The key to drinking well on the cheap is to be in the right place at the right time. I found myself in the company of a respected business owner, Mr. A～ of the Hamptons, just as he was toasting his success with a bottle of [*Tequila* **Clase Azul** *Reposado*][1] that was given to him as a gift by another pillar of East End society. As shot-size glasses were poured and raised, I offered my opinion that this was a sipping tequila, which got me in the good graces of my host.

I love tequila. It doesn’t enjoy the same cachet that whiskey does for those with oh-so sophisticated tastes. But this is an error. Smoky, with flavors that go beyond the usual esters found in hooch, good tequilas manage to clearly stay tequila while offering novel notes of fruit and candied nuts. And on the scale of what pairs well with the perfect fruit—lime—tequila is tops. Where is whiskey in that scale? On the bottom, son, way on the bottom.

Yes, my opinions tend to contradict each other depending on what’s in my glass. Tequila happened to be poured the night of the toast, so, assuredly, it was my favorite.

And, my dear readers, what a tequila to sip! **Clase Azul** *Repasado* was sweet and fruity, smooth and rich. Laughing at those who slammed down their shot as if it were some [horrid “gold” tequila][2] offered on the cheap in a sports bar (lick the salt first!), the boss and I took our time to sip and appreciate the magic in that handmade bottle. Surely, this would be my one shot at this excellent tequila coming out of that bottle of art. The price must be insane.

I don’t give **Patron** much thought, except to note to anyone that would listen that’s it’s just overpriced hype. But here, the **Patron**-effect makes it seem like [a $90 bottle of tequila][3] isn’t outrageous. **Clase Azul** *Repasado* is surely worth it, comparatively; although, I’m sure I’ll not get the chance to try it again at that price. There’s always luck, though—being in the right place at the right time.

[1]: http://claseazul.com/our_tequila_reposado
[2]: https://www.google.com/search?q=cuervo+gold+tequila
[3]: http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/clase+azul+reposado+tequila+mexico/