391 - Tequila Pursuit with Alfonso Esquivias of Drinks with Fonz

If you listen to our Friday show called This Week in Bourbon, you would hear us talking about tequila being the next rising spirit. I mean, who doesn't like a good margarita? Much like bourbon, there is a lot to know about what goes into making the spirit. To help explain all that, we've invited Alfonso Esquivias, the Founder and Owner of Drinks with Fonz. Alfonso sent Ryan and I 12 different tequilas to sample them as we go through to know more about them. It was a lot of tequila but I promise you that I have a much deeper appreciation for tequila after this. Alfonso talks about the laws to be called a tequila and we dive into the process of harvesting agave and distilling it. We then tackle the touchy subject of how many tequilas on the market are full of additives like sugar and how you shouldn't trust many celebrity brands as well. Listen closely to the brands we talk about during the show so you know which ones are additive-free and legit. Show Notes: Above the Char with Fred Minnick (@fredminnick) talks about the popularity of Buffalo Trace How did you get into spirits in general? What restrictions are in place to be called a tequila? Can you describe an agave plant? Can you explain the differences between blanco, reposado, and anejo? In bourbon you will never see anyone claim they like un-aged bourbon but why is that with tequila? How do you know which brands have additives? What are all tequilas in the 80-90 proof range? What is the typical proof off the still? Who is the MGP of tequila? So what makes something like Jose Cuervo mass-market or bottom shelf? Is saying "using tequila as a mixer" considered blasphemy? Does a particular agave field have different effect on the flavor like grapes with wine? How do you know when an agave plant is ready for harvesting? Does price point increase when proof increases? Do all celebrity tequilas have additives or are considered crap? @drinks.@with.@fonz Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices