Last Updated on: 16th May 2024, 12:43 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.
Discover everything to know about Sauza Gold in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!
Reviewed by: J Highland
Sauza Gold Tequila: Affordable, But Better Options Exist (Especially for 100% Agave Fans)
Rating: ⭐
Tequila connoisseur Neil Coleman sheds light on Sauza Gold, a budget-friendly option that might not be your best bet for a smooth agave experience. Here's the breakdown:
Strengths:
- Budget-Friendly: Sauza Gold falls within an affordable price range, making it a good option for cost-conscious drinkers.
Weaknesses:
- Mixed Reviews on Taste: Some find the taste of Sauza Gold to be more chemical than featuring a natural agave flavor.
- Not the Best for Sipping: While it mixes okay in cocktails, there might be better options at a similar price point, according to Neil Coleman.
A Note on 100% Agave Tequila:
Many tequila enthusiasts recommend opting for 100% agave tequilas, which tend to offer a smoother and more natural flavor profile. These tequilas might also result in fewer unpleasant side effects compared to Mixtos like Sauza Gold.
Verdict:
While Sauza Gold is an affordable option, be aware of the mixed reviews on taste. If you prioritize a smooth and natural agave experience, consider exploring 100% agave tequilas. Neil Coleman suggests there might be better choices around the same price point that will deliver a more enjoyable drinking experience.
What's special about it?
Sauza Gold is classified as a mixto Tequila, meaning it is made from a blend of 51% agave and 49% from undisclosed sugar sources, which could include sugar cane, grain, or a combination of both.
It is important to note that the amber hue of Sauza Gold is not achieved through barrel aging, as one might expect.
Instead, artificial caramel coloring is used to give it coloration.
How does it taste?
- Nose: Black pepper, alcohol, agave
- Palate: Bitter alcohol, agave, caramel
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Cuervo Gold
Upon nosing Sauza Gold, initial impressions reveal a peppery scent, accompanied by noticeable alcohol and a hint of agave.
On the palate, this Tequila disappoints, as it presents a thin and watery texture.
The flavor profile delivers a strong and unpleasant bitter alcohol note, lacking in pleasantness.
However, a late arrival of caramel attempts to restore some semblance of balance to this overly bitter pour.
The finish is short, characterized by peppery and warming sensations, ultimately providing a less-than-desirable experience.
How did I review Sauza Gold?
I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller.
My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and Tequila expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.
I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.
Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.
⭐ - Poor, ⭐⭐ - Average, ⭐⭐⭐ - Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Excellent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Drink It
- Sauza Gold's bitterness can be mitigated by incorporating it into cocktails that include fruity juices or cola. These mixers help mask its bitter taste, making the Tequila more enjoyable.
Alternatives
- For a 100% agave Tequila with a good value, Cabrito Reposado stands out. Aged in bourbon barrels, it offers unique flavors and a competitive price, making it a popular choice in Mexico, especially for mixed drinks.
Who Makes It
- Casa Sauza, one of Mexico's oldest Tequila producers, has been crafting Tequila since 1873. Sauza Gold is one of their products, known for its long-standing history and quality in the Tequila industry.
Ownership
- In the 1990s, Sauza became the first Tequila brand to be sold to a foreign company, now owned by Beam Suntory, which is part of Suntory Holdings of Japan.
Price
- Sauza Gold is affordable, with prices around $11 at Total Wine and $17 on Drizly in USD.
Alcohol Content
- Standard for Tequilas, Sauza Gold is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV).
Does It Expire?
- While Tequila does not expire, its quality is best maintained when stored properly. Once opened, it's recommended to consume it once the bottle reaches around 25% to preserve its taste.
Does It Have Sugar?
- Unlike 100% agave Tequilas, Sauza Gold, being a Mixto, contains higher sugar content due to the inclusion of grain or sugar cane in its production.
Sauza Gold: Specs
- Type: Gold/Mixto
- Proof: 80
- 100% Agave: Misleading, as it's not solely made from agave
- ABV: 40%
- Double-distilled: Yes
- Aging: None
- Taste: Not recommended for sipping due to bitterness; better suited for cocktails
- Calories per shot: 98