Tequila: A charming drink from Mexico
International Tequila Day was originally observed as a local custom in Mexico. In 2018, the Mexican government officially recognized Tequila Day. Although tequila can only be produced in a few regions of Mexico, Tequila Day can be celebrated by anyone, anywhere.
For example, visiting Mexico with friends or at home in the form of a cocktail like Spiced Paloma, Tereman Avo-Colada, Ponche Caballero and Spring Flora.
Tequila has been produced since 1824. But there is also anecdotal information that the predecessor of tequila, called pulque, was produced by civilizations that existed before the ancient Aztecs.
What is tequila and where does it come from?
Tequila is a very well-known distilled alcoholic drink made from the blue agave, which comes mainly from the areas around the city of Tequila. To qualify as tequila, tequila must be made from at least 51 % blue agave and have an alcohol content of 35-55 %. Due to its historical and cultural importance, the region near Tequila was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.
Thanks to the red volcanic soil, the plants thrive and an average of 300 million pieces of agave are harvested there every year. Mexican law states that tequila can only be produced in the states of Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit and Tamaulipas.
How is it made?
The hearts of agave plants, called piñas, are stripped of their leaves and cooked. They are then ground and fermented for several months to three years. As with wine, the type of soil in which the plant is grown can affect the taste of the final product.
Tequila is becoming more and more popular and is the fastest growing segment of alcohol. If you like change, new aromas, tastes and like to discover, tequila is the right choice for you.
Categorization of tequila.
The first basic category is divided into three types, which are:
Blanco:
This is tequila, also known as "silver" or "plata". It is mostly colorless, but this is not the rule, because these "unaged" tequilas can be aged in barrels for up to 60 days. Although Blanco tequilas are not usually aged, they are often left to rest in stainless steel tanks to allow for oxidation. Because of the time it takes for the agave plant to reach maturity, some say that blanco tequila is "aged in the ground rather than in the barrel."
Añejo:
Translated from Spanish, "old" tequila, which can also be labeled "extra aged", matured in closed oak barrels or Holm oak barrels with a maximum capacity of 600 liters for 1 year. To adjust the color and taste, the manufacturer can add caramel and various flavorings.
Reposado:
The term reposado was introduced in 1968 and translated from Spanish it means "rested". The rules also allow reposado tequilas to be labeled as "aged."
Reposado tequila must be aged in oak barrels or Holm oak barrels of unspecified size or barrels called pipones (also of unspecified size) for a minimum of 60 days. However, some reposado tequilas are aged in small barrels (usually ex-bourbon barrels) for significantly longer than 60 days.
The second, more advanced category is divided into two types, which are:
100% agave:
This term is used for tequila distilled only from agave without the addition of additional sugars before fermentation. 100% tequila must be bottled within its production region, and these are generally considered the best tequilas.
Mixito:
This is a term used for blended tequilas to which cane or corn sugars have been added prior to fermentation. The minimum percentage of agave sugars required to ferment and make tequila has been reduced over the years, from 100% agave in 1949 (when the first official standards were set), to 70% in 1964, and finally to a minimum of 51% since 1970.
It should be clarified that mixito tequilas are not labeled as "mixito", they are simply tequilas. Any tequila that does not specifically state 100% agave content will therefore be a mixito tequila. Mixito tequilas were introduced with the intention of being used in mixed drinks rather than being consumed neat.
Warning! Until July 24, a discount of up to - 10% applies to selected tequil brands.
Our assortment offers you a huge number of different types of tequila. Whether you are looking for true classics or exclusive novelties, you will certainly have something to choose from. Just click here and you will be taken to a wide range of tequíls or you can try our recommended brands such as Muestra Ocho No.8, Topanito, Rooster Rojo, Tres Sombreros and KAH Tequila.
If you want to truly enjoy a luxury tequila made from premium 100% Weber Azul agave that stands out from the crowd, be sure to reach for the last piece of the Tears of Llorona collector's bottle.
