Fun fact:
Tequila is the fastest growing spirit in North America. Not surprising given the promotion
and celebrity tequila enjoys today. With it's unique flavour, it is a versatile spirit, enjoyed straight or
mixed in a cocktail. Made from the Blue Weber Agave plant, most tequilas come from the state of
Jalisco in Mexico.
Spirits made from the Agave plant date back as far as the Aztecs, but the modern tequila we enjoy
today arrived in 1758 with the Cuervo family. Other producers followed, many becoming the brand
names we still know today. During prohibition in the United States, Tequila's popularity grew quickly
as local or regional spirit producers shut down. Nowadays over 200 producers create and market
tequila worldwide. Mexico recently trademarked and created a set of rules, only spirits made from the
Blue Agave distilled in Mexico can be sold as 'Tequila'. Mexico did, however, allow a concession for
distilled tequila to be bottled and labelled outside of Mexico.
Blanco or silver Tequila offers the purest tequila flavour as it is aged for only a short time before
bottling. The clear liquid is a result of being aged in stainless steel tanks, not wood barrels. Agave
imparts an earthy and spicy flavour with some citrus. Best as a shot with salt and lime, it also works
well in cocktails.
To make tequila, the leaves of a mature plant are removed leaving the 'heart', called a Pena as it
resembles a large pineapple. The Pena is steamed and then crushed to remove the juice which is
fermented and distilled into tequila. Today tequila is offered in three main styles, Blanco, Reposado
and Anejo
Reposado or 'rested' is aged in oak barrels for 3 months to 1 year allowing the tequila to become
smoother and adding complexity. Often, used whiskey barrels are used to age the tequila imparting
flavours of caramel, honey and vanilla to the spicy finish. The oak also imparts a pale gold colour
which intensifies with aging time. Ideal as a straight shot or in cocktails.
Anejo is aged in oak barrels for 1 year to 3 years further mellowing the flavour while the oak imparts
notes of caramel, vanilla and toasty notes. The flavour is richer in complexity and very smooth. Anejo
tequilas are best enjoyed straight or over ice, and are rarely used in cocktails. Anejo tequilas are often
used to replace top whiskeys, sipped and savoured neat or on ice.
You may also see tequila sold as Joven or Extra Anejo, Joven is a blend of white and aged tequilas
while Extra Anejo is aged a minimum of 3 years or more.
Speaking of cocktails, we are all familiar with a Tequila Sunrise, Poloma and the classic Margarita, but
the unique flavour of tequila works will with other traditional cocktails. Use tequila in a Bloody Mary
to create a Bloody Maria or in a Moscow Mule to create a Mexican Mule. The options are endless, try
using tequila in your favourite cocktail today, you may be surprised, Salud!
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