How much tequila did I drink last night?
It's really anybody's guess.
I poured them so fast,
I couldn't keep them in the glass,
But this morning I sure am a mess.
My head is four or five times its normal size
And I got this big old cactus stuck between my eyes.
I can't recall a single thing I did or said
Or the names of all these people sleeping in this bed.

Tell me how, tell me how, tell me how, tell me how,
Tell me how much tequila did I drink last night?

~ John Prine - How Much Tequila (Did I Drink Last Night?)

For years the fogged memories from a night of cheap tequila shooters has kept tequila relegated to nights of hearty partying and regrets. However, in the past few years more and more connoisseurs of fine spirits are discovering that tequila is not just the cheap drunk from our youth. Sipping straight up or from snifters, these aficionados have found good tequila is one to savor, comparable to a fine bourbon or cognac. And, tequila sales reflect this new trend jumping in growth over 10% this year.

So what should one expect from a tequila? Tequila is broken down in to five classifications: Plata, also known as silver or Blanco, Joven, Reposado, Anejo and the recently added Extra or Ultra-Aged Anejo. The Plata is bottled directly from the distillery. It is crystal clear and retains the earthy, fruity, and peppery characteristics of the agave. The Joven is silver tequila to which golden, caramel coloring and flavors such as oak tree extracts or sugar syrups are added. These tequilas are often referred to as Joven, suave or gold. These along with the Platas are most commonly used in margaritas or for shooters.

If you want something a little smoother with a little more mature agave flavor the pale gold Reposado aged for a minimum period of two months and no more than twelve months is a good choice. The aging reduces some of the “fire” you find in the silver tequilas. The Mexican government who oversees the strictly regulated tequila industry mandates that these tequilas rest in some type of wood barrel. It is up to the distiller as to what type of barrel is used and it is from these barrels that the subtle nuances that distinguish one tequila from another are developed. Our Horny Margarita made with Sauza Hornitos tequila is an example of a good, affordable margarita made with a Reposado.

As with wine, bourbons and scotch the longer tequila rests the smoother more mellow the flavor. The Anejo tequila is aged a minimum of one year and often as long as two to three years. These tequilas like their bourbon or cognac counterparts are the Kings of tequila. They are to be sipped, savored, and enjoyed. Typically aged in American whiskey barrels or French oak casks you will find the Anejo tequilas possess less of the agave flavor found in the younger tequilas absorbing more of their flavor from the barrels in which they age. This prolonged period of resting creates the smoother and more complex tequila.

In 2006 a new classification of tequila was added, the “extra” or “ultra-aged” Anejo. Aged for a period of more than three years these premium tequilas are richer in flavor and darker in color, almost mahogany in color and can easily break the bank. Be ready to dig deep in the wallet because one can easily spend $200 - $300 on a bottle of these “vintage” Tequilas.

In 2006, the ultra-premium tequila Pasion Azteca, 100% blue agave tequila aged for six years in hand cured barrels and produced by Tequila Ley .925 sold for a record $225,000. The actual bottle itself contributed to steep price the tequila fetched making it in to the Guinness Book of World Records as the most expensive bottle in the world. The 1.2-liter bottle hand crafted by thirty-two Mexican Craftsman is coated with 18 microns of pure platinum-sterling .925 and encrusted in 6,000 brilliant-cut diamonds, 1-30 points.

There are over 700 brands of tequila in the market today. At Ay! Caramba we carry any where from 35-40 different tequilas a fair representation of the market. Next time you visit try upgrading your House Margarita with the Sauza Hornitos or Herradura. After dinner, enjoy conversation and one of our fine Anejo tequilas poured neat for to sipping. We think you will be pleasantly surprised and tequila will no longer be synonymous with throat burning, gut wrenching lost nights and foggy memories.

Global warming, climate change, and the threat it poses cannot be denied. At Ay! Caramba we believe that individuals need to start making environmentally responsible choices in their day-to-day lives to affect change. As a business, this is not always easy, feasible, or possible but we believe it is necessary if we are to change this harmful course we are on.

As of last week Ay! Caramba has begun the process of switching to products that are more environmentally friendly. Because we are limited to serving on paper and plastic by the Town of Harwich, we have chosen to start here. We now use items known as Greenware™. These products are all natural corn based materials that are 100% compostable and environmentally sustainable. They are more expensive than the products we previously used but we feel Mother Earth is worth the investment.

As we find new eco-friendly ways to conduct business we will continue to implement them. We encourage everyone to do the same.

This holiday get an Ay! Caramba Gift Card for the one you love. They make a great gift or stocking stuffer. You can purchase them in any denomination at the restaurant or online.