Sauza Silver Tequila Review

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.

Is Sauza Silver Good? Discover everything about it in this in-depth review that answers with no fluff all your related questions!

Reviewed by: J Highland

Sauza Silver Tequila: Mixto Tequila (Not 100% Agave)

Rating: ⭐⭐

Tequila connoisseur Neil Coleman weighs in on Sauza Silver, highlighting its affordability while urging caution due to its ingredients. Here's the breakdown:

Strengths:

Budget-Friendly: Sauza Silver falls within a very affordable price range, making it a good option for cost-conscious drinkers.

Weaknesses:

Mixto Tequila: This is a major point – Sauza Silver is not 100% agave tequila. It contains other sugars besides those from the blue agave plant, which can affect taste and quality.
Potential for Hangovers: Neil Coleman warns that due to the Mixto nature, Sauza Silver might cause hangovers for some consumers.
Relatively Smooth But Not Top-Shelf: The taste is described as smoother than some Mixtos, with a slightly bitter aftertaste. However, it's not considered a top-quality tequila.

Verdict:

Sauza Silver can be a suitable option for those on a tight budget looking for a basic tequila for mixed drinks. However, Neil Coleman advises caution. The Mixto designation means it might not be as smooth as 100% agave tequilas and could potentially lead to hangovers. If you prioritize quality or want to avoid Mixtos altogether, consider exploring other options.

What's special about it?

Sauza Tequila is crafted using a combination of 51% agave and 49% unspecified sugar sources, which can include sugar cane or corn.

This blend distinguishes it from Tequilas which are made exclusively from 100% agave.

As one of Mexico's oldest Tequila distillers, Sauza has a rich heritage dating back to 1873. Throughout its history, Sauza has contributed to the development and production of Tequila, showcasing the brand's longevity and experience in the industry.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Alcohol, lime, salt, agave
Palate: Alcohol, lime, agave, black pepper
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Cocktails
Similar to: Jose Cuervo Especial Silver

Sauza Silver presents a subtle nose, with limited aromatic notes emerging from the bottle.

Initially, a hint of alcohol is detected, but it gradually diminishes as it breathes.

Subtle nuances of lime, salt, and agave are also present.

On the palate, Sauza Silver has a thin and watery texture, lacking in the body.

The taste begins with the presence of alcohol, although it is not overly harsh.

It is followed by notes of lime, agave, and a subtle sprinkling of black pepper.

The finish is relatively short and slightly warm, but not excessively so.

There is a touch of black pepper present, along with a hint of bitterness that leaves an unfavorable aftertaste.

How did I review Sauza Silver?

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

Alternatives

While Mixto Tequilas like Sauza Silver meet the Mexican government's production standards, the consensus is that 100% agave Tequilas offer a superior taste experience.
Exotico Blanco is recommended as an affordable, quality alternative to Sauza Silver, particularly for use in cocktails and mixed drinks.

How to Drink It

Sauza Silver is not typically recommended for sipping due to its characteristics but excels in cocktail applications.
Ideal for Margaritas, its flavor profile and affordability make it a perfect fit. It can also enhance Palomas, Mojitos, and other mixed drinks.
For a Tequila Shooter, Sauza Silver is suitable as it lacks a strong burn, though balancing flavors is key to a pleasant taste.

Who Makes It

Casa Sauza, established in 1873 by Don Cenobio Sauza in Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico, is the producer of Sauza Silver.

Who Owns It

In 2014, Beam Suntory, a US-based company with a portfolio including Jim Beam and Maker's Mark, acquired Casa Sauza. Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-headquartered Suntory Holdings.

Price

Sauza Silver is priced affordably, with approximate costs being $11 at Total Wine and $17 on Drizly in USD.

Alcohol Content

Standard for the category, Sauza Silver is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV).

Does It Expire? Does It Go Bad?

Tequila's quality can last indefinitely if stored correctly, though it's best consumed within a few months to a year after opening to maintain optimal flavor, especially as the bottle empties and oxidation increases.

Does It Freeze?

Tequila's high alcohol content prevents it from freezing solid and can be stored in the freezer to enhance its smoothness and enjoyability.

Does It Have Sugar?

100% agave Tequilas are low in sugar, while Mixto Tequilas like Sauza may contain added sugars from other sources, impacting calorie counts.

Does Sauza Use Additives?

Mixto Tequilas, including Sauza, often contain additives such as caramel color, oak extract flavoring, glycerin, and sugar-based syrup to achieve their flavor profile.

How Is It Made?

The production of Sauza involves harvesting blue agave, cooking the piñas, crushing to extract juice, fermenting with yeast, and distilling twice to produce the final product. Mixto Tequilas, unlike 100% agave Tequilas, are made by mixing agave with other sugar sources during fermentation.