Tequila

Mexico's famed spirit is made from the spiky cactus-like agave plant, which can take up to a decade to mature. By law tequila must be made from at least 51 per cent blue agave. To find the best, look for "100 per cent blue agave" on the label. Aged tequila's are wood matured to mellow the intense herb quality of the plant.

Viuda de Romero Oro ****
576074 $33.95 Mexico
Pale gold with a mild, smooth and soft agave flavour and peppery, smoky finish.

Viuda de Romero Blanco ***½
576082 $33.95 Mexico
Second oldest tequila brand with a recipe dating back to 1852 and using blue tequilana weber agave. Colourless somewhat smoky agave nose with jalapeno, medicinal hints, which carry through in the white peppery taste. Satisfying agave taste.

El Jimador Reposado Gold ***½
460360 $38.20 Mexico
Double distilled at Herradura, Mexico's largest tequila producer. Made with agave tequilana weber and aged 12 months in virgin American oak. Light amber, with a spiced agave nose and flavour quite sweetened and softened by vanilla coconut oak notes.

El Jimador Blanco ***
460378 $36.20 Mexico
Double distilled, made with agave. Lightly fragrant, vaguely medicinal agave nose with a silky smooth palate and finish of peppery agave.

Hoja Vieja Gold ***
577502 $26.45 Mexico
Pale gold colour. Mild agave nose and taste with vanilla notes. Buy on price.