7/23    After a long time thinking all tequila is gross, I've decided I like
        "the good stuff" straight.  I like ones that taste more like aloe/pine
        or minerally, but less like vanilla/butterscotch.  Any types I should
        try?
        \- oh hello, i think tres genercions is pretty good and not
           difficult to find. you may also analyze El Viejito and
           "El Corredor" [i'm not sure i have that name right ...
        \_ i really like el tesoro reposado and el jimador. ultra high end
           stuff like El Tesoro Paradiso and Don Julio 1942 are more akin to
           cognac... good stuff, but not necessarily worth the $$$.
           \_ As something of a neophyte I'm not sure if what I'm looking for
              is the more aged tequilas.  I like the mellow woody flavors you
              get in aged whiskey or brandy, but won't that make tequila lose
              the 'zesty' parts? -OP
              \_ Dona Tomas on Telegraph and 51st has a superb set of tequila
                 tasters that might help you out. --erikred
        \- oh hello, i think TRES GENERCIONS is pretty good and not
           difficult to find. you may also analyze EL VIEJITO and
           EL CORREDOR [i'm not sure i have that name right ...
           i was in my tequila phase like 6yrs ago ... i dont really
           drink any more]. yeah, some of these sipping tequilas, some are
           really peppery/minerally. you should just go to one of the
           places with a large tequila stock, e.g. Tommy's out in the
           avenues on geary, or maybe Guaymas [in tiburon], if you want
           to make it a nice evening with your associates. for shooting/
           mixing tequilas, i think HORNITOS RESPOSADO and SAUZA SILVER
           are ok. [there is also a more accessible place called COLIBRI
           downtown, but it is really expensive].
           places with a large tequila stock, e.g. TOMMY'S out in the
           avenues on geary is THE STANDARD. Also Guaymas [in tiburon],
           if you want to make a bit of an event out of it. [there is
           also a more accessible place called COLIBRI downtown, but it
           is quite expensive]. for shooting/mixing tequilas, i think
           HORNITOS RESPOSADO and SAUZA SILVER are ok.
        \_ Above a certain $$, they're mostly the same quality-wise,
           as a good bartender will tell you.  As TSB says, go to a place
           with a big stock and a bartender that looks experienced and try
           a few (after the first 8 you won't know the difference.)  Just note
           that real tequila doesn't have a worm, comes from one of only 5
           states, and doesn't have to contain more than 51% agave.  Look for
           premium (100% agave) tequila, not from syrup.  You may also want
           to consider mescal; there are some high quality mescals that are
           the exact same as tequila, but because of denominacion de origen
           laws, can't use the name.  And are way less expensive than super-
           premium tequilas.  Enjoy.  -John
           \- If you go to TOMMY'S, you can also participate in the
              TEQUILLA CHALLENGE.