Sauza Silver Tequila is not labeled as a 100% Blue Agave tequila. As far as Tequila goes there’s both 100% blue agave and the other stuff, mixto. No tequila company is going go out of the way to tell you they’ve made a mixto, and for good reason. Let’s start with how tequila is made.
Tequila is made in the area surrounding Tequila, Mexico. To make Tequila, blue agave plants are harvested, roasted, broken down, and then pressed. The resulting juice is then fermented and later distilled. For silver tequilas these tequilas are then bottled. Alternatively, they can be aged in wood barrels to mellow the flavors.
By law to be labeled 100% Blue Agave – Tequila must be made from 100% Blue Agave. Mixto by contrast can contain up to 49% other distillate (such as sugar). It can also contain colors and other additives to help make sure it seems closer to real 100% blue agave Tequilas.
So is Sauza Silver Tequila Any Good and How Does It Do In Cocktails?
In a Margarita, the Sauza tends to hide. The nose is slightly floral and has a nice spice to it. The flavor starts out very bright and moves forward into slight sweetness and a touch of orange. The tequila is somewhat peppery and floral in here – and has a hint of spice. A strong lime ending runs through the end and the tequila comes forward slightly and the finish hints at candied orange.
In a side by side it doesn’t compete as directly on the tequila note. Instead the lime and Cointreau stand out over the tequila. In a blind tasting, it was the lightest of the lightly aged tequila, boarding on grain spirit.
If you happen to find tequila’s flavor too strong, you might happen to like Sauza, however, serious tequila fans will find it somewhat boring. In a cocktail it also might hide in the drink, rather than stand up correctly the way you’re looking for it to while making a new cocktail.
Looking for For Info?
- Sauza’s Website
- Honest Booze Reviews give their opinion – and it’s a treat.