Review of Tequila by our blogger Jan Ohrt

The difference between Tequila and Mezcal is similar to that of Cognac and Brandy, whereas Mezcal is produced all over Mexico, Tequila production is limited to the Jalisco region and must be made from the blue agave. Historically, the current version of the drink was invented by the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century in the town of Tequila when they had to outwit the locals, presumably because they had run out of their own liquor they had brought with them. The original drink dates all the way back to the ancient Aztecs in the form of a fermented juice of the agave they called pulque, which they used extensively in ceremonial settings to pay homage to their two gods Mayahuel and her husband Patecati.

Today, Tequila is, thankfully I think, enjoying a rapidly growing popularity and in the neighboring United States, sales in 2021 increased dramatically by almost 32%. There's a lot more focus on developing nuance and subtlety among producers and this seems to be something the growing market appreciates. Tequila is divided into five different types, each with their own process and finishing, which gives each type its own characteristics and today I'm lucky enough to have gotten my hands on all of them, so let's see what they can do when you, with respect, slowly sit and enjoy them. But first, a little general information about the long and complex production process. Not all types of agave are used and in order to be called Tequila, a minimum of 53% must come from the blue Weber but at the very top shelf you can find the finest products made from 100% Weber Azul. When the plant is between five and seven years old, it is harvested and the leaves are cut off, leaving only the large tuber that resembles an overgrown pineapple. This is then baked for three days in a large oven, after which the sugar content is pressed and crushed before fermenting for 48 hours to a strength of 7%. It is then ready for distillation and this process is usually done in two stages in copper kettles. Finishing can be anything from carbon filtration to barrel aging for shorter or longer durations and this gives us the five main types to choose from. You can read more about them in my little journey around the excellent products from El Tequileño

Would you like to read more about Tequila?
Then read the review of El Tequileño or Margarita Sorbet - by blogger Jan Ohrt.