Tequila and Teambuilding: How to Host a Tequila Tasting Event for Your Friends

Tequila has been surging in popularity over the past few years, and now that it’s one of the best-selling alcoholic spirits in the world, a lot of people are interested in sampling it, understanding its nuances, and learning what the fuss is all about.

If you’re the tequila expert in your group of friends, it’s the perfect time to host a tequila tasting where you can share your knowledge and give your buddies a chance to experience it like a pro.

From how to set the table to how to lead the tasting, here’s what you need to know about hosting an amazing tequila tasting that provides your friends with a unique opportunity to learn and bond at the same time.  

Select a High-Quality, Additive-Free Tequila

The most important part of hosting a tequila tasting is choosing a high-quality, additive-free brand that showcases the beauty and complexities of each different tequila expression.

No matter which expression is your personal favorite, give your guests the opportunity to sample blanco, reposado, añejo  and extra-añejo varieties so they can decide for themselves which one they prefer. To give your guests the best possible tasting experience, select an additive-free brand from a renowned and reputable distillery.

Set a Proper Table

Before your guests arrive, set your table with these essentials:

*Tequila flutes (lined up in a flight)

*Bottled water (to drink in between selections)

*Palate cleansers (like crackers or bread)

*Dump buckets for people who prefer to sip a small amount rather than consume too much

Tequila flutes, like the Reidel Ouverture glass, are specifically designed for tasting tequila, as they allow for proper observation, nosing, and sipping. If you don’t have tequila flutes, champagne flutes will suffice.  

Lining the glasses up in a flight allows your guests to observe and note the visual differences between each type before they start sipping. When it’s time to sip, start with blanco and progress in order from clear to dark.  

If you want to take the tasting to the next level, consider turning it into a tequila food and pairing party and serve small plates of food along with each expression.

Teach Your Guests About the Different Tequila Expressions

When your guests are seated and ready to start sampling, start by giving them some background information on where tequila is made and why each expression looks and tastes different. As you sample each of the different types, you can also provide more detail on the aging process or discuss what notes and flavors to expect.

If you want to brush up on your tequila facts before your party, this guide from Cierto Tequila provides insight into how each of the four different expressions are aged, what they taste like, and what types of food they pair best with.

Instruct Your Guests on Tasting Methods

Before your guests start sipping, instruct them on the proper way to do so.

The first step is to swirl the tequila in the glass and take note of its color and consistency. The second step is to “nose” it to experience its unique aroma. The final step is to sip it.  

Before sipping the next expression, encourage your guests to drink water or eat a palate cleanser. This allows you to better experience the differences between each expression and develop a deeper understanding of what each one has to offer.  

Provide Tasting Note Cards

Many hosts provide tasting note cards for guests to write down the aromas and flavors they observed in each glass. This isn’t necessary, but it does encourage guests to focus on the complexities in flavor and scent rather than just drinking glass after glass to get tipsy.  

Discuss Your Observations

No tequila tasting is complete without a discussion about the experience.

After sipping each expression, allow each guest (or those who wish to speak) to discuss any tasting notes or specific aromas they observed. As you sample each expression, guests may also wish to discuss the differences they detected in each one as well as which one they prefer the most.

As the host, you can also provide additional information after each sampling. For example, if you sip an añejo that you know has notes of coffee or cherry but no one mentions that in the discussion, point it out. Guests who are new to drinking tequila might not be able to pinpoint the flavors they’re tasting, so they may have an aha moment after you provide a bit more detail.  

In Conclusion

Tequila tastings can be sophisticated and elegant, but they should also be fun. No matter how much of a tequila connoisseur you are, the goal shouldn’t be to teach every guest everything you know about tequila. The goal should be to create an enjoyable atmosphere that encourages everyone to enjoy the agave spirit you already know and love.