TEQUILA

Tequila is made exclusively from the Blue Weber Agave, a plant that only grows in certain regions of Mexico. It takes six to eight years to develop its sugar. The heart of the plant is harvested, the so-called piña, which weighs up to 80 kilograms and forms the basis for real tequila.

The piñas are cooked to release the natural sugars. Traditionally, this is done slowly in stone ovens; it is done more quickly in autoclaves. They are then pressed to obtain the sweet agave juice (mosto). This is fermented in tanks with yeast. This creates a mild, aromatic alcohol with notes of agave and citrus.

The fermented juice is twice distilled, producing a clear, pure tequila with an alcohol content of 38-40% ABV. Depending on the style, optional aging in oak barrels follows:

• Blanco: young, clear, genuine.
• Reposado: aged 2-12 months, mild and vanilla.
• Añejo: aged 1-3 years, soft and woody.
• Extra Añejo: over three years - rich and complex.

Real tequila is labeled “100% Agave” and comes exclusively from Mexico, especially from the Jalisco region. The protected designation of origin “Denominación de Origen Tequila” guarantees quality, authenticity and craftsmanship - from the agave to the glass.

In Mexico, tequila is enjoyed consciously and pure - not as a quick shot, but as an aromatic spirit with history.
Real enjoyment begins with a high-quality 100% agave tequila, whether blanco, reposado or añejo. It is best served slightly chilled or at room temperature (18-20°C) in a tulip glass or Riedel tequila glass, which concentrates the delicate aromas.
Drink it in small sips, let it swirl in your mouth and pay attention to the balance of sweetness, spice and agave freshness. In Mexico, it is traditionally accompanied by a glass of sangrita, a spicy, fruity mixture of tomato and orange juice that harmoniously complements the taste.

Tequila Blanco is usually drunk young - clear, fresh and lively. It is ideal for classic cocktails such as Margarita or Paloma, but also develops fine notes of pepper, grass and citrus on its own.

The mature versions Reposado and Añejo can be enjoyed like a good whiskey: neat, in a nosing glass or tumbler, preferably with a small ice cube. Its aromas of vanilla, wood and caramel develop slowly and linger for a long time.

By the way, the well-known ritual with salt and lemon does not come from Mexico, but was created to make simple mixto tequilas appear milder. High-quality tequila, on the other hand, is always enjoyed neat or in stylish drinks.

Conclusion:

• Blanco: fresh and clear, perfect for cocktails.
• Reposado and Añejo: mature and round, ideal for drinking neat.
• 100% Agave Tequila is authentic, smooth and aromatic - Mexican enjoyment in its finest form.

The most important quality feature of a real tequila is the designation “100% Agave” or “100% Agave Azul”.
It guarantees that the alcohol comes exclusively from the Blue Weber Agave, without any other sugar sources such as sugar cane or corn syrup being added. Such tequilas are characterized by purer, more complex and smoother flavors. They are usually bottled directly in Mexico, which can be recognized by the label “Hecho en México”. If this information is missing and the label only says “Tequila”, it is a mixto tequila. This only contains 51 percent agave juice; the rest comes from third-party sugars, which are usually cheaper but often have a much sharper taste.

Another important feature is the NOM number (Norma Oficial Mexicana) that each bottle carries, for example NOM 1414 or NOM 1123.
This number identifies the registered distillery where the tequila was produced. Platforms like Tequila Matchmaker can be used to determine which brands come from this distillery. This is a helpful indication of seriousness and quality.

In addition, high-quality tequilas should bear the seal of the “Consejo Regulador del Tequila” (CRT) and the designation “Denominación de Origen Tequila”. These seals confirm the authenticity, origin and production according to Mexican regulations, similar to Champagne or Cognac.

The category also reveals a lot about quality and style:

• Blanco/Plata: young, clear, fresh - pure agave taste.
• Reposado: slightly matured, mild with fine woody notes.
• Añejo: 1-3 years in barrel - round, complex and warm.
• Extra Añejo: aged over three years - luxurious, soft and aromatic.

Finally, smell and taste are also crucial. A high-quality tequila smells natural, herbal and gentle, never spicy or alcoholic. Blanco tequilas exude citrus and agave freshness, reposado is reminiscent of honey and vanilla, while añejo variants show notes of caramel, spices and tobacco.
On the palate, a good tequila appears round, soft and harmonious, without burning, with a gentle, long finish.