I'm a HUGE fine spirit fan, but have a special fondness for tequila. I almost always choose Anejo because of its general smokiness and smoothness. Some of my off the shelf favorites are Casa Noble, Don Julio, Herradura, Milagro, Fortaleza, Corralejo. I've not had Espolon, but I do like Cazadores and Teremana (though I do tend to prefer the first group more).
I tend to like small batch tequilas because they are so characteristically different than mass produced tequilas (anyone who has had college experiences with Cuervo knows exactly why I avoid them). Just like my cigars - I really want to enjoy what I drink, as opposed to drinking for enjoyment. I do love to try new offerings, which is why I was intrigued by the Cuervo La Familia line of tequilas. It was a very unexpected surprise, and I would not have even considered it if not for the very cool hand blown bottle and wood case it came in. Unlike the rest of their commercial line, this one does appear to be handcrafted and was very enjoyable.
As far as Blanco, Repisado and Anejo. I rarely like Blanco because it is so raw. I have several reposados I do/will drink. But I am largely a more refined tequila drinker - I really enjoy the unique flavor of tequila, and expecially love to sip it versus mixing or "doing shots". With a cigar - some Anejo Tequilas I've had perfectly compliment medium to full bodied/strength cigars.
What I really do find fascinating is the production of tequila. Jimadores skillfully work the fields of with the coa and barreton to cut down the agave plant at the right time, in the right way. It is unlike any other way liquor is produced and to me is as tedious as producing cigars. I really love that connection!
