Discover the Finest Spirits: Tequila, Mezcal, and Bourbon at Sam Liquor

Welcome to Sam Liquor, your trusted source for high-quality liquor since 2004. Based in Escondido and Santee, California, our family-run business has grown to offer an impressive selection of spirits both in-store and online.

Today, we're diving into the world of Tequila, Mezcal, and Bourbon to help you find the perfect bottle for any occasion.

The Best Tequila Brands to Savor

Tequila, a spirit made from the blue agave plant, is a staple for any liquor enthusiast. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or new to Tequila, here are some top Tequila brands you can find at Sam Liquor:

Patrón

Known for its smooth and refined taste, Patrón Tequila is a premium choice for those seeking quality since 1989. From their crisp, clean Silver Tequila, perfect for cocktails, to their rich, oak-aged Añejo, ideal for sipping, Patrón offers a diverse range that caters to every tequila enthusiast's taste. Patrón produces approximately 3.5 million cases of tequila annually. (1) This only shows the popularity and demand for this beloved tequila. We are certain that when it comes to impressing your friends, having a bottle of Patrón Tequila in your stash will certainly do the trick!

 

Don Julio

Another top-shelf option, Don Julio Tequila, is celebrated for its rich flavors and impeccable craftsmanship. Founded by Don Julio González, who was a teenager at the time and started producing Tequila to support his whole family in 1942. However, what he didn't know was that he was about to produce some of the finest Tequila the industry had seen, producing a legacy that would continue for generations. Julio has a vision that people will sip and enjoy fine tequila as they do other spirits, such as bourbon, which was a bit far-fetched at the time of Don Julio's inception. However, that vision has come to life. This brand has become synonymous with quality and luxury. Their 1942 Añejo is a standout, perfect for special occasions.

His vision went further when he thought of his brand; the bottle was also something he took near and dear to his heart. The bottle of Don Julio didn't end up short and stout by accident. He set out to create a visually appealing bottle that would stand out among the competition. Most brands at the time had long, tall, and lean bottles that were easily hidden from view. He wanted a bottle that could be displayed proudly on the table without blocking the other person's view.

 

Casamigos

Casamigos Tequila has become a staple at high-profile events and in upscale bars and restaurants worldwide. Its association with George Clooney and its premium quality have made it a favorite among celebrities and tequila aficionados. The brand's marketing emphasizes a laid-back, luxurious lifestyle, aligning with the founders' original vision of a tequila meant to be enjoyed among friends.

Its clean, crisp profile makes it ideal for sipping or mixing in cocktails. This Tequila comes in three main varieties which are:

• Blanco: Crisp and clean with hints of citrus, vanilla, and sweet agave. It's perfect for sipping neat or mixing in cocktails.
• Reposado: Aged for seven months in American white oak barrels, it has a silky texture with flavors of caramel, cocoa, and a hint of spice.
• Añejo: Aged for 14 months, this variety is rich and complex, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and roasted agave.

 

Discover the Best Mezcal Brands

 

Tequila is exclusively crafted from the blue agave plant and produced on a large scale using advanced machinery. The agave hearts, known as piñas, are typically cooked in autoclaves and brick ovens with pressurized steam from petrol boilers. Unlike artisanal Mezcal, which uses a fire pit, tequila production involves separating the steam-cooked agave fibers from the juices, resulting in a distinct flavor.

Mezcal, often confused with Tequila, is another agave-based spirit but offers a unique smoky flavor that comes from the traditional firepit method. Both are celebrated for their rich flavors and historical significance. Though they share the common ingredient of the agave plant, these two beverages possess distinct identities. Here are some of the best Mezcal brands available at Sam Liquor's Online liquor store:

Del Maguey

Del Maguey, founded in 1995, quickly rose to become the top-selling Mezcal in the USA by showcasing traditional artisanal Mezcal. Each of their single-village mezcals is crafted by family producers in remote villages of Oaxaca and Puebla, using techniques that date back 400 years to the Zapotec people. This commitment to traditional methods ensures that every bottle captures the unique flavors and cultural heritage of its village, providing a truly authentic mezcal experience.

 

Montelobos

This brand is a must-try for those new to Mezcal. Montelobos Mezcal is crafted with sustainability in mind and delivers a balanced, smoky taste.

Montelobos offers a range of unique mezcal flavors. The Montelobos Espadín is a Mezcal Joven with a citrusy, salt, and peppery scent, featuring earthy notes, agave, spices like nutmeg and cloves, and a balance of sweetness and subtle smoke. The Montelobos Ensamble is a complex and balanced Mezcal Joven made from a mix of Espadín and Cupreata agave, both organic and distilled using traditional methods. The Montelobos Tobalá, another Mezcal Joven, has aromas of lemon, green pepper, and pear, with a perfect balance of green agave sweetness and subtle smoke. Finally, Espadín and turkey breast, featuring roasted agave and spicy pepper aromas, sweet chocolate notes, and an underlying smoky flavor, perfect for festive occasions.

 

Mezcal Vago

Mezcal Vago's journey began with a surprising love story. Co-founder Judah Kuper met and fell in love with a nurse while being treated in a hospital in Oaxaca, Mexico. Her father, Aquilino Garcia, was a farmer and expert mezcal maker. Along with Judah's friend Dylan Sloan, Judah created Mezcal Vago. By 2013, their first bottles were exported to Texas.

Mezcal Vago offers an authentic mezcal experience with its unfiltered, handcrafted spirits that showcase the rich traditions of Oaxaca. Each bottle reflects the deep heritage and careful craftsmanship of its makers, telling a unique story with every sip.

 

Top-shelf bourbon

Bourbon, America's native spirit, is a beloved choice for its complex flavors and smooth finish. At Sam Liquor, we stock top shelf Bourbon such as:

 

Pappy Van Winkle

Often considered the holy grail of Bourbons, Pappy Van Winkle is renowned for its rich, full-bodied taste and exceptional quality. This legendary bourbon is produced by the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, and has a history that dates back to the late 1800s.

Pappy Van Winkle bourbon is made using a wheat bourbon recipe, which replaces rye with wheat in the mash bill. This results in a smoother, sweeter flavor profile that sets it apart from other bourbons. The bourbon is aged for an extended period, with some maturing for up to 23 years. This lengthy aging process allows the bourbon to develop deep, complex flavors and a rich, full-bodied character.

There are a variety of different options when looking at Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon, all with unique flavors, such as:

• Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15 Year: This bourbon has a robust, full-bodied flavor with notes of caramel, oak, and vanilla.
• Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 20 Year: Known for its smooth and rich profile, this bourbon features flavors of dried fruit, dark chocolate, and a touch of spice.
• Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 23 Year: The pinnacle of the range, this expression boasts deep, complex flavors of toffee, leather, and oak with a long, elegant finish.

These are only a few of the options available in our online liquor store—there are many more. If you don't see what you need, let us know. We'd be happy to help you locate just the right bottle!

Blanton's Single Barrel

A favorite among bourbon enthusiasts, Blanton's Single Barrel is celebrated for its exceptional quality and unique taste profile, which varies with each bottle due to its single-barrel aging process. Each bottle is drawn from a single barrel, allowing for unique variations in flavor, aroma, and color. Unlike blended bourbons, which combine multiple barrels to achieve a consistent flavor, Blanton's embraces the individuality of each barrel, resulting in a one-of-a-kind tasting experience every time.

Produced at the famous Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, Blanton's holds the distinction of being the world's first single-barrel bourbon, setting a high standard for craftsmanship and flavor.

Buffalo Trace

Established in 1775, Buffalo Trace Distillery boasts a rich history that spans over two centuries. It is one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States, having survived Prohibition, fires, and floods. The distillery's name is derived from the ancient buffalo trails that crossed the Kentucky River, leading pioneers and settlers to the fertile lands of the Bluegrass region.

Buffalo Trace's dedication to traditional craftsmanship is evident in every step of the distillation process. The distillery uses a high-quality mash bill and pure Kentucky limestone water to create its bourbons. The whiskey is aged in new, charred American oak barrels, which impart rich flavors and deep color. Buffalo Trace meticulously selects and rotates barrels in its warehouses to ensure consistent quality and optimal aging conditions. This attention to detail is what makes the Buffalo Trace bourbons stand out among its peers. 

 

Why Choose Sam Liquor?

At Sam Liquor, we pride ourselves on offering a wide selection of rare and unique brands that you won't find elsewhere. Whether you're shopping online or visiting one of our stores, our knowledgeable staff is here to help you find the perfect bottle. Plus, with our convenient delivery service, you can enjoy top-quality spirits right at your doorstep.