Even if you don’t know about all the kinds of tequilas there are, you probably have discerned that there are different colors of tequila, and that the one you buy is probably called ‘white,’ ‘blanco’ or ‘silver,’ because you have purchased it for mixing.

I am no expert, just a tequila-lover, but I have found that every ‘class’ of tequila is different. That is, knowing the ‘type’ you like may not regularly result in a good tequila drinking experience.  And while blanco, reposado and anejo have very mixed results, I have found that Extra Anejos, most often, though not always, are pretty reliable.

The thee pictured here: Diabolito, Tapatio Excelencia and the Arette Gran Clase are among best tequilas I have ever tasted.  They are all very very smooth, and not at all viscous (a bad quality in any drink but chilled Sambuca).  They are deliciously nuanced drinks, have little burn and finish with warm, caramel notes.

These rich, well constructed tequilas are great if you are trying to win over people who have been scarred by a Cuervo or alternate Joven tequila, or fans of good Rums or Bourbons.

These are sipping tequilas.  They should not be mixed and while it’s fun to shoot, it does deprive you of the pleasure of enjoying it slowly and purposefully.  They cost between $100 and $150 (and sometimes more) and so that’s another reason not to shoot them.

The Diabolito is part of the organic 1-2-3 series which are all excellent and deserve to be in your liquor cabinet.   I am not a regular buyer of other Tapatio tequilas but their blanco is fun. I am surprised at how much I love the Arette because I really do not like their lesser grades— they even have a $23 bottle that is very close to Jose Cuervo (especial) and that is not good.  Once again, the label ‘extra anejo’ does not guarantee a great drink, but I can tell you about three that are worth every penny.