#micketmarentestours

A six-hour bus ride later, we arrived in Guadalajara. It was tough saying goodbye to San Miguel de Allende, but the anticipation of our tequila tour in the morning quickly pushed it out of mind. And I felt like I was 4 years old again on my very first visit to Toys R’ Us with my grandparents. 

While I continued to check my watch, and wait for morning to arrive, we walked around Guadalajara to see the sights. All my coworkers told me how beautiful this city is, but when we got off the bus in Guadalajara Centro, I felt like I was walking through Parkdale in the ‘90s. So I turned my hat sideways, pulled my pants down at bit, and put my wallet in my front pocket. Just kidding, but I did start to walk a bit faster. 

As we continued to walk a few blocks I could see what all the fuss was about. Being in the birthplace of mariachi and tequila, I found myself again, lost in this country’s rich history and beautiful architecture. Four plazas surround a gorgeous cathedral at the heart of the city, and it stood out amongst the rest in the city’s incredible skyline. It did leave me with a tinge of jealously though, that we do not have anything similar in Canada.

But morning finally came, and we were off to Tequila. A little taco stand, so cleverly named “Tacos y Gorditas”, off the main roadway made for the perfect start to the day. Our tour guide, David, wanted to ensure that our bodies were well prepared for the influx of tequila we were about to put them through. 

The tour started with a walk through an agave field. Here our guide gave us an extensive history of the town of tequila, and the cultivation process of agave. I was surprised at how manual the process still is for planting and harvesting agave plants, but it only gave me a further appreciation for this fine spirit. 

As our thirst began to grow, we took a break from the heat, and popped into Jarritos for a Paloma and a shot of homemade tequila. We were then off to our first distillery, Tres Mujeres. A distillery named for the owners’ 3 daughters, conveniently leaving out his wife. Just saying...

David continued to impress us as we toured the facility, and learned about the tequila making process. The tour ended at a bar built in the caves where they store the tequila to be aged. Here he presented us with a structured tasting of the entire Tres Mujeres line up (blanco, reposado, añejo and extra añejo). I like to think my tequila knowledge is above average, but I had no idea how well each type of tequila paired with certain foods. Needless to say, tequila tastings will begin taking place in Toronto starting June 2017. Tickets now on sale.

After multiple “samples” it was time to make our way to the city centre of Tequila. As we exited the cave my eyes fell upon a signed photograph of my favourite actor, Steven Seagal. Maybe it was the tequila or maybe it was just my affection for how well Seagal can break someone’s neck, but I was so excited to see that picture hanging on the wall. It was the prefect ending to this tour, and for me, solidified the fact that our tour guide took us to an all-star distillery. 

When we arrived downtown Tequila we went to a local restaurant for an authentic Guadalajaran lunch, and a “few” more spots to try true artisanal tequila. I was impressed how well the city was able to maintain its local culture, but have buildings and shops built within it that served as marketing venues for the big liquor companies. But after our tour of the city, and more than a few impulse purchases later, it was time to complete our tour.

This day was one of my favourites in Mexico so far. I highly recommend anyone visiting Mexico, or Guadalajara specifically, to take a tequila tour. We took our tour with Mickey Marentes, and all the 5-Star reviews he has on his website are well deserved. Our guide was clearly passionate about tequila and extremely knowledgeable. I plan to go back to Tequila next month for another tour, likely the Jose Cuervo Express or Mickey’s Jeep Tour. 

But with that, I grab a glass of tequila and wish you well.