Tequila, with its roots in Mexico's warm, tropical climate, is the perfect summer drink enjoyed across continents. Its versatility makes it ideal for mixing with various ingredients to craft a wide range of exquisite cocktails. Coming from a country that is influenced by Mesoamerican, Spanish, and European cultures, Mexico holds testimonials of rich culture, heritage, art, and traditions. Tequila has been an integral part of the country’s heritage. When you hold a bottle of tequila, you are holding hundreds of years of craftsmanship, traditions, and cultural influences. Since its discovery, tequila has been a staple for celebrations among not just Spaniards, but many cultures. We’ll tag you along on this voyage where we learn key aspects of this celebratory beverage.
What is Tequila?
Tequila is a distilled beverage made of blue agave and has an alcohol concentration of 40% ABV. It is made by roasting piñas in huge clay brick ovens called hornos. The juices extracted are distilled twice and then aged to perfection making tequila. The main constituent or the ‘Heart of Tequila’ is Blue Weber Agave which should constitute 51%of the beverage as per legal requirement for it to be called tequila. The other 49% can be additives, sugars, or flavorings. Ingredients that are also used to make tequila could be water, molasses, or corn syrup.
Tequilas usually come unflavored, however, a common way to spice up your tequilas is infusion. Infusing your tequila with citrus, spices, or even candies is a great way to add some flavor.
Types of Tequila
Various types of tequila are available in stores nowadays. Let’s delve into the craft of tequila, how each type is, and what to expect from it.
Tequila Blanco (Silver):
Tequila Blanco (white) or silver tequila is a type of tequila that is usually bottled up immediately after the distillation process. It is known to have a distinguished vibrant, robust character and can be a stunning choice for preparing cocktails or be sipped alone to experience the crispy, clean, and raw notes that the beverage is known to provide. Destileria La Fortaleza - Tequila Blanco made from the practices acquired in Lowland equips a superior taste with an evident sweetness providing you with a delightful experience.
Destileria La Fortaleza - Tequila Blanco (750ML)
Tequila Joven (Gold)
Tequila Joven or golden tequila is crafted with a blend of aged Reposado or Añejo and unaged Blanco to form the ideal synthesis. Oftentimes, oak extract, glycerin, or caramel coloring is added to give it a beautiful, hazy golden hue. It combines the robust characteristics of Blanco and the smoother, sweeter profiles of the aged tequilas. It is often used to make a tequila margarita or is popularly enjoyed as shots!
Tequila Reposado
Aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months, combining the vibrant notes of agave with the subtle mellow notes of oak, caramel, and vanilla, Reposado is the prime choice for tequila enthusiasts. The aging mellows out the sharp notes resulting in a smooth, and sweet experience. Destileria La Fortaleza - Tequila Reposado from The Epicurean Trader is an excellent choice for sipping neat or on the rocks. It would also be a blissful choice to add depth to your Tequila Sunrise or an all-time classic: Old-Fashioned.
Destileria La Fortaleza - Tequila Reposado (750ML)
Tequila Añejo
Significant by its rich amber color, Añejos are aged for one to three years in oak barrels. A rich, decadent, mouth-feel having smooth, complex oak notes with oftentimes hints of chocolate or tobacco, Añejos are here to spoil you with its luxurious taste. To fully indulge in the experience, it is highly recommended to always experience Añejos neat or on the rocks. Destileria La Fortaleza - Tequila Anejo is a handsome suggestion that we would like to provide you with.
Destileria La Fortaleza - Tequila Anejo (750ML)
Popular Tequila Brands
If we delve into the history of tequila, the first licensed brand to produce it was established by José Antonio Cuervo in Jalisco. Nowadays, modern innovations and trends have since led to the emergence of numerous new tequila manufacturers, expanding the diversity and availability of this iconic spirit.
Quite a few celebrities have delved into the manufacturing of tequila. We have The Rock with his brand ‘Teremana Tequila Blanco’ and Kendall Jenner with ‘818’.
Our website features some of the finest brands and experiences that you can have. La Fortaleza was launched in the year 2005, although relatively new to the fields, they pack a rich, cultural history behind them. Roots with their first distillery in 1873 by their great grandfather Don Cenobio. La Forteza got its name through Francisco Javier who opened his distillery on a small area facing their rival at the time and named it La Fortaleza. On a trip to Japan, Javier came across Japanese-influenced tequila and was galled by it, which inspired him to create his distillery and promote their ancestral brand. It was also the first brand to export its tequila to The States.
Today, tequila from Destileria La Fortaleza is renowned worldwide for its authenticity and for carrying forward their traditional way of making tequila. Some exquisite choices that we offer from Destileria La Fortaleza are listed below:
We at The Epicurean Trader hold a wide variety of tequila on our website. Ranging from the classic selections of Clase Azul - Tequila Reposado to the elegant Solento - Organic Tequila Anejo, check out our diverse collection right on our website.
How to enjoy tequila?
Appreciating tequila is an art form in itself and requires quite some steps to truly enjoy the essence of it. Certain steps while tasting tequila include:
Glassware: Choose a wide-mouthed glassware that helps you capture all the aromas and scents.
Observe: Pour a small amount of tequila into the glassware and observe it. The color can range from clear to golden to a deep amber color.
Swirling: Swirl the tequila around, and observe the viscosity and smell as the aromas are released.
Tasting: Take small sips, swirl it in your mouth, and see how long the taste lingers in your mouth.
Additionally, tequila is best tasting when it’s kept at room temperature, and take your time appreciating the craft that people have created just to be in your hands.
Blancos are optimally served with fresh seafood like ceviche, grilled shrimp, or spicy flavors as they compliment the tequila’s vibrant, robust characteristics. Reposados are often paired with roasted assortments or grilled meats. Añejos are moderately sweet and very smooth and can be paired well with desserts, and chocolates, although, its rich taste compliments steaks well too. Extra Añejos are paired amazingly well as a starter kind of tequila. It compliments charcuterie boards and cured meats such as prosciutto, and salami, excellently well.
Tequilas are great as an ingredient in some of the most renowned cocktails, their versatility proves extremely well with Margaritas, Palomas, or Tequila Mojito. Destileria La Fortaleza - Tequila Blanco can be paired with those recipes, and you can have yourself a blissful indulgence.
Health benefits
Anything under a certain limit can be beneficial to human health. Similarly, tequila under controlled consumption can aid your health.
Digestion aid: Tequila made from 100% blue agave, secrete a fiber called inulin which improves your gut health and helps with digestion.
Blood Sugar and Weight Management: Agave used to make tequila have a certain type of sugar called agavin. Although research is required, some studies suggest that they help in lowering blood sugar levels. Agavins are also non-digestible, meaning they are mostly dietary fiber which helps with managing weight.
Probiotics: Fructans in tequila are proven to improve overall gut health, making your digestive system healthy and happy.
Risks of tequila
Addiction: Daily consumption of tequila causes addiction which can in turn damage your overall health rather than helping it.
Liver problems: Excessive consumption of alcohol can result in various liver diseases including fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatitis.
Mental Health: Affecting your cognitive abilities, making them weaker, consumption of alcohol can result in mental health problems such as depression, and anxiety.
Heart Problems: Alcohol in moderation helps with your heart health, however, excessive amounts of it can cause several heart diseases and even stroke.
Buying Tequila: Our Tips and Recommendations
Buying tequila can be surely exciting and overwhelming, with so many questions, and not enough answers. Don’t worry, we’re here to guide you right through your buying experience.
Label: Make sure that the label reads ‘100% Agave’ or ‘100% Blue Agave’. This ensures that there are very few additives and the tequila is of high quality.
Purpose and Types: Research beforehand about the types of tequila, how it is meant to be paired with things, and what your intent is.
Consider Brands and Taste: Try to research beforehand about high-quality brands and what they offer. Reputable brands such as Clase Azul, La Fortaleza, and Don Julio are some excellent and versatile choices. If you visit a liquor store, they might provide you a sample which it can make it easier for you.
NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana): The NOM number ensures that your tequila is made with standards adhering to the Mexican government and is authentic. Each distillery has its own NOM number.
With this, we conclude our guide to help you with selecting the best tequila as per your requirements. In this guide we wrapped up knowledge regarding the manufacturing process of tequila, and how the pinas are harvested, extracted, and crafted into tequila. From suggesting some premium choices to helping you find tequila that best suits your style, we hope we have provided you with everything that you require to find your optimum choice. Highlighting health benefits and risks, we highly encourage you to drink responsibly.
We’ve got so much more than tequila! Head over to The Epicurean Trader’s website to browse through our well-crafted options and something to make yours. And for more tequilas, browse through our wide range of brands. You can also see us at physical locations, and we will be more than glad to serve you. Click here for to look for locations near you and have a delightful experience with us!
