Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver

Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver is an unaged blanco tequila, and that's the style to judge it by: the focus is on agave and not on barrel. Blancos like this usually show cooked agave sweetness up front, with black pepper, citrus peel and a faint mineral or herbal edge, and a clean, slightly peppery finish. The label doesn't give an ABV, so check the bottle for strength. Expect the lighter, brighter profile of a tequila that goes straight from the still to the bottle, without the vanilla or caramel an aged expression picks up. That profile makes it most useful in mixed drinks. A blanco keeps its agave character through lime, grapefruit and soda, so it suits the classics well. In a Margarita, tequila, fresh lime juice and orange liqueur in roughly a 2:1:1 ratio, shaken hard and strained over fresh ice, gives a tart, agave-forward drink. A Paloma, built over ice with grapefruit soda or fresh grapefruit juice, lime and a pinch of salt, lets the pepper and citrus notes carry the drink. A tequila and soda with plenty of lime is the simplest way to see what the spirit does on its own. Blanco also works in a Tommy's-style Margarita, which swaps the orange liqueur for agave syrup, and in a Tequila Sour with an egg white for body. Sipping it neat is reasonable if you want to taste the agave directly. Pour a small measure at room temperature and let it sit a moment so the sharper alcohol aroma settles. Chilling it or adding a large cube mutes some of the aroma and softens the edges, which suits a bottle at this style and tier. Use a tulip-shaped copita or a small snifter for neat pours, since the narrow rim concentrates the aroma. Cocktails belong in a chilled coupe, a rocks glass over a large cube, or a tall highball for Palomas and soda serves. At the table, blancos pair well with food that has acidity, heat or fat. Ceviche, fish tacos with lime and cilantro, carnitas, and fresh salsa with chiles all work, as do grilled shrimp and salty, crumbly cheeses. The spirit's peppery, citrus-led character cuts through rich or fried dishes and matches the brightness of fresh lime and herbs.