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A Tequila Guide: Types, Process, and What Sets It Apart

Basics of Tequila, what it is, its main types, and how it’s made.

By Jen HenseyPublished 2 years ago 6 min read
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Tequila is a drink that has been around for centuries and is still enjoyed by people all over the world today. In fact, you’ve probably heard of one of the most famous tequilas around, the 1942 Don Julio.

In this blog post, we'll be covering all the basics of Tequila, what it is, its main types, and how it’s made. So sit back, relax, and enjoy learning about one of Mexico's most famous exports!

What is Tequila?

To get us started on the right path, let's go over what this popular spirit is. Tequila is a distilled liquor made from the Blue Agave plant. It's native to Mexico and produced there since at least the early 1500s.

Technically, Tequila can only be called "tequila" if it comes from certain regions of Mexico, including Jalisco State or parts of Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit, and the Tamaulipas States. If you see Tequila on sale somewhere outside these areas, then there's probably a good chance it's not the real deal.

What are the types of Tequila?

Tequila has been popular for a long time, so it's no surprise that there are several different types. There are four main categories: Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo.

Blanco tequila

Blanco tequila is unaged and clear in color. It's typically bottled right after distillation and has a strong agave flavor. Blanco tequila makes up most sales and is the Tequila most people are familiar with. Here are a few kinds of Blanco tequila:

Gold tequila: Gold is a common color for Blanco or white tequilas. It's usually made with caramel coloring, but some brands use natural coloring from the agave plant itself.

Platinum tequila: A platinum tequila is just like a gold tequila, but it's made with a higher quality of agave. As you might expect, these are more expensive than your average bottle of Blanco.

Silver Tequila: Silver is the most popular Blanco tequila and has no added flavors or colors.

Reposado tequila

Reposado tequila is aged for at least two months but no more than a year in oak barrels. This gives it a light golden color and smooth taste. Reposado tequila is popularly used in cocktails or mixed drinks. Some kinds of Reposado tequila are:

Añejo tequila

Unlike Blanco and Reposado tequila, Añejo tequila is aged for a minimum of one year. This longer aging process gives it a dark color and complex flavor.

Don Julio 1942 is one of the more popular types of Añejo tequila, though it is aged longer than usual. Don Julio is often enjoyed on the rocks, or with a refreshing side of sangrita.

Extra Añejo tequila

Extra Añejo, or "extra old," is aged for at least three years in oak barrels. It has a dark golden color and rich flavor profile that will please even the most discerning palate.

What are the different types of agave plants used to make Tequila?

There are two main types of agave plants: Weber Blue Agave (Agave tequilana) and Espadín (Agave angustifolia).

Weber Blue Agave is mainly credited for producing sweeter tasting products, while the latter tends towards more earthy flavors. That being said, both can produce excellent results when grown with care under proper conditions!

What's important here isn't so much what type it is, but rather how they're made into drinks- so we're going to focus on that next.

How is Tequila Made?

The process of making Tequila is actually quite interesting. Here's a brief rundown:

First, the agave plants are harvested and cut into pieces to make it easier to work with them later on down the line.

Next, they go through an oven where they're cooked at high temperatures (upwards of 800 degrees Fahrenheit) until their sugars start caramelizing- this process can take anywhere from six hours or even more than 24!

It all depends on how much sugar you want in your end product as well as its intended purpose. Don't worry if the product tastes bitter- just remember what we said about caramelization earlier--it takes time!

After cooking, they're crushed into a pulp using either stone wheels called tahona (the traditional method) or steel blades powered by electric motors (more modern).

Don't forget: If someone says theirs tastes bitter, this could be because it was made from unripe plants, which adds acidity. Keep calm when looking at those charred leaves--they're just cooked!

The juice is then fermented with either natural or commercial yeast for about three to five days, and it's during this time that the alcohol content starts developing.

After fermentation, the mixture is distilled twice in copper pot stills. The first distillation separates all the heads (the poisonous compounds) from the hearts (the good stuff), while the second distillation purifies it further and removes any remaining impurities. And voila! You now have Tequila!

How do you drink Tequila?

Before even taking that first sip, remember not to drink on an empty stomach. You'll want to eat a full meal with protein (like eggs), fats, and carbs before imbibing to avoid headaches.

The generally ‘accepted’ way to drink Tequila is by sipping it slowly, but there are many ways you can enjoy your favorite spirit!

One popular style is to enjoy it in a delicious cocktail such as Bloody Mary or Margarita. It's important to note that when you mix alcohol with another substance like juice, the calories increase, and so do your chances of having one helluva hangover!

If cocktails aren't your thing and you want it straight-up, tequila shots may be for you. They're fun at parties because they're usually served with salt (to cleanse the palate) and lime wedges.

And when you don't feel like having cocktails or taking shots, there are always tequila-based liquors, such as Tequila Sunrise, made from agave plants and then fermented in oak barrels for two months before being bottled.

In general, Tequila is served chilled from an ice bucket (which can also help keep the flavors fresh). In this way, its natural aromas won't get overwhelmed by room temperature.

What sets Tequila apart?

Throughout the years, Tequila has become one of the most popular drinks around, with Don Julio being a staple in bars and restaurants. But what makes this liquor so great?

First and foremost, Tequila is made from agave plants, giving it a unique flavor. It's also distilled twice, which results in a smooth taste that goes down easy. Arguably its biggest draw, Tequila also doesn't leave you with a burning sensation, unlike other liquors.

Whisky, such as Johnnie Walker green label, for example, has been known to burn or sting if you're not used to drinking, making it a less desirable choice for first-timers. But Tequila is different- it's gentle on the palate and easy to drink, cementing it as one of the most famous liquors in the world.

Final Thoughts

Tequila is a great way to add something extra special to your next cocktail party or family gathering. It's versatile enough that you can mix it with anything from fresh fruit juices and sodas, making it easy for anyone who doesn't like liquor.

So there you have it, your beginner’s guide to Tequila. We hope this article has taught you something new about this widely beloved spirit. Remember: drink responsibly and enjoy! Cheers!

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About the Creator

Jen Hensey

Call me Jen, a writer and blogger of LifeStyleConvo & UrbanHouses, who worked as a full-time content creator. A writer by day and reader by night.

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