Tequila means different things to different people. Whether you like your tequila in a shot with a slice of lime, neat, in a Margarita, or prefer enjoying it on the beach, it is a spirit that can be enjoyed in several situations. However, if your experience with tequila is only limited to the classic margarita, then you are surely missing out on a complex spirit that comes in a variety of flavors and styles. As with other spirits, the subtleties of various tequilas come down to distinct variables in the process of production. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the history of tequila, its varieties, and what exactly goes into the tequila during its production. But before that, let’s understand what tequila exactly is.

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What is Tequila?

Tequila is a distilled spirit that is made from the Weber blue agave plant. It is one of the most popular spirits which is used in several cocktails including- Paloma, Margarita, and Tequila Sunrise. As per the rule of the Mexican government, tequila can be produced in Mexico.

What is the History of Tequila Production?

Around the year 250, the Aztecs invented a drink called pulque. It was made from the fermented juice of a plant called the maguey. Tequila as we know it today- which is distilled was first made by the colonists of Spain when they captured South America. In early 1600, Don Pedro Sanchez de Tagle stared the very first distillery, which is now known as Tequila, Jalisco.

In the year 1974, the government of Mexico declared tequila as the intellectual property of Mexico. Also, it was declared that tequila can be produced in certain states of Mexico including – Nayarit, Tamaulipas, Jalisco, Michoacan and Guanajuato. Consejo Regulador de Tequila, a tequila regulatory council maintains the standards of tequila production and supports the industry of tequila by promoting tourism to tequila-producing regions and supporting the trade with different countries.

What is Tequila Made From?

Tequila is made from the Weber blue agave plant, which is a large succulent with long and spiked leaves just like an aloe-vera. Within the core of this plant, there is a bulb called the “Pina.” This bulb is first baked, then juices. After that, this juice is fermented with yeast in barrels to make tequila.

What is the Process to Make Tequila?

Just like any other spirit, there are certain steps used to produce each type. Below are some of the basic steps involved in making of tequila:

• Harvesting: It is the first and most important step in of making tequila. Farmers cut the agave plant with a special knife which is known as a coa.
• Baking: Once the harvesting is done, the pina is required to be baked in order to extract the sugar from it. This procedure is usually completed in hornos, which is a traditional oven made with the help of clay or brick.
• Extraction: After baking, it’s time to shred the pina and extract the juice from the bulb.
• Fermentation: To make the mosoto into a spirit, it need to go through the process of fermentation. This includes placing the yeast and mosoto in wooden barrels for anywhere from 3 to 12 days.
• Distillation: Once the mosoto is fermented, it is distilled. In this process, the liquid is not only purified but also creates a higher concentration of alcohol.
• Aging: The length of the aging process varies depending on the type of tequila being created. However, all tequilas ae aged for at least 2-3 weeks.

Types of Tequilas Available in the Market

There are total five main types of tequilas. All the names are listed below:

• Tequila Joven
• Tequila Reposado
• Tequila Anejo
• Tequila Blanco
• Extra Anejo

List of Brands Popular in the Market for Tequila

The tequila market is constantly rising, though a few well-known names remain popular. Below are some of the top tequila brands:

• Don Julio
• 1800 Tequila
• Hornitos
• Jose Cuervo
• Sauza
• Patron

Wrapped Up

Tequila is a versatile and distinct spirit with a traditional and history equal to the spirit of Europe, such as Cognac in France and Bourbon in the U.S.A. Moreover, it can be enjoyed in several ways, whether you like taking shots with your friends, savor it slowly from a glass made especially for tequila, enjoy it in margarita, or use it is in cooking. Tequila offers something for everyone.