Discover the Craft of Tequila: From Agave Fields to Premium Expressions Tequila is Mexico's most famous spirit, made from the harvested hearts of blue agave plants. In this blog, we look at the intricate process of creating premium tequila expressions, from the agave fields of Jalisco to the master distillers who influence each batch. Join us on a journey through Mexico's tequila homeland, where we will appreciate the tremendous efforts and quality control standards that preserve the heritage of this iconic spirit. Visit Valley Wine & Spirits at 326 South Caroline Street, Herkimer, NY 13350 for personalized recommendations, and browse our selection at www.shopvalleywine.com or call (315) 867-5800 for expert assistance. What is Tequila Made From? The journey of tequila begins in the fields of Mexico, primarily within the Jalisco region, where the blue weber agave plant, Agave tequilana, thrives. It takes between 7 to 10 years for blue agave plants to mature and be ready for harvest. Cooking the Agave Once harvested, the piñas are transported to the tequila distillery and prepared for cooking. This process is essential as it converts the complex fructans within the piña into fermentable sugars. Traditionally, the piñas were cooked in brick ovens or underground pits for several days. This slow cooking caramelizes the sugars, contributing to the tequila's final flavor profile. Extraction and Fermentation After cooking, the soft piñas are crushed or milled to extract the agave juice, known as "aguamiel." The extracted agave juice is then transferred to fermentation tanks, where water and yeast are added. The fermentation process can last from a few days to over a week, resulting in a mildly alcoholic agave wash. Distillation Tequila is typically distilled twice in either pot or column stills. The first distillation, which tequila distilleries call "destrozamiento," produces a low-proof liquid called "ordinario." The second distillation, "rectificación," increases the alcohol content and refines the flavor. Aging Process After distillation, the tequila distillery will categorize these agave spirits into several types based on their aging process: Blanco (or Silver) is bottled immediately or aged for up to two months, offering a pure expression of the agave. Reposado is aged between two months to a year in oak barrels, gaining a caramel color, a mellower flavor, and a balance between agave and wood flavors. Añejo is aged for one to three years, resulting in a darker, more complex tequila with smoother flavors like caramel, vanilla, and spices, depending on the type of wood used. Extra Añejo is a relatively new category, aged for more than three years, offering the deepest complexity and smoothness. Bottling and Quality Control Before bottling, tequila may undergo filtration to remove any impurities and ensure clarity. The final product must meet strict standards set by the Mexican government, including alcohol content and quality. Once approved, the tequila is bottled, labeled, and ready to be enjoyed by connoisseurs around the globe. Difference Between Tequila and Mezcal Both spirits originate from agave, but tequila is specifically distilled from the blue agave plant and primarily produced in the Jalisco region and certain authorized areas in Mexico. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be made from over 30 types of agave plants and is most famously associated with Oaxaca, though it's also produced in other regions. The production also differs; mezcal gains its renowned smoky flavor from cooking the agave hearts in underground pits filled with wood and charcoal and then covered. Tequila is made by steaming the agave hearts in ovens above ground, resulting in a cleaner and more direct agave plant taste. Can You Drink Tequila Neat? Tequila can be consumed neat, and many connoisseurs recommend drinking high-quality tequila unadorned or on the rocks. The key is to go for tequilas labeled "100% agave" to ensure you're getting a pure and authentic experience. Each type of tequila - blanco, reposado, or anejo - will give you different complexity and depth of flavor. Make sure the tequila is at room temperature. This allows the liquor to express its full range of flavors. Use a tulip-shaped glass to concentrate the aromas. Take your time to appreciate the nose, then take small sips to enjoy the flavor profile. Notice the initial taste, mid-palate, and finish. If drinking tequila neat is too intense, try it on the rocks, as the ice can help mellow out the more robust flavors and bring forward the subtle nuances. Mezcal Cocktails Everyone Will Love Margarita The margarita is a timeless cocktail that traditionally uses tequila, but mezcal’s smoky flavor balances the zestiness of citrus and the sweetness of orange liqueur, adding a unique twist to the classic. Ingredients: 2 oz Mezcal 1 oz Fresh lime juice 1/2 to 3/4 oz Cointreau or triple sec (adjust based on your preference for sweetness) Salt for rimming the glass Lime wedge for garnish Instructions: Rub a lime wedge around the edge of a rocks glass and dip it into a plate of salt to coat the rim. In a shaker filled with ice, combine the mezcal, fresh lime, and Cointreau. Shake well until chilled. Strain the mixture into the prepared rocks glass filled with fresh ice. You can also serve it straight up in a chilled cocktail glass. Add a lime wedge on the rim or drop it into the drink. Paloma The Paloma is a refreshing and slightly tart cocktail that combines the smokiness of mezcal with the tangy sweetness of grapefruit. Ingredients: 2 oz mezcal Juice of half a grapefruit 1/2 oz Fresh lime juice 1 tsp Sugar (optional) Soda water (if using fresh grapefruit juice) Salt for rimming the glass Grapefruit slice or lime wedge for garnish Instructions: Just like with the Margarita, rub a lime wedge around the edge of a highball glass and dip it in salt. If using fresh grapefruit juice, mix the grapefruit juice, lime juice, and sugar in the glass until the sugar is dissolved. Add the mezcal and stir to combine. If using grapefruit soda, simply pour the liquor and lime juice over ice in the glass, then top with grapefruit soda. Add ice to the glass and top with soda water if using fresh juice. Stir gently to mix. Decorate with a slice of grapefruit or a lime wedge on the rim. Top Mezcal Recommendations Casamigos Mezcal Joven Espadín Casamigos Mezcal Joven Espadín is a distinctive spirit that showcases the depth and complexity of traditional mezcal. Made from 100% Espadín agave, this joven (young) mezcal is crafted using age-old techniques that honor the spirit's rich heritage. The agave hearts are roasted in earthen pits, giving the mezcal its signature smoky flavor, which is then finely balanced with notes of sweet agave, fruit, and hints of citrus. Casamigos Mezcal Joven Espadín is an unaged, smooth, and inviting spirit that can be savored neat, on the rocks, or as a sophisticated component in craft cocktails. Dos Hombres Mezcal Dos Hombres Mezcal is a unique artisanal spirit co-founded by Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston, renowned for their roles in the television series "Breaking Bad." This mezcal embodies the rich tradition of mezcal production, made from 100% Espadín agave harvested in the hills of Oaxaca, Mexico. The agaves are carefully selected and cooked in earthen pits, giving Dos Hombres its signature smoky flavor, complemented by a subtle, sweet agave presence. The result is a smooth, well-balanced mezcal with layers of complexity, offering notes of apple, mango, local Oaxacan herbs, and wood.