Tequila In Thailand

[Thaiquila]

Someone had to ask.

The quality of tequila on offer at Thai liquor stores is atrotious. This stuff isn't tequila, its hangover juice for masochists. Trust me, if the bottle has a Mexican hat on the top, its the worst kind of swill. It is no wonder that Thais in general hate tequila, they haven't experienced it.

So, where (if anywhere) can one buy quality tequila in Thailand (outside of an upscale tasting bar)? I mean tequila that is strictly 100 agave, doesn't need to be aged. Names of stores and locations in the major centers would be good.

[Spee]

Someone had to ask.

The quality of tequila on offer at Thai liquor stores is atrotious. This stuff isn't tequila, its hangover juice for masochists. Trust me, if the bottle has a Mexican hat on the top, its the worst kind of swill.

Like you I agree the "Mexican Hat" stuff is awful. It is considered to be rot-gut even by Mexican standards. I'm not really a big fan of tequila, but a relative has treated me before to some high-grade Mexican sipping tequila (about 1600 baht/750ml). It was smooth and had an awesome flavor. It is typically sipped from a snifter, a'la fine brandy or cognac.

I will inquire with this relative who works in Mexico City. Perhaps he has a lead. At least I can get some names of some top quality brands, and from there you might be able to find a Thai distributor. Will keep you posted.

Regards,

Spee

[sabaijai]

I've been keeping an eye out for decent tequila in Thailand for years, haven't come across any yet. It's always El Toro or Sierra, two of the worst tequlias ever made. Second only to the plastic bottles they sell in Mexico for 10 pesos.

I'd be happy if they could just bring is some middle-of-the-road Cuervo. 100% agave, never seen it in Thailand.

[Spee]

Hello Thaiquila & Group,

Got some feedback on the better Mexican tequilas. According to a relative living in Mexico City, the better tequilas that he would recommend are Don Julio, Patron, Cazadores, Herradura, or Corralejos.

He further suggests to not buy the "silver" type of these brands. He suggests getting the "anejo" or "reposado" types because they are aged longer and are higher quality.

As for where to get started in trying to find a distributor in Thailand or how to get some shipped to you, I honestly haven't a clue.

However I did find the following link to "Tequila Aficionado Magazine." Perhaps you can contact them and get some leads.

http://www.mezcalaficionado.com/article.php?sid=194

Hope this helps and "happy te-kill-ya."

Spee

[Spee]

Thaiquila,

Did a bit more surfing homework and found the following:

- The "Tequila Aficionado" website was interesting but didn't give many leads.

- A Yahoo query for "Bangkok Liquor Distributors" provides many, many links.

- Also found links for the first couple of brands that I did Yahoo queries for:

Don Julio:

http://www.beerliquors.com/buy/liquors/donjulio.htm

Patron:

http://www.patrontequila.com/patron2.html

You can probably find more.

Once again "happy te-kill-ya" or should I say "feliz te-kill-ya.

Spee

PS. Does this mean that you owe me one?

[tutsiwarrior]

tequila is swill for mexican peasants...don't look nice, don't taste nice only good fro ladies drinks like in margaritas...

give me mescal any day...worm in the bucket and all...

ship some containers over and get the Thais into it...pistols, bandoleros and big hats...right on...fukced up down the wat on mescal...

[Thaiquila]

tequila is swill for mexican peasants...don't look nice, don't taste nice only good fro ladies drinks like in margaritas...

give me mescal any day...worm in the bucket and all...

ship some containers over and get the Thais into it...pistols, bandoleros and big hats...right on...fukced up down the wat on mescal...

Thanks for the links. However, I am trying to find out, is there a physical store in Thailand where one can buy real, 100 percent agave tequila?

And, I think you are quite mistaken calling tequila a peasant drink. Mezcal and pulque are more like peasant drinks, not that I have anything against peasants.

I recently visited Tequila, Mexico (yeah, I do get around) and it was interesting to note that the Sauza distillery is Japanese owned, and almost all of the tequila workers are peasants. I hope they get an employee discount on the product.

And, with the ridiculous prices for good tequila (many say engineered by a fake "shortage"), it is definitely not in the peasant price range.

The stuff used in margaritas (lady drinks you call them) is not supposed to be 100 percent agave tequila! It would be a waste to use that in a sweet mixed drink. I am talking about real tequila. The kind thats good enough to drink without mixers, like whiskey.

More info debunking the peasant myth:

THE MYTH: It's a peasant drink. ######, there's no ###### regulation to ensure quality.

THE TRUTH: Mexico's tequila law, NOM, (Norma Oficial Mexicana "Tequila," enacted in 1949) defines four categories. NOM specifies which plants may be used in the tequila process and where they may be grown. You will find tequila and sometimes you'll find tequilo. Real, pure tequila is 100% agave, otherwise it is tequilo, a blend, in the same way scotch can be found in single-malt and blended varieties. Tequilo can have 49% cane or other sugar added before fermentation.

[huski]

Thanks for the links. However, I am trying to find out, is there a physical store in Thailand where one can buy real, 100 percent agave tequila?

the answer so far is no, my friends from southern mexico that come once a year actually bring an extra suitcase dedicated for tequila bottles.

so smooth and tasty, brands i can't remember again this doesn't help you find it in bangkok...so have one or two bottles mailed in, import legal issue george or dr. pp??

[sabaijai]

Got some feedback on the better Mexican tequilas. According to a relative living in Mexico City, the better tequilas that he would recommend are Don Julio, Patron, Cazadores, Herradura, or Corralejos.

I've tried all of these, and find Patrón (labelled Reserva del Patrón in Mexico, simply Patrón in the USA) best of this bunch, but my personal favorite of all is Las Trancas. Don Julio is the most over-rated boutique tequila I've tried (to my taste anyway).

Other very fine tequilas reposadas include Ecuario Gonzales, La Perseverancia, and Don Felipe. Don Eduardo is widely regarded as the ultimate by Mexican connoisseurs but I can't afford it (US$75-125 a bottle) and I like Las Trancas more anyway.

None of these are available in Thailand as far as I know, and I've looked. You'd think Villa Supermarket might get a few real tequilas eventually.

BTW mescal is usually made from same plant, Agave tequiliana, using the same process, as tequila, the only difference being it was made in an area of Mexico not designated for the appellation 'tequila'. Like 'sparkling wine' versus 'champagne' to the French. Occasionally you see other liquors in Mexico made from other succulents like sotol, but they're not true tequila or mescal no matter what they might be sold as. I've had aguardiente (moonshine) sold to me as tequila in small-town bars. If you ask for vino blanco (white wine) in a typical provincial cantina in Mexico, you'll get either cheap tequila or aguardiente ...

Thaiquila, my drinking brother, most of the tequila sold in Mexico is blended with cane alcohol, yet still labelled 'tequila'. I've never seen a bottle labelled 'tequilo' so I guess they're not too strict on that particular naming issue. Never heard anyone in Mexico use or refer to that term, either, must be a rather arcane law ...

Another bit of tequila trivia, contrary to the myth that all true tequila must come from Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico's NOM law enumerates specific districts in five Mexican states where tequila may be legally produced. In 1983 Chinaco, based in the state of Tamaulipas on the US/Mexico border, was the first label to produce a tequila made from 100 percent blue agave, a formula now considered standard for all high-end tequilas. Chinaco is incredible tequila, but hard to find and pricey.

Less expensive but also very good are the Jimador, Centenario, and Orendain. As with wine, it's all a matter of personal preference. If they ever get some real tequilas over here the tax will probably be insane. I visit Mexico once a year so usually bring a bottle or two back, but it doesn't last long. Still I have a set of caballiots, the tall narrow shot glasses made specifically for tequila, for such occasions.

[sabaijai]

<sorry double post>

[sabaijai]

Tequila is a pallid flame that passes through walls and soars over tile roofs to allay despair.

Álvaro Mútis, "Tequila: Panegyric and Emblem"

[huski]

Don Eduardo is widely regarded as the ultimate by Mexican connoisseurs

very smooth tasting tequila, had some last year in the US.

mucho gracias senor sabaijai

[sbk]

Agreed, never seen any of those brands in Thailand, and I just can't bring myself to buy a bottle of tequila with a little red sombrero as a cap

[Jeepz]

Just out of curiosity, what is the tariff if you bring a number of bottles of liquor in with you from overseas? Say on a tourist visa. Suppose I had six or even ten bottles of liquor, with sales slips showing prices for each.

Would I get whacked with 200% tariff or what? There is a blended scotch that I'm pretty fond of. Sadly you can't buy it anywhere but Scotland at the distillery. Which may make an interesing visa run someday.

Jeepz

[tutsiwarrior]

I am suspicious of this 'premium tequila' discussion. There was only one gringo connoisseur of indigenous mexican alcoholic beverages and his name was Geoffrey Firmin the fictional drunken protagonist in Malcolm Lawry's 'Under the Volcano'...he never said nothing about 'nice tequila'...

I fear that this thread may be an attempt by unscrupulous types to market expensive mexican swill as a latin alternative to single malt whiskey...

[Thaiquila]

Oh, pleeeeeze.

There is room in this big world for fine single malt whiskies (and who would argue about how wonderful they can be?) and also for fine tequilas. As well as cheap whiskies and cheap tequilas.

What is wrong with there being fine liquor from Mexico anyway?

But there doesn't seem to be any room in any Thai liquor store for even one even DRINKABLE tequila. Not talking about brandy snifter quality, just a servicable 100 percent agave tequila.

Personally, for pure tasting, I think single malts are the best drink in the world. However, for some reason, for pure drinking, I find the intoxifying experience of good tequila to be quite unque in the world of spirits. Everyone's chemistry is different, but it works for me.

It is true, I have also never seen any bottle labelled TEQUILO, but you will see plenty that are not 100 percent agave. There are many different kinds of tequila which are meant to be used for different things. However, all you have to do it check the label to see if it says 100 percent agave if you want a pure tequila drink. There are decent blends that are fine for margaritas. The brands available in Thai liquor stores don't even meet that standard.

Regarding Jimador, what I have heard is the it used to be a great buy and they used to make it 100 percent agave. They got a good name, and now they are not 100 percent agave, so buyer beware.

[sabaijai]

Thaiquila, come to think of it, I think I head something similar about El Jimador, but I haven't had any in a few years. I know it's made by Casa Herradura, and since all Herradura-branded tequila is 100% agave I'd assumed El Jimador was, too.

Here are some scored tastings of various tequilias (and Don Eduardo's not as expensive as I remember it, not sure if the price came down or my memory was simply faulty--probably the latter )

http://www.tastings.com/spirits/past_features/feature10.html

Forgot to mention Cabo Wabo tequila, which despite it's ridiculous name is a fine tequila partially owned by ex-Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar. Funny interview with him at http://www.tequilaaficionado.com/article.php?sid=133 I tried some only a few months ago.

I think Tutsi is pulling your leg, by the way. Personally I'd rather drink good tequila than the finest single malt any day, I simply don't like the stuff.

[sabaijai]

Just checked El Jimador's website and the añejo at least is 100% blue agave.

http://www.eljimador.com.mx/en/main_eng.html

[tutsiwarrior]

sabaijai (from the movie filmed in Mexico)...'Fred C Dobbs (tutsi) don't say nothin' he don't mean...'

but...I'm not pulling your legs, you guys obviously have a line on a good drink that I haven't tasted before. Quite simply, all the tequila that I've had was low quality. At one point, I couldn't distinguish between tequila, pisco, certain varieties of white rum and general aguardiente...mixed with fruit juice it all tasted the same. However it is unfortunate that it is expensive and hard to come by. Faced with the choice between a bottle of premium tequila and a case of cheap vodka and being unemployed whaddaya think I'm gonna choose?

La proxima vez que hayan unos maleantes al pasar por la chingada les voy a preguntar 'estos gabachos me dijieron algo de este trago...que dicen ustedes?' They will either shoot me or give me a case to take home.

My apologies and I will keep a lookout for the good stuff if on assignment in that part of the world...

[Spee]

At one point, I couldn't distinguish between tequila, pisco, certain varieties of white rum and general aguardiente..

Ugghhh .... pisco .... talk about pee-sco ... that stuff is major league rot-gut.

[sabaijai]

Tutsi ... ¡huevón! .... a ver .... Fred C Dobbs? Traeme la cabeza de Alfredo Garcia?

[SoiSniffer]

Looking for good "ta-key-LA" as you'll find in prononced by the Darlings in the various swill stands. As to the good stuff. No Problem.. Big C have a bottle shoppe attached, many good hotels have a jug joint, and you might even try the local liqoria! Jose Quervo and I parted ways about 15 years ago after a very long and one sided relationship. Even though I'm passing hints along to those unsuspecting fools whom still find nirvana is the cacti based stuff made in the north west of Mexico.... Lotus may have a good selection as well but do you best to eye/sniff out the Thai Version of the Mexican Joy Juice as one must remember all that says imported in LOS may be imported from the next Tambon.

Oh Yes, I think the boozeria at the airport in the luggage area had some good stuff.

I brought, at the request of two Maidens from Big Dogs, two jugs of "1800 Gold" and turned them into be best Lesbo action I had outside of the Eden Club!

[tutsiwarrior]

Spee...if you display your anti-pisco bias in Chile white people of european ancestry will emasculate, incapacitate, decapitate and otherwise be very unfriendly. There are as many varieties of pisco as there are of tequila I'm sure but we're talking grapes rather than agave...

sabaijai...que eres un gabacho cabron que falta de lo necesario del craneo if you don't recognize Fred C Dobbs as the antagonist in B Traven's Treasure of the Sierra Madre brought to the screen by Humphrey Bogart in one of his greatest performances with John Huston (Best Director), Walter Huston (Best Supporting Actor) and the immortal Alfonso Bedoya with the equally immortal line 'I don' got to show you no stinkin' badges...' Tequila has a minor role in the film...

But this discussion iks getting old...lets talk about chicha...the real stuff from the highlands of the Andes...fermentation process started by indigenous campesina women chewing and spitting corn into a blanket later to be assisted by the addition of infant faeces wonderfully presented and admired chilled with cinnamon called garapina in the Cochabamba Valley in central Bolivia...

(no...tutsi is not mad...he actually lived there and drank the stuff...quite nice with roast suckling pig on a Sunday afternoon...)

[Spee]

Spee...if you display your anti-pisco bias in Chile white people of european ancestry will emasculate, incapacitate, decapitate and otherwise be very unfriendly. There are as many varieties of pisco as there are of tequila

I said that tongue-in-cheek

Pisco isn't that bad, it's just not on my list of favorites. I had a relative who lived in Santiago for many years and he says ordering a pisco-sour there is as common as ordering a G&T in the UK.

As long as we're on wild tasting spirits .... ever had grapa or tuica or palinca? That stuff will light you up!

But I digress .....

[tutsiwarrior]

I had some grapa somewhere not in Italy and it wasn't bad...also pastis that gave me a headache, and it's cousin rakuh in Istambul because it was the cheapest drink in the bar...better to die first with that shit.

then in Normandie some drunken frenchman stuck a glass of calvados in my face and said that I must drink...not bad.

Ever go to China and try mou tou...the horrible shit that your hosts give you and the toast 'gambei!'... probably the best cuisine in the world ruined by the worst drink in the world...

here in Thailand I have to make do with cheap vodka that I get from Tesco 35 km up the road...I should consider myself lucky...

[tutsiwarrior]

I forgot to mention pisco in Santiago whereI lived for some months. Yeah pisco sours are nice but usually prepared from a mix and are more expensive than other pisco drinks like the pisco-la...pisco with coke...ug. In Bolivia where they have their own pisco (heaven forbid that you ever mention pisco in Bolivia and Chile at the same time) they do a good number with 'pisco seven'...pisco with seven up. In my favorite bar on Providencia in Santiago I comprimised with pisco and Sprite and managed to get away with not being accused of being a Bolivian provocateur. The bar was around the corner from the military hospital and one of my drinking buddies was a cardiologist that attended to Pinochet...pretty weird..

[et33.com]

Thaiquila ???

Tequila ???

... ...

now now

where's that babe with my tesingha...

[Bluecat]

where's that babe with my tesingha...

On the way I guess or has she been with you for quite some time (without tequila but who cares )

[sabaijai]

tutsi, oh yeah, my memory of that name crossed with the memory of Warren Oates' character in Sam Peckinpah's best flick ...

But the quote in the Bogart movie is actually:

"Badges? We ain't got no badges. We don't need no badges.

I don't have to show you any stinking badges!"

Or if taken straight from B Traven's immortal novel:

"Badges, to god-damned ###### with badges! We have no badges. In fact, we don't need badges. I don't have to show you any stinking badges, you god- damned cabron and ching' tu madre! Come out there from that sh1t-hole of yours. I have to speak to you."

The bar in Tampico where the opening scene of the movie was shot, the Palacio, is still around, or it was when I dropped by a couple of years ago.

[tutsiwarrior]

sabaijai...agreed...I condensed things for our less learned friends but I'm sure that they got the message anyway.

I never have been to Tampico...supposed to be a big oil town...probably was in those days 1920s-30s when Lazaro Cardenas nationalized the oil industry. Surprising that the cantina Palacio bar has been preserved. John Huston was a good one for local background with his films...like the African Queen. Bogie and Huston probably drank themselves silly and chased whores up and down the block. I remember the raven haired siren that flounced by Bogart in the scene where he just got out of the barber shop and enticed him up a side alley to her room in a small hotel...ooooh mamacita...

they never drank no tequila in those scenes...just beer, rye, and brandy...it wasn't until Walter Huston's character as the old miner Howard was summoned by local campesinos to help revive the son of the village headman that had fallen into 'el agua y no quiere de vivir...' Absolutely perfect as if you have ever spent any time in indigenous places in latin America where people don't usually speak Spanish you can appreciate the precise enunciation of the language when it is required...Tequila was used to bring the boy around...'es un milagro...bendito sea Dios...'...I cry now as I face my keyboard...the Indian soul of Latin America...

absolutely one of the best films ever made...Max Steiner's soundtrack one of the best ever...