Hola, I’m Matt and I’m posting to Steemit from sunny Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! I’m a mobile app developer by day, and a budding Tequila enthusiast by night. Since I’ve been spending time south of the border I’ve taken quite a liking to the wonderful spirit and have learned a ton about it.
Some of you might be gagging just thinking about the last time you had the stuff, but before you swear it off completely, here is some stuff you might not know:
What is Tequila?
Tequila is a distilled beverage made from the blue agave plant. Tequila is a highly regulated and protected product in Mexico and because of that it can only be produced in the Mexican state of Jalisco and a few surrounding regions. It’s similar to how Champagne can only come from Champagne, France. Any spirit with the name Tequila has to have come from these sanctioned areas in Mexico!
Classifications
Blanco, Silver
This Tequila is bottled directly after the distillation process. It is clear, with no coloration and will have the strongest agave flavoring/smell. Typically this Tequila is used in mixed drinks, margaritas, or as shots, but some people do like to sip it.
G4 Blanco Tequila
Reposado
Reposado is “rested” tequila. After it is distilled clear it is placed in wooden barrels for around 9 months. During it’s time in the barrels it begins to develop some flavor and coloring from the barrels themselves. This Tequila will usually have a slight yellowish or brown tint. The flavor is a combination of agave and wood (often oak) and makes it great for shots, and sipping. Tequila at this stage still has some of its bite to it.
El Tesoro de Don Felipe Reposado Tequila
Anejo
Anejo is “aged” tequila. This is Tequila that has been aged in wooden barrels for up to 2 years. The barrels used are often oak and sometimes recycled whiskey/bourbon barrels which create very unique and complex flavor profiles. Anejo Tequila is a much more quality product and is generally reserved for sipping. The color will generally be golden or brownish and much darker than a reposado.
Chinaco Anejo Tequila
Extra Anejo
This is a relatively new classification but is reserved for Tequilas that have been aged for 3 or more years. This Tequila represents the richest most complex flavors and often has very little remaining agave taste. These Tequilas are almost more similar in taste to a whiskey or a scotch. They are significantly darker in color and are not as commonly available.
What should I look out for when buying Tequila?
The main thing you should look for is that the bottle says 100% agave Tequila. If you’ve ever had a bad hangover from Tequila, it’s most likely because you had what is considered a “mixto” Mixto tequilas are tequilas that are made with at least 51% blue agave, but the remaining is made up of non-agave sugars. The most well known common offender is Jose Cuervo Especial which is unfortunately not 100% agave.
Anyways if you guys thought this was interesting or helpful I would be happy to do more Tequila related posts. Feel free to ask any questions below. Thanks!