Come Shopping for Tequila With Me at Total Wine!

Come shopping for Tequila with me! In this video, join me on a fun tequila shopping trip at Total Wine! As a tequila enthusiast, I am excited to share my knowledge and experience with you as we explore the different options available.
We will take a walk through the store and I'll show you some of my favorite tequila brands and bottles, highlighting their unique features and flavor profiles. Whether you're a tequila connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of tequila, this video is sure to provide some valuable insights and recommendations.
I also review El Padrino de Mi Tierra which is Total Wine's brand of tequila
So come along and join me on this tequila shopping adventure! Who knows, you might just discover your new favorite tequila brand or bottle. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exciting videos. Cheers!
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[@TroubleHarris]

I was just talking about you. I was tell my cousin everything I learned about a good authentic tequila I learned from watching your channel. So thank you once again.

[@charlesbowers8112]

Glad you showed the Arette, i love their Blanco.

[@lquirouette1]

So…I went to Total Wine knowing nothing about tequila. I hadn’t done any research yet but was curious about it. I asked a store rep what did they recommend for a good sipping tequila. Yep, they recommended El Padrino. Well, lesson learned. I should have looked for your videos first. Thanks for the caveats on what not to buy. Great information.

[@sliceofsparta8985]

Favorite budget choice: Tres Agaves anejo Favorite overall: El Tesoro reposado Those are my only two instant-replace sippers, always have to have them on hand, and yes Lui showed me the way lol. I recently tried the El Tesoro anejo but honestly prefer the agave/oak ratio the reposado has more. Suits me just fine, considering it's $30 cheaper 💀

[@JuanCastaneda]

Thanks for the review. Been hesitant buying that one for a while. Been sticking to El Tesoro, Arette, and Lalo (excellent by the way). I'm curious if you'll get some time to review Anteel

[@Food_Bev_Tube]

Appleton 12 and El Dorado 12 are my favorites for making a Mai Tai. Hands down worth a try

[@flaviovelasquez4451]

Two excellent rum brands. Appleton 21 is my favorite high end rum. All of El Dorados expressions are great.

[@ThrewRedButter]

Just started getting into spirits and making my own drinks at home. Love your passion and in-depth reviews.

[@Godfatherjrt]

3:00 ahh the Cazcanes. Finally picked up a bottle last week (No.7 Blanco) and is my current special sipper. Man if it wasn't for the more hefty price tag...I would just only rotate between this along with Mijenta and Tequila Ocho, Blancos. (since Fortaleza is Unobtainium atm) Absolute PREMIUM tequila at its finest! Don Fulano and Cascahuin are next on my list.

[@paidactor5078]

Tried the Novo Fogo Barrel-Aged based on your recommendation. Me and my family enjoyed it very much. Thanks!

[@BartendressTwin]

Thank you We make alot of chilled tequilla martinis, shots, and ranch waters cocktails in TX.

[@michaeldorsey3528]

The only thing I dislike about El Tequileno is the flimsy cork on the stopper...great recommendation!

[@mesa41141]

They still have the 1.0L Arette! Great deal along with Cimarron for blanco mixers

[@markbaldwin7810]

I drink Lalo for breakfast!! Love it!!

[@rockyvannucci2964]

Lui speaks Truth to Tequila! Thank you

[@colindoan4135]

Hi Luis! Great video, always love the shopping trips! Patron is actually additive free they just got their official certification from the CRT/TRC a little under three weeks ago. The reason it took so long for them to gain the additive free certification is they didnt want to disclose their proprietary yeast strain to the people who run tequila matchmaker. Who btw have their own interests outside of certifying tequila as additive free, Ive heard they own a distillery or two.

[@Lui_Fern]

From what I've heard Patron is the first brand in a new pilot program that the CRT is running. The people from tequila matchmaker do not own a distillery as far as I know.

[@peterkeigwin847]

Can't believe you passed up on the ocho widow jane reposado! It's actually the best I've had. Even better than fortaleza reposado

[@tommyg5095]

People have different taste buds, different likes, and I'm not going to by another Fortaleza, just not what I think is great, especially for the cost.. I agree about the Ocho, the Widow Jane finish is great, but every Ocho I have is great. Top 10 for sure...

[@peterkeigwin847]

@tommyg5095 true that boss. I'd love to taste their other barrel expressions but they're so elusive. The bourbon barrel surely pops out in the flavor profile

[@MoDavI-sl7iy]

Everyone does have different taste buds. That's for sure.​@tommyg5095

[@sliceofsparta8985]

That Widow Jane repo is one of the highest rated bottles on TMM, but I'm in the minority of folks that didn't love it. It's certainly great but the oak/bourbon overrides the agave a bit too much to warrant the crazy price tag it has. IMHO, El Tesoro repo has the PERFECT agave to barrel ratio. Need to ask my local store if they can get me the single barrel!

[@danielv7964]

Wow! Your total wine has a much better selection than mine!

[@jacobmoux5235]

0:07 the way you said "Guys" sounded like Mark Wahlberg

[@o.o-vt1rc]

Oh, yeah, I need to remember to check the rum aisle for cachaca

[@DzigaJerkov]

Spirits Direct doesn’t mean it’s their brand, necessarily. It means they partner with the brand to cut out vendor costs and have better margins. Depends on the region. As shown, El Tequileño is Spirits Direct in most regions. So is Código. El Tesoro used to be.

[@1trickingAWP]

Not sure about tequila but most of “their” cognac and scotch have been sold in Europe before Total Wine has even being founded. They are spirit direct because Total Wine is the first store in the US to import them.

[@DzigaJerkov]

@@1trickingAWP yes, and of course many of their Winery Direct wines are brands that have existed is some way for centuries

[@mikerob1471]

Great content , can you do a review of good black owned whiskeys and spirits and grade them. 💪🏾👍🏽

[@jaxcoop1511]

I work at a Total Wine and I’m one of those salespeople. I’ve been hoping you would get around to doing a review on the El Padrino brand. I personally don’t push anything on anyone. I’ll let people try something and they can either like it or not. I’ve never been a big fan of that line of tequilas. I really like the 3 Amigos and the Gonzales 1938 brands. Give them a try sometime. I would like to know your opinion. Thanks

[@GP-gt4bo]

Yes but many of your salespeople do- especially on Spirits Direct. It’s technically illegal to be able to ‘pay to play’ like that in a public store

[@cproctor5]

the El Tequileno Reposado (the 28.00 one is right now my favorite budget tequila)

[@sliceofsparta8985]

I need to try it! How would you compare it to Tres Agaves or Cimarron repos?

[@cjvx7208]

I walked in Total wine to the tequila section and one of the members there asked me what I was looking for straight up went straight to this El padrino grab the bottle cracked it open had me taste it right there and then recommended it really highly. I said I would come back around after I look around little more. Obviously I ended up grabbing ocho platas after all that.

[@deescott8312]

They all do the same thing

[@mrfinesse]

Thanks for the El Padrino review. I shop often at TW. Their sales guys really push this brand. While I would not buy this, I was curious about it. BTW - Altos Olmeca (next to Arette - 3:14 mark), is another excellent budget option for cocktails.

[@Surgical13]

Long Live Altos

[@HeyhitmeBAM]

Ugh, real harsh stuff. Theres better budget options

[@davidcattin7006]

Total Wine! Pass thru those doors, the Heavens open, and the angels begin to sing! Didn't care for the El Padrino. I saw Ghost. A smooth ghost pepper-infused blanco. Have you tried it? It finally retails in Indiana. I used to have to order it from California. Makes great cocktails too! Best regards!

[@MoDavI-sl7iy]

Lol. I wish we had one in my state. I'm moving. 😂🤣

[@Paul-gn6zw]

If you ever get a chance, I’d love to see a reivew of Total Wine Spirit Direct’s 3 Amigos. It says additive free and I’ve been curious about it since it came out.

[@richb9054]

There is quite a bit of a strong alcohol bite to it- across all the versions. I have not tried the organic 3 amigos though.

[@timstump364]

When you were talking about a tequila, Bribon was next to the one you spoke of. I don't know if you've tried it, but I've had their repo and it's surprisingly good, ample cooked agave.

[@Rustyb1590]

I’ve been tempted to try that El Padrino. I appreciate your review of it.

[@notreallygordonramsayorami8785]

i was at a local Total Wine, and talked to one of the associates working a sample booth. She told me El Padrino was additive free, and after trying it that night, and drinking a patron 50ml... its safe to say El Padrino is now my tequila of choice.

[@sliceofsparta8985]

@@notreallygordonramsayorami8785 Tequila Match Maker currently has not yet certified El Padrino as additive-free; might just mean they haven't certified it yet but worth noting. Also interesting is while the anejo and blanco have decent panel scores on TMM (especially the blanco), the repo that Lui has in this video is rated much lower by both the panel and community. I was given a small bottle of the anejo for Christmas and thought it was solid; wouldn't buy it over Tres Agaves (which is cheaper) and it can't touch brands like Tequila Ocho and El Tesoro.

[@joeyl669]

I remember getting absolutely messed up on Novo Fogo 😂 it's good but wow it packed a punch

[@twhdvm]

Man, I am jealous. Virginia ABC not only has the worst selection of tequilas but the ones you can find are at least $10-20 more than the prices in your video. Oh, and Casamigos is top shelf here😂.

[@lukk_083]

Please review casa noble!! I can’t make my mind up on it

[@benykristo]

Really jealous of the choice & incredible prices you have in the US, I would want to buy & compare best budget blanco for mixing. Nice content, what do you think of Tapatio ?

[@cristianpaulbanu5320]

Hey from Sweden! Love your videos! I have a question regarding Olmeca altos... In a different video, you said that it is additive free... Is that correct? Thank you very much!

[@Possess0r]

It is so hard to get different brands of tequila in Europe, but i think the market is evolving slowly... Even online it was so hard to get Fortaleza. Anyway, one of the new ones apart form Olmeca, Jose Cuervo, Sauza, Arrete is now available Cenote? What are your thoughts about it? Is it worth trying for around 35-40€? Olmeca Altos Blanco which i really like for cocktails is just 22€

[@jarrettharrison7952]

Great video as always Lui! Been curious about that product as of late. Quick question though. I absolutely love Cachaca, but I thought it was rum for the longest time. What are some main differences between cachaca and say a Rhum agricole?

[@Lui_Fern]

I have a whole video about that. It's like the second or third video on my channel. One quick little tidbit of difference is that casasa can be Asian. 28. Different kinds of wood rum agricole cannot

[@bob___]

The Total Wine stores where I live can't sell spirits, but I go there to buy vermouth, and I've found that their Direct brand of vermouth (Grassotti) is really good (not cheap, though).

[@DzigaJerkov]

Spirit Direct brands aren’t really total wines brands, a few of them are good brands that partner with total wine to get wider distribution.

[@billnicesun3613]

Tres Agaves blanco 23.99$ US! It is 70,75$ CAN (so 51$ US ) in Québec, Canada! El Tesoro blanco 49.99US and 126$ CAN (92$ US). Woh😮… Have you tasted “Volcán de mi Tierra”? Thanks!

[@irenec2252]

Very informative

[@mariuszarszylo1476]

What is your take on Padre Azul tequila? I recently purchase an anejo bottle and it was really good, eve if very expensive.

[@mrpricklypear22]

Was there a reason there was no mention of Cierto @3:39 ⁉️ I personally have yet to try as its not available in my area, but see it has recieved some decent TMM reviews.😉

[@Blktailhunter53]

I went to my local Total Wine to buy some Lalo and to my surprise they had Fortaleza blanco on the shelf. One to a customer. I have never seem Fortaleza at Total Wine before. I went in and out three times. I now have three bottles of the blanco and my Lalo.

[@oa8945]

For how much they going for?

[@Blktailhunter53]

@@oa8945 $60

[@kelex69]

Honestly I love all of you tequilla reviews. You've got be off of don julio and on to actual good tequilla like el tesoro. However I've been drinking rum for 20 years and I have a collection of around 50 diffrent bottles and brands...appletons maybe good for drinks but no where a y good for sipping. Tbh I cant even dri k it for a week when I go to jamaica. The 8year is slightly better but unless you go to the 12year, your not sipping it. If you want to try a great rum at a great price for sipping, try plantation 20th anniversary. Just my cents. Also if we're talking about Jamaican rum, give royal Jamaican a try. Keep doing what your doing, love the videos. Cheers!

[@RobertoGonzalez-ce7mi]

Great content man have you ever tried hacienda de Tepa? I have a friend that keeps saying its good please let me know thanks

[@Conde.666]

Thanks for teaching me about Tequila. I'm more of a beer drinker. But my Mexican Ancestors, call for me start on Tequila. 🇲🇽 🥃

[@usagipaige5377]

Love your videos, coming from a bourbon background I have heard the talk of Fortaleza. Picked up my first bottle this week and looking forward to trying it. Any particular tequilas you like for a paloma?

[@bradyblankenship9182]

Lalo. It’s super tasty and affordable and pretty ez to find atleast here in Florida it is. And because of the price ya availability ya don’t fill bad using it in a cocktail

[@reinaldogarcia70]

Our personal favorites are yellow mezcal

[@Smokey_IT]

What are your thoughts on Hurradura anejo. I have been unable to find any info on if it's additive free

[@rayjames7702]

I noticed in the video next to the Sauza tequila is the Sammy Haggar brand Santo and I was wondering if you have tried it and if so what are your thoughts? Also what is your top 3 celebrity tequilas for price and quality?

[@Dierr0r]

Can you do a review on organic 3 amigos?

[@AJ-by6pd]

What are your thoughts on Sazerac Corazón Bourbon Barrel Aged Tequilas?

[@anthonyh58]

What is your opinion of Cenotes tequila?

[@ecm95]

Never seen you mention del tequila/ artenom any of those you like?

[@devinthedudegringo662]

What is your opinion on Cava de Oro?

[@astridaria]

Any thoughts on Carmesi 1886 Anejo Tequila?

[@flacachica1985]

What’s your opinion on Primo 1861?

[@johnathancamargo3384]

What do you think of Don Ramon tequila/mezcal?

[@LostSoul3699]

El Padrino cream is really good

[@MoDavI-sl7iy]

The traditional Jose Cuvero is definitely better than their budget option. I can say that, & I don't like Jose. The respado tastes good in a margarita. I just purchased two bottles of the brand you're reviewing. One blanco ($29), & one respado ($40) 🤦🏾‍♀️. I haven't opened it yet, I don't know if I want to now. 🤦🏾‍♀️ 😂. I thought I'll try something we don't have in my state. We need a Toral Wine. Lol. Just a thought: Why are there so many bad tequilas? 😂

[@philc1884]

Interesting, I've never seen the 'Additive Free' shelf tags at my Total Wine (NY). The TW brands are swallowing up the shelves and pushing other's off. Quite sad. Cheers!

[@brianspengel4197]

Speaking of stores really pushing specific products, I was at BevMo the other day and they had stacks of Espolon leading up to the register. Something like $25 if you're a member. Thoughts on if it holds up to other budget options like Cimarron or Tres Agaves?

[@Mikeal.]

No, the budget options you listed are perfect choices. I’d add the Arette blanco for a rounded list. All are under 3 are under $30 and amazing for the price.

[@SuperStarr817]

Tres Agaves is 80CAD here, I need to go to the states and get some good tequilas for a better price.

[@lcseixas97]

Lui, i'd love to see your reaction to Brazil's "aperitivos de agave" aka pretty bad brazilian tequila brands who can't call themselves tequila since there is an agreement between Brazil and México forbiding one or the other from making tequila/cachaça and not importing it. I'm not even a big tequila coinosseur and I'm alarme by how... weird they are. There are two brands, one called Tequiloko and the other Arriba Mexicali... so yeah. O canal tá ótimo! Parabéns!

[@Lui_Fern]

Oh Jesus. Não sabia que isso existia. I'll have to get my hands on some! That sounds absolutely horrible hahaha

[@funkycowboy]

Hey Lui, as the GOAT of Tequila, I don't see any reviews about astral blanco tequila and if it's additive free. Have you done a few? I am having my in-laws over for the holidays and they are not worth anything of high end. LOL Total wine has astral on sale at a good price. Thoughts?

[@Joel-RN141]

Would you do a review of Cenote Añejo?

[@jimtuggey]

I always get a laugh when at TW and they try to sell me the Spirits Direct crap 😂

[@whotf829]

Do you have a video on La Gritona Tequila?

[@jamesshirley9791]

Lui, is Kah tequila any good?

[@bbhsavage7554]

Brooo I just started drinking this year I bought el padrino don julio and el patron before watching your video and got G4 after watching some of your other vids anyways I really did not like G4 is is suppose to taste strong and bitter? Is that what “good” tequila is supposed to taste like ?

[@joedelarosa7449]

3 Amigos organic blanco, give it a review!

[@geeonimopedraza4212]

What’s the web site you use I. The video ?

[@gabeibarra5792]

You briefly mentioned rum. I would like to know what your take is on Kirk and Sweeney rum

[@ntanner8]

Appleton 12 is indeed delicious

[@randyspizman8078]

Give Papa’s Pilar Rum a shot. I believe no added sugar and freakin’ tasty.

[@kstout216]

Thoughts on Casa Noble?

[@erikrodriguez2494]

How do you feel about chamucos añejo?

[@fretless05]

Argh! I fell for the hype. I was one of the folks asking for this review because I also was convinced to buy a bottle of this. In my case, after trying some high-proof tequilas from G4, Cascuahin, and Fortaleza, but not being able to find any of those where I live, the TW folks showed me a bottle of 100 proof El Padrino. I have to say that, as you described, there wasn't much there, though I'd say it didn't taste bad, just flat and plain... a bit boring coming form the brands I mentioned. Sadly, the choices are limited, but I think TW is starting to get more variety, so I'll keep looking.

[@TheMezzomorto]

For a high proof tequila I recommend the Don Roberto 55 it’s a little more complex than the padrino, and while it is spirits direct it isn’t bad.

[@EthEdr]

I tried the Lalo and love it. Now looking for my next Blanco. What do you recommend? My local shop has Mijenta, Tesoro, Ocho and Tapatio. Having a hard time deciding...

[@Lui_Fern]

All 4 options are amazing. But different. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them

[@EthEdr]

@@Lui_Fern Dangit I was afraid you'd say that 😂 I think I'm leaning towards the Ocho. Seems like they get the most respect from die hard tequila fans.

[@Lui_Fern]

@@EthEdr Ocho tapatio and El Tesoro are all master distilled by the same guy. Carlos camarena. They are all a little bit different but he is a master at what he does

[@EthEdr]

@@Lui_Fern Wow that's great to know. Thank you!

[@661caliguy2]

Damn this guy really really likes tequila 😮

[@eoimagery4524]

Every time a family member is coming from Mexico or myself I just want to bring some of the tequilas from Jalisco, I do so just because I’ve tried some bought here in the US, same brand and type and it won’t just taste the same. This an example of Don Julio Cristalino 70, here is yucky, and the one from Mexico is just more smooth and round IMO

[@mrpricklypear22]

Given the blandness of El Padrino, which I have never sampled, how does it compare to the main line of Patrón?

[@RossDeGrate]

It’s terrible! Even worse than Patron

[@markanderson8677]

I've always enjoued the Mijenta Blanco

[@Lui_Fern]

It's a good one!

[@lostabroad365]

My favorite bartender. All the bottles on my bar have been influenced by your factual opinions!

[@Lui_Fern]

Woooo! Thank you so much for saying so 😁🙏

[@Reload7x1]

Is Altos 100% additive free? It’s my go to right now bc I can’t get Arette

[@bradyblankenship9182]

It’s not but it’s fine

[@seanpena273]

Supposedly the TW barrel pick Patrons are additive free

[@aliciafaith1343]

I bought El Padrino once at Total Wine and More. I did not like it and returned it. I usually buy the ones you recommend and I'm happy with them. Thank you.

[@deescott8312]

Yes I returned it too

[@deescott8312]

They push this when you go there that’s why when they ask you need help I am like nooo. Then they catch an attitude 😂 I have my list 😂

[@eddiemo2748]

Thanks...That's why they push it so hard...

[@VoiceOfReason5487]

Did you see any Corralejo tequila? I think they make some of the best-value tequilas.

[@skiddmcmarx8166]

I absolutely love Corralejo. It goes down smoothly and I find that the hangover is usually mild. I'd love to hear an expert's opinion on the matter.

[@Daftchild89]

I tried the Arette Reposado and it wasn't that great imo. Flavor kept changing every pour.

[@JC-zv3bb]

Agree. I have a bottle of Arrete Reposado and have even decanted it and I really don’t like it. It hasn’t mellowed out at all. It’s bitter and lacks any type of flavor or mouthfeel. It’s honestly not that good and for $25 you can find better bottles.

[@GP-gt4bo]

VUELO TEQUILA IS INCREDIBLE- PLEASE TRUST ME! TRY NEXT TIME

[@fobrob]

thoughts on hornitos?

[@KJOzz]

Can you review Trader Joe’s?

[@exclusive1102]

Cimarron or arrete? Which has better taste for sipping?

[@Lui_Fern]

I'd say Arette is going to be more subtle and smoother. Cimarron more spice and vegetal

[@russandtracy3887]

Curious. Why the disdain for Don Julio?

[@rrands4455]

I'm fairly cautious of recommendations by TW and their qualified "sales/tasting" reps. A lot of what they push is old product/dead inventory that is dead for a reason...it's often terrible in taste/quality or drinkability. While they're helpful in certain cases to locate a bottle in the set, I more often than not ask them to let me continue to browse without their assistance. Good video

[@ElRosco187]

How is Komos Tequila?

[@cproctor5]

Which Total wine are you shopping at Sir?

[@Lui_Fern]

Natick ma!

[@Ps51bx]

Review this please, Rezpiral Series 7 Simeon Ramirez San Martinero 750ml

[@gravy20j]

Staff member admitted they are told to push spirits direct products. Do yourself a favor and stay away from spirits direct offerings. Never had a good one, especially in the bourbon department.

[@SeggyL]

Any particular bourbons you remember not enjoying?

[@Godfatherjrt]

Only thing worth it is Codigo Blanco and the small bottles (375ml) of El Tequileno Platinum. Everything else should be avoided.

[@marcmigmitch1]

I agree with the bourbon/whiskey offerings however the Idol Vodka is pretty good.

[@MM-cs2rt]

Agave Boom isn’t half bad

[@1trickingAWP]

@@Godfatherjrttoo bad they aren’t spirit partners anymore 😂

[@raymondjones8377]

Try Tres Generaciones Anejo

[@cjtheejuic3839]

You look awfully concerned about that bottle in the thumbnail 😂

[@Lui_Fern]

I was lol