Tequila is a popular distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant that is primarily produced in the region of Jalisco, Mexico. It is known for its distinct flavor and is often enjoyed in cocktails or as a shot with salt and lime. But for true tequila enthusiasts, tasting tequila is an experience in itself. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about tequila tasting, from the basics to hosting your own tasting event.
What Is Tequila?
Tequila is a type of distilled drink and is a widely consumed alcoholic beverage. Its origins can be found in the Mexican city of Tequila, and it was first produced in the sixteenth century. Tequila comes in a variety of forms and is a main component of well-known drinks like the Tequila Sunrise, Paloma, and Margarita. While tequilas have different alcohol contents, most of them range from 35% to 55% ABV (alcohol by volume).
What Is Tequila Made Of?
Tequila is made primarily from the blue agave plant, which is native to western regions of Mexico. The plant is known for its distinctive sharp and spiky leaves. The heart of the plant called the piña, is harvested and cooked to extract its juices. The juices are then fermented with yeast and distilled to create tequila.
Out of the 125 different species of agave found in Mexico, only one is thought to be appropriate for making tequila - the Weber blue agave. The Weber blue agave, which was identified by the German naturalist Franz Weber in 1902, is the most easily produced and sustainable source of tequila due to its quick growth period and high sugar content. For this reason, a law was passed by the Mexican government in 1977 allowing it to be the only plant used for the production of tequila.
Types of Tequila
There are several types of tequila, each with its own unique characteristics and flavor profiles. The main types of tequila include:
- Blanco: Blanco Tequila (sometimes referred to as silver or plata), is the purest form of tequila. Unaged or aged for up to two months, this tequila showcases the true essence of the blue agave plant. For tequila lovers who value the spirit's natural flavor, this is the best option because of its strong, pure agave flavor and clear color. With its strong flavor coming through in drinks like the traditional margarita, blanco tequila is ideal.
- Joven tequila: Also called gold tequila, has its gold color from flavoring agents and other additives such as caramel color, oak natural extract, and sugar syrup. Sometimes, joven tequila is made from a blend of blanco and reposado or anejo tequilas.
- Reposado: Reposado tequila balances the pure agave flavor of Blanco and the more refined taste of Añejo. Aged in oak barrels for two months to a year, during which time it takes on a light golden hue and becomes smoother with a hint of oak flavor. The spirit gains a subtle complexity from the aging process that makes it appropriate for cocktails as well as for sipping. If you want to experiment with the complex flavors that aging can impart to tequila, reposado is a great option.
- Añejo: Añejo tequila has a more nuanced and complex flavor profile because it is aged in small oak barrels for at least a year but not more than three. Compared to Blanco and Reposado tequilas, this one has a deeper color, a smoother flavor, and a more complex aroma due to the extended aging period. Añejo is typically consumed neat or over rocks so that the subtleties of the spirit can be fully appreciated. Añejo is a great option for people looking for a tequila experience that is more sophisticated and mature.
- Extra Añejo: This is the newest category of tequila, created in 2006. It is aged for a minimum of three years and has a deep and complex flavor with notes of vanilla and caramel.
Guide to Drink Tequila
How to Tasting Tequila
There isn’t one specific way to go about tasting tequila. However, if you would like to conduct your tequila tasting more traditionally, follow these steps:
Step 1: Fill the glass
You will begin by pouring your tequila into a long, narrow tequila glass or champagne flute.
Step 2: Observe the color and body
Let's take a moment to observe the color and consistency of the tequila, then swirl it gently in the glass and take note of how it moves.
Step 3: Take in the aroma
Tilt the glass on its side so that the drink is close to the edge to take in a tequila’s aroma.
Step 4: Observe differences
To help you appreciate the tequila you are about to taste better, take note of the variations in color, aroma, and consistency.
Step 5: Taste
Try taking a tiny sip of your tequila and trying to identify how it tastes different from other drinks, along with any other notes you might detect.
How to Drink Tequila
Tequila can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, depending on personal preference. Some popular ways to drink tequila include:
- Tequila shots: Straight tequila can be enjoyed as a shot on its own or accompanied by salt and lime.
- Tequila flights: Some people would rather take their time when drinking tequila. With a tequila flight, you can enjoy the beverage gradually as opposed to downing it all at once. By doing this, the drinker is encouraged to appreciate its flavor, aroma, and various other qualities.
- Cocktails: Cocktails are one of the most widely consumed alcoholic beverages worldwide. Tequila is a key component of many different cocktails. Adding extra ingredients to a recipe can result in inventive ways to serve it, whether you're making a Tequila Sunrise, Margarita, or something entirely else.
Pairing Tequila with Food
Tequila is not only a popular spirit but also a great companion to a meal. Pairing tequila with the right dishes can enhance the culinary experience, bringing a richer and more diverse flavor.
Tequila Blanco with Food
Tequila Blanco, with its fresh flavor, often with a bit of heat, is a great choice to pair with dishes that have bold and refreshing flavors.
- Spicy dishes: The light flavor of Tequila Blanco helps to soften the spiciness of Mexican dishes such as tacos, nachos, or spicy salsa. Tequila Blanco helps to balance the spiciness with other ingredients, while enhancing the natural flavors of the dishes
- Seafood: Fresh seafood such as shrimp, oysters, or ceviche will become more special when combined with Tequila Blanco. The fresh flavor of Blanco helps to enhance the coolness and sweetness of seafood.
- Snacks: Light dishes such as fruit salad, guacamole, or light tapas are also very suitable when combined with Tequila Blanco. The flavor of tequila will not overwhelm the dish, but on the contrary, it will highlight the fresh flavors of the ingredients.
Tequila Reposado Pairings
Tequila Reposado, with a period of aging in wooden barrels from a few months to a year, brings a more complex flavor, often with a hint of oak and a light sweetness.
- Grilled meat: Grilled meat dishes such as chicken, pork, or beef will become more attractive when combined with Tequila Reposado. The oak flavor and depth of Reposado enhance the richness of the meat, bringing a complete culinary experience.
- Dishes with cheese: Rich cheese combined with Tequila Reposado creates a perfect harmony. In particular, strong cheeses like Cheddar, Gouda, or blue cheese will be richer when enjoyed with Reposado.
- Spicy Sauces: Dishes that use spicy sauces, especially those with thick sauces like mole (Mexican spicy chocolate sauce), will harmonize wonderfully with Tequila Reposado. The complex flavors of Reposado help balance and soften the spiciness of the sauce, while enhancing the depth of flavor.
Tequila Añejo Pairings
Tequila Añejo is aged in oak barrels for a long time, usually one to three years, giving it a rich, complex flavor with notes of caramel, vanilla, and wood.
- Chocolate Desserts: Dark chocolate flavors or desserts with rich chocolate like brownies or truffles go well with Tequila Añejo. The caramel and vanilla flavors in Añejo will create a subtle blend with the rich sweetness and slight bitterness of chocolate.
- Caramel: Desserts containing caramel such as flan, crème brûlée, or panna cotta with caramel sauce will be enhanced when combined with Tequila Añejo. The sweetness and aroma of caramel in tequila will enrich the dessert.
- Grilled red meat: Grilled beef or lamb with a rich flavor will be perfect when combined with Tequila Añejo. The complex flavor of Añejo will create an additional layer of flavor, highlighting the natural sweetness and ripeness of the meat.
How to Host a Tequila Tasting
Hosting a tequila tasting can be a fun and educational experience for you and your guests. Here are some steps to follow when planning a tequila tasting:
Buy Supplies For The Event
Purchasing the right supplies for the occasion is the first step towards organizing a successful tequila tasting. Properly chosen supplies can not only ensure that your event runs smoothly but also make a good impression on your guests. We've listed the necessary supplies below to help you elevate your tequila tasting:
- Flight paddles: Also referred to as flight boards or flight carriers which are an excellent tool for transporting and organizing your tequila flights.
- Flight glasses: A flight glass is specifically designed for samplings and tastings. They are available in several different sizes and typically feature a simple design.
- Quality Dinnerware: Consider buying in quality dinnerware such as plates, bowls, and tasting dishes.
Determine Tequila Selection
After buying supplies, you choose what tequila to serve. You should feature a variety of tequilas in your selection to get the best results from your tasting.
Decide On a Menu
Tequila is a versatile drink, but it generally pairs well with citrus or lime and dishes that contain white meat, fish, or pork.
Here are some popular tequila-tasting foods to offer on your menu:
- Chicken tacos
- Pork tacos
- Ceviche
- Grilled asparagus, green peppers, or corn
- Nachos
- Flan
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Tasting Tequila
- Drinking too fast: Tequila, especially premium varieties like Reposado or Añejo, should be enjoyed slowly to fully appreciate the flavors. Drinking too fast will ruin the experience.
- Not using the right glass: Using a small glass or shot glass can limit the aroma of the tequila. Choose a snifter or a glass with a small mouth to concentrate the flavors.
- Not paying attention to temperature: Tequila should be enjoyed at room temperature to keep the flavors from changing. Avoid over-chilling or adding ice, as this can reduce the flavor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tequila tasting is a fun and delicious way to explore the world of this popular distilled spirit. Whether you prefer it straight or in a cocktail, taking the time to taste and savor different types of tequila can expand your palate and enhance your appreciation for this beloved drink. So why not gather some friends and host your own tequila tasting event?
