We compiled some of our favorite Tequila infographics produced by Lemonly along with color commentary from industry expert, Carolyn Kissick, to provide a snapshot of Tequila Basics.
Agave takes quite the journey to getting from field to table, transforming into quality tequila, and arriving in your glass. From a raw product that has a 7-10 year growth cycle, to fermentation with natural yeasts, the story of tequila is a beautiful one, read on for more.
GROWING AGAVE
Agave are part of the succulent family. For premium Tequila, one kind of agave must be used - Tequilana Blue Weber agave. These agaves take around 7-10 years to mature and have enough sugar content to be harvested and used for tequila.
HARVESTING AGAVE
When the agaves are ready, a jimador comes to harvest them from the ground with a special sharp blade tool called a coa. First the pencas are removed, then the piña is shaved(it is called a piña because it looks like a pineapple), and then halved to be stacked in trucks for transportation to the distillery.
- Blanco -
Blancos (silver tequilas) are mostly, unaged- but they can lightly be rested in oak for up to 60 days
- Joven -
Jovens are blanco tequilas with anything added to them. Note: more times than not- these can be the scary gold tequilas from our worst nights. They are considered mixto tequilas, not 100% blue agave tequila.
- Reposado -
Reposado tequilas are rested in wood barrels anywhere from 2 months right up to a day before 1 year.
- Anejo-
Anejo tequilas are aged in wood barrels from 1-3 years.
- Extra Añejo
Extra Añejo tequilas are aged longer than 3 years in wood barrels. Some brands, like Fuenteseca can be aged up to 21 years!
- Cristalino
An aged tequila that is filtered again to remove the color for a clear sipping tequila, with aged characteristics. Most often seen with Añejos and Extra Añejos.
Tequila is a highly regulated spirit with strict rules and production guidelines to ensure quality across brands and distillers. From the CRT to Label Laws and the importance of NOMs; there are a variety of resources available to consumers looking for quality
"Drinking tequila is more about the journey than the destination" -Rainbow Rowell
