Just thought I’d open up a thread about agave spirits since there doesn’t seem to be one specifically dedicated to it yet. I’m open to any discussion on the subject but I’ve particularly been hoping to find out:
Anybody have a good body of knowledge about the definitions and distinctions between types of agave spirits (and related boozes) including mezcal, tequila, bacanora, sotol, raicilla, etc?
Anyone know good sources in SoCal to sniff out the above? I’m particularly looking for places to purchase bottles, not taste in a bar.
To give some context, I’m not a big drinker of any of these spirits (more of a whiskey neat person) but someone close to me works at a mezcal bar so I’m starting to look into the subject.
As far as purchasing in SoCal, I’ve been to both Ramirez Liquor locations in Boyle Heights, Beverage Warehouse in Mar Vista, Leyva’s Liquor in Tijuana, and am planning to visit Old Town Liquor in San Diego at some point (although they seem to cost an arm and a leg). I’m based in LA so recommendations in the greater metropolitan area are welcome but I’m willing to drive a few hours if there’s a particularly good source further out.
Me and my bartender friend checked out K&L Hollywood specifically looking for bacanora and sotol and they didn’t have that (which I understand) but they did have it at Ramirez Liquor. This was a few years back though, so that may have changed. My friend also wasn’t real impressed by the associate helping us at K&L but that was just whomever they had manning the floor and probably not a specialist for agave spirits.
Hi times in Costa Mesa is pretty darn good for mezcal. They usually have 5+ bottles of sotol as well. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Orange County.
Wow, they have a bacanora even cheaper than the same distiller from Leyva’s (although it may be a different expression). Thanks for the recommendation!
Tequila is often my beverage of choice. I prefer it to mezcal bcause I don’t enjoy the overt smokiness many mezcals have. Thankfully, that is changing and excessive smoke seems to be declining.
I have spent a lot of time in Oaxaca and have had the opportunity to observe and learn mezcal production methods. I’ve also spent time in Jalisco and know tequila production and the (thin line of) differences between them.
The Herradura pictured above is a resposado reserva from their Colección de la Casa line of premium tequilas. It is first aged in medium char American oak barrels for 11 month. It’s then transfered to Port casks that were imported from Portugal where it continues to age for another 2 months. This is a smooth sipping tequila. It, of course, has an undertone of port from the port cask aging, but you can also pick up some plum flavors as well as chocolate. And since Herradura is now owned by Brown Forman, they are also doing a similar tequila by aging it in used scotch casks.
I’m not drinking a ton these days but one of the tipples that had me kick off this thread was Don Cuco Sotol which I found at Beverage Warehouse in LA (although we prefer the tradicional as opposed to the reposado in the link). It’s been very difficult to source these days (especially the tradicional, which began getting a little scarce a few years back) but I’ve been told the producer started to work with a larger group on Por Siempre Sotol.
Have you tried Old Town Liquors in San Diego. They have a ginormous selection of agave spirits including a lot of little known and boutique brands. They ship. I think their prices are on the high side but I’m so used to buying my tequila in Tijuana or Tlaquepaque that my price awareness may be skewed
I haven’t tried Old Town Liquors yet but they’re on my list (that’s why I linked them). I agree they’re a bit pricy but I think me and Bartender Brother WireMonkey are going to try and do a bit of a tequila tour from LA to Tijuana and back in the fall so we’re definitely going to hit up Old Town. Any recommendations in Tijuana in addition to Leyva’s are much appreciated!
On my list so far are Beverage Warehouse, Ramirez Liquors (both locations), Hi Times, Old Town Liquor and Levyas. So far the only ones I haven’t been to are Hi Times and Old Town.
Old Town Liquor probably has the best selection of tequila, mezcal and agave spirits in the U.S. If they sell other liquors I’ve never noticed them when I’ve been in there. I’ll be honest, they aren’t my favorite liquor store but their selection is hard to beat, even in Mexico. If you want it, they probably have it. If they don’t have it, they can probably get it for you.
Quality Liquor (on Madison), also in San Diego, has a substantially smaller inventory, but I’ve found it to be pretty well curated. When I was looking for first release of the Volcan de mi Tierra Blanco after Hennessy bought them, only Quality and Old Town Liquor had it, and Quality was at least $10 less expensive than Old Town. The BevMo in La Mesa has a surprisingly good tequila selection, tho’ it trends more to the mid to higher end tequilas.
Leyva’s is my go-to in Tijuana. I’ve been to a number of other liquor stores in TJ but have not found a selection as varied or deep as Leyva’s Liquors. Several people have told me about a large liquor store close to the Mercado Hidalgo but I’ve never found it. There is a liqour store on the corner of the market but I haven’t been very impressed with their selection.
Mercado del Mar in Rosarito also has a pretty extensive selection of tequilas and other agave spirits. It’s a shame we can only bring 1 bottle back with us on the return trip
