To truly understand tequila and really appreciate it's taste, you must first know several things about this unique spirit. The origin of tequila, how tequila is produced and finally the different flavors that are present as a result of the production. With a basic understanding of tequila, it will better enable you as a consumer to purchasing the right tequila for your next fiesta or when making a relaxing drink after work.
Tequila is actually a town that lies in western Mexico. This is where the liquor comes from and gets it's name from. Other regions around Mexico produce very similar liquors, (Mezcal, Sotol, Banacora) but they can't carry the title of tequila simply because they come from different regions in Mexico. Tequila is in the state of Jalisco where production of the spirit started more than 200 years ago.
The basis of tequila is the juices obtained from the hearts of the blue agave plants grown in the Tequila region. The hearts of the blue agave plants are referred to as the pina or pineapple. The blue agave has long bluish green leaves with sharp points. The large heart or pina is located at the center of the plant from which the juices are extracted. This juice is then twice distilled.
Tequila that is made with 100% blue agave will clearly mark it on their label as a standard of excellence. This is something to look for because tequila made with 100% blue agave has no additives such as flavoring, colorants, or fragrances. By definition, tequila must be made with only 51% blue agave juices. The other 49% can be made with adding neutral spirits and additives that are used as fillers. Jose Cuervo Gold is only 51% tequila and the rest is made by adding caramel coloring and spice additives to mellow the flavor.
After fermentation, all tequila begins as a Blanco tequila or Silver tequila. Blanco or Silver tequila is clear and transparent. It is usually bottled immediately after the distillation process and has no artifical additives. This style is strong in flavor and fragrance. Blanco tequila is traditionally enjoyed in a 2 ounce small glass known in Mexico as a caballito. In the states, we simply call them shots.
The next style of tequila is Gold tequila. This style is only 51% tequila and 49% neutral spirits and additives. Gold tequila is simply Blanco or Silver tequila that has been mellowed by the addition of colorants and flavoring, caramel being the most common of these. For most restaurants and bars, this is their tequila of choice for margaritas. These are not the best tequilas on the market but since the quality isn't the best, it's inexpensive for restaurants and bars to purchase.
Reposado tequila is Blanco tequila that has rested in white oak casks called, pipones, for more than two months and up to one year. The oak gives Reposado a mellowed taste, with a pleasing bouquet, and it's natural pale color. No flavors are added or artificial coloring. Reposado keeps the blue agave taste and is gentler on the palate than both Blanco and Gold tequila. This style is great for shots, sipping, and mixing. Reposado is the most versatile of the tequilas.
Anejo tequila also starts as Blanco tequila that is then aged in white oak casks for more than one year. The amber color and woody flavor are picked up from the oak, and the oxidation that takes place through the porous wood develops the unique bouquet and taste. This tequila, even though it spends more time in oak than Reposado, actually is not more mellow and soft on the palate. Just the opposite starts to happen. At first the oak mellows the tequila, but then once left longer than a year in oak, a lot of the oak and smoke of the barrels gets imparted into the tequila making it a more complex and dynamic tequila to drink. Anjeo tequila is normally sipped from a glass instead of taking shots or mixing it into a drink. If this tequila was mixed in a margarita for example, a lot of the tequila spice, the oak and smokey flavor would dominate the drink. Hence a lighter style Blanco or Reposado is recommended when mixing to help balance the flavor of the mixed drink.
That ladies and gentlemen is everything you need to know when shopping for your next tequila at West Vail Liquor Mart. Whether it's shots, sipping, or mixing, this tequila tutorial should better help you decide which style best fits your needs. Next time you are in, check out our selection of tequila and discover a whole new side of Mexico. Viva la Tequila.
Chris Kormanicki
West Vail Liquor Mart
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