection) and Loteria Grill on Hollywood (great selection and amazing food).  If you run into Bennett, tell him I said hi.
 

Want more tequila? Join their online community on Facebook.

 

Also checkout the Tequila Whisperer.  It's a live stream where you can listen to and join in on discussions about types of tequilas, stories about drinking tequila and some heated (and sometimes drunken) debates on tequila. Open a bottle and catch the LIVE  show this Thursday at 7pm (PST). Don’t miss it!