Star Ratings © José-Pablo Fernández

This system was developed after years of enjoying this splendid spirit. I first visited the Tequila region in 1982 when there were very few brands available. I was invited by Sr. Francisco-Javier Sauza to photograph the world of Tequila. After many trips through the region I published the very first coffee-table book about Tequila in 1983. Its cover photo (shown on Viva Tequila header) has been reproduced many times in newspaper articles, magazines and it is on every case produced by Tequila Sauza. It shows a “jimador” clearing an agave, a procedure that certainly defines the whole process. My own favorites are those that retain the special agave flavor, mainly Blancos and Reposados. Occasionally I may drink an Añejo. I completely avoid Joven or Gold tequila. I drink my tequila in a tall “caballito” sipping it slowly so that the agave taste will really stand out. Lime and salt? Never.