Tequila: The Basics

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What You Need To Know

Tequila is a specific, closely regulated, type of mezcal. The base ingredient is the mysterious Blue Agave plant that resembles a cactus but is actually a member of the lily family. The best Tequilas are made with 100% Blue Agave. If the label doesn’t clearly state that it is “100% de Agave” it’s not! Rather, it’s a “Mixto” which must contain 50% Blue Agave and up to 50% of anything else. There has been a movement to push the limits to 60% but this has been blocked by the commercial brands.

Further examination of the Tequila label will reveal information regarding the aging of the spirit. Blanco is young, fresh Tequila that is rarely aged in wood barrels. Reposado is aged for at least two months and less than one year in barrel while Añejo is aged for at least one year and up to three years. Beyond three years of age and you have the newest classification known as Extra Añejo. Typically, the prices rise along the same scale. 100% Blue Agave is nearly always more expensive than most commercial mixtos but the tremendous leap in flavor and quality make it worth every penny.

The Experts Rap

Don’t fall in to the trap of believing that Tequila Anejo, typically the most expensive Tequila a brand has to offer, is the absolute best. This is where you have to taste and experience while supplementing your knowledge with the tasting notes provided here at BevX. In my opinion, some Tequila Anejo is aged to the point where wood flavors dominate and the wonderful characteristics and nuances found exclusively in agave based spirits are lost or masked. Many Tequila aficionados drink primarily Blanco and Reposado as a rule supplementing it with the handful of Anejos that they appreciate. Tequila lovers and experts use Blanco when making cocktails opting for the true, pure expression of the spirit. Every Tequila label must include a “NOM” number that indicates without fail the distillery that produced the Tequila within. Experts are always aware of the label roulette that takes place in the Tequila industry. Some distilleries produce a small handful of brands while some produce a staggering number of brands (some have more than 50 labels!). If you notice a striking similarity between brands check out the NOM number, you may be right.

When and How

Tequila is undoubtedly the official spirit of summer (no slight to Rum) stirring feelings of beaches or tropical settings. Blanco Tequilas are your best mixers being preferred for their pure flavors. Don't be afraid to mix good Tequila. It is perhaps the most distinctive spirit in terms of the true raw flavors coming through in a cocktail, especially the Margarita. Some like to use Reposado in their Margarita; I prefer Blanco that accentuates the fresh, lively agave flavors that marry so well with freshly squeezed lime juice. If you haven't had a true, freshly prepared Margarita you don't know what you're missing. Anejo Tequila can be enjoyed in place of a Cognac or single malt after dinner. The better examples of Tequila Anejo are quite exotic developing rich supple flavors and pleasing brown spice notes that come from extended wood aging. Get the full rap on Tequila here.