For lovers of tequila and mezcal, there’s more to the spirit than margaritas and shots. High-quality tequila is meant to be sipped, savored, and enjoyed slowly. If you’re an afficionado-in-training, here’s how to begin leveling up your tequila and mezcal experience.

1. Glassware

While a classic rocks glass can be a great way to enjoy tequila or mezcal, true fans drink from a sipping glass with a slight taper at the top, which helps concentrate the sweet aromas in the spirit.

2. Temperature

Serve your tequila and mezcal at room temperature, or add a few cubes of ice for a slight chill.

3. Note the color

Is your spirit clear or golden brown? A blanco tequila should be crystal clear, since it has not been aged in barrels. A reposado should have golden hues from slight aging, while anejo expressions are darker golden to amber from extended aging.

4. Smell the aromas

Swirl your glass to release the sweet and fruity notes from the spirit. Hold your nose about a half inch away from the glass and inhale. What sweet, fruity, or smokey aromas do you smell?

5. Taste the flavors

Take a sip and hold it in your mouth for a moment, until it coats your tongue, then swallow. Exhale through your mouth to release any burning sensations from the alcohol. What flavors linger in your mouth?  

• For a blanco, look for notes of citrus, apple, pear, and pepper.
• If you’re drinking a reposado, you may find notes of vanilla, honey, caramel, butterscotch,or almond.
• For an anejo, expect notes of vanilla, caramel, butterscotch, brown sugar, toffee, chocolate, and spice.

Tequila and mezcal can be a delicious accompaniment to chips and salsa, a heavier meal, or simply enjoyed on its own. If you’re looking to explore on your own, here are a few options the Wally’s experts recommend:

Dos Hombres Joven Mezcal:

Smooth and spicy, this mezcal has lovely apple and smoke notes

Flecha Azul Reposado:

Layered notes of citrus and vanilla produce a perfect sipping tequila

Dahlia Tequila Cristalino:

A reposado tequila finished with the cristalino process to create a smooth, delicate spirit

818 Blanco Tequila:

A bright and crisp tequila perfect for your favorite margarita recipe

Join us in Las Vegas for Wally’s Tequila & Mezcal Festival on Saturday, May 14th, where you can sample over 150 of the finest agave spirits from Mexico. Click here to get your tickets!