What is the Best Tequila

Last night some friends of ours gathered around for a fun experiment.  A blind tequila taste test.

We gathered 6 different tequilas ordered below in price.

1. Pepe Lopez Premium ($9.99)
2. Jose Cuervo Especial ($15)
3. Hornitos Sausa ($19)
4. 1800 Silver ($19.99)
5. Don Julio Blanco ($36.99)
6. Patron Silver ($48.00)

We bought a lot of little dixi cups of various prints, and served to seven people a small sample of each.  Turns out those little cups leak after a short period.  I don't recommend using them.  We randomized the distribution so people were drinking a different tequila than their neighbor so as not to be influenced.  This requires at least one person to be running the taste test and not partaking (me and friend Jess).  Get a handful of people to sit down and focus.  We then wrote each score down against each tequila, also noting the person.  This way later we could see the persons favorite vs the group favorite. 

Something like:

What were the scores?

1. Jose Cuervo - 23.5 (lowest score)
2. Don Julio Blanco - 30
3. Pepe Lopez Premium - 35.5
4. 1800 Silver - 36
5. Patron Silver - 37
6. Hornitos Sausa - 49! (highest score)

I have to say I was very surprised that Hornitos did so well.  Not surprised that Jose Cuervo did so poorly.  Turns out for a good tequila you don't have to go for the most expensive.

There were some variations in the ratings.  Some people clearly had tastes that matched price, vs others who frankly disliked all the tequila.

All still this was a very fun experiment. I recommend you try it, or something similar.  Just don't serve to much in each tasting.  People can follow up with full shots after the taste test has completed!