Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Gusano Rojo Tequila Review

Today we will look at a man's best friend...tequila. The tequila we will examine today will be Gusano Rojo (which translates to "red worm"), a 100% Agave
tequila with an Agave Worm! The worm is in the bottom of the large bottle and in the small bottle that is roped to the top of the neck of the bottle as well! Two bottles of tequila with two worms? Could life be better?! Well, the presentation seems to be significantly above par with a very well designed label and and double-bottle value, but we will have to see if the taste holds up to it's physical impressions. First, the smell first smells like tequila and pimento (the little red thing in the middle of green olives). It smells sweet, contrary to the characteristics of a hot chili (pimento). It smells strong of agave, which is a good thing for any 100% Agave tequila. Next, when tried neat, it doesn't taste like the traditional tequila! It doesn't have as much of the sweet taste as it did the scent but is more spicy. It has more of the green-olive taste, which leads to a more bitter taste. It is not so bitter as to be unbearable but in a 1-1/2 oz. shot, it would be very tasty. It doesn't leave much of a burn but more of a warm tequila sensation. Second, when tried on ice, the flavor diminished a little, but seemed to have a more oak-like taste to it. This wasn't as much present when tried neat because the overwhelming flavors of spice, tequila and agave were so present. The last way to try this tequila is in a tequila sunrise, described below:

2 oz tequila
4 oz orange juice
1 oz grenadine
Garnish w/ Lime wedge (optional)

First, the smell was wonderful, presenting clashes of what seemed like fresh oranges and tasty agave. The grenadine chilled at the bottom (no pun intended) with no contribution to scent. The tequila, when in a cocktail as such, can still be significantly tasted. That oak-type presence is still there but the spice/pimento-type taste goes away. The orange juice complements those characteristics and makes this a wonderful tequila-based cocktail for anyone. After all of these methods, it is clear that this tequila is probably best enjoyed in a tequila-based cocktail with fruit juices or maybe as a shot. The tequila tasted more flavorful when it was not chilled and even more-so when it was in a juice-based cocktail. This tequila ranges from $18.99-$20.99/750mL/ in 40%ALC/VOL. In summary, this tequila is a wonderful addition to anyones spirit collection. The value is great as the tequila's taste is good and you get a second small bottle (mini) and an agave worm in each bottle! The value is outstanding, the bottles look awesome and the tequila tastes good! Sounds like a winner to me.

Appearance: 10/10
Scent: 8/10
Neat Taste: 8/10
Chilled Taste: 7/10
Mixed Taste: 9/10
Overall Score: 8.4/10

18 comments:

  1. Gusano Rojo is not tequila. It's a related beverage called mezcal. It says that it is mezcal right on the label. You will never see a worm in tequila, despite the popular myth, but you will see one in some of the low-market brands of mezcal such as Gusano Rojo.

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    1. All tequilas are Mezcal, but not all Mezcal's are tequila.

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  2. Further, mezcal is only distilled once, mostly in the state of Oaxaca primarily from the agave americana, while tequila is generally twice distilled from only from the agave azul, mostly in the state of Jalisco.

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  3. JUST SHUT UP and drink .. It's good drink it no one cares

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  4. i have a bottle of gusano rojo that is about 32 years old the number on the bottle is azafran 609 mexico 8 d. f.

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  5. Thank guys for the tech input. People are so ready to believe because " Its on the internet" and I wanted to add to his description he chili taste? Its more of a Smokey ever so slightly. Ever present but not overbearing

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    1. Yep I tasted a smokey on the back side for Mescal it was smooth

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  6. Thank guys for the tech input. People are so ready to believe because " Its on the internet" and I wanted to add to his description he chili taste? Its more of a Smokey ever so slightly. Ever present but not overbearing

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  7. This IS NOT Tequila!!! Its called Mezcal!!!!

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    1. Tequila only can be produced in five different states in Mexico. Net killer produce outside of the five states are considered mezcal. So shut the f up and drink and eat a worm

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  8. So far, the Ilegal brand is very nice. Both the Reposado and Anejo. I like a nice "Mexican" Martini with a nice(Del Maguey or Vago)Joven with a little brine from a jar of Mazzetta Jalapeno Stuffed Olives. Shake it in a chilled martini glass over one of the olives.
    Thanks Del Maguey.

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  9. how much does a bottle of this go for nowadays?

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  10. how much does a bottle of this go for nowadays?

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  11. Just bought two at a store going out of business in Mexico (f*ck you Covid). They were $39 each for 750ml but buy one get one half off.

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  12. I have a full unopened 50 ml bottle bought in 1987 in Tijuana - anyone know if vintage makes it worth more?

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    Replies
    1. Would you be willing to sell it? Name your price. I collect mini bottles and it’s a must have. PLEASE

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    2. Please email me if you would like to sell the 50ml. Name your price

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