Who Is Tim?
My name is Tim Brinkmann and while I'd prefer to answer your questions in person at my store, you will always have 24-hour access to my wine and spirits knowledge on my Ask Tim page. My background and my passion both lie in the wine and spirits industry, with over 10 years experience as a spirits wholesaler and 9 years in fine wine distribution. I opened Brinkmann's Wine & Spirits because I love to discover new wines and spirits and I have a great appreciation for the evolution, growth, and maturity of existing brands. Please come visit me in the store so we can talk shop, or feel free to interact with me here. Just remember: Good, Better... Brinkmann's!
Frank M. asked Tim -
What differentiates the various kinds of tequilas I've seen, such as gold, rested, and silver? I'm pretty confused. Could you shed some light on this for me?
Tim said -
Understanding the different types of tequilas is tricky. The most common varietal, called Silver or White, is known as the traditional tequila. It's clear and aged no more than two months in oak barrels, but often bottled immediately after being distilled. Gold tequila is most popular with frozen margaritas, but is simply Silver tequila with gold color added to it, although in some cases it is indeed mixed with a small amount of aged tequila. Rested tequila is aged for two months to one year in oak barrels. Aged tequila has a hint of wood flavoring because it ages for at least one year in white oak barrels. Ultra-aged is a new category that was established in 2006. It requires the tequila to be aged at least three years in oak barrels, making it one of the most expensive, but tantalizing tequilas available. Cheers, Frank!
Paula A. asks -
Why is there sometimes a worm at the bottom of a tequila bottle?
Tim answers -
No real bottle of “tequila” has a worm. What you are referring to is actually a Mexican alcohol known as mezcal, which contains various types of butterfly larva. While the worm is perfectly safe to consume, mezcal is most certainly an acquired taste. It is said that a Mexican business man came up with the idea of the worm as a marketing gimmick, and some American distilleries market a cheap “tequila” with this gimmick. Cheers Paula!
