But then again, I can say that I’ve been to a artisanal mescal distillery in Oaxaca and tasted the roasted agave before it goes in the fermenter (which really is delicious). An interesting variation on the Tequila tasting would be a Mescal tasting. Unfortunately, the Mescals that are actually worth tasting that have made it to the US. I am pretty sure that I remember Mad Mex stocking one or two of the good ones.

I don’t remember if there was a single “winner” from this event. We each had some slightly different preferences, but I think there were a few common trends, such as all of us loving the Don Julio “1942″ añejo.

Since the tasting, I’ve made the Herredura Silver my main tequila at home. I tend to drink tequila primarily in cocktails, and I like how this one makes its agave self known, but doesn’t fight with other ingredients.

Gene and Mad Mex were wonderfully kind and helpful in hosting this event. Everyone should eat and drink there, all the time.

Thanks also to you, Peter, for organizing this. Well done! (Now we just need a local small batch bourbon expert to come forward and help me pull together our next tasting…!)