What is Tequila? Types of Tequila - Top 7 Recommendations from WineBarrica
What is Tequila ? With so many options these days it's hard to pick the right one for your next drink.
Let's start with the basics. Tequila is a distilled beverage made from the blue agave plant, primarily in the area surrounding the city of Tequila, Mexico. The red volcanic soils in the region of Tequila are excellent grounds for growing the blue agave and more than 300 million of the plants are harvested there each year !! That's a lot of Tequila !! Mexican laws state that tequila can only be produced in the state of Jalisco and limited municipalities of other states in that area. Tequila is recognized as a Mexican designation of origin product in more than 40 different countries !
There are two basic categories of Tequila; Mixtos and 100% agave. Mixtos use no less than 51% agave with other sugars to make up the remainder. There are also four different categories for Tequila depending on the ageing process;
Blanco: White spirit, unaged and bottled/stored immediately after distillation, or aged less than 2 months in a stainless steel or in a neutral oak barrel.
Reposado: This one is aged for a minimum of 2 months but less than a year in oak barrels of any size.
Anejo: Aged a minimum of 1 year but less than 3 years in smaller oak barrels.
Extra Anejo: Aged a minimum of 3 years in oak barrels, this category was established in 2006.
With 100% agave tequila, Blanco tends to be harsher with the bold flavors of the distilled agave upfront, while Resposado and Anejo are smoother and less complex in flavor. As other spirits age in casks, tequila takes on the flavors of the wood while the harshness of the alcohol mellows.
Now that we have a little background of Tequila, let's get to the good stuff!
We love Tequila here at Wine Barraca and here are a few of our must haves for your home collection. Having a variety of tequila will enhance your drink making experience. We suggest having a variety of white, gold and a spicy tequila (for those who enjoy an extra kick in their margaritas).
Espolon Tequila Blanco $39.99
Espolon Blanco has a soft mouthfeel, light- to medium-bodied palate with bright agave flavor; notes of pepper, vanilla bean, grilled pineapple and spice. It has an elegant, clean finish that ends with a hint of spice.
Flecha Azul Tequila Blanco $64.99
Flecha Azul is a super-premium tequila manufacturer. Flecha Azul uses fully aged, 100% Blue Weber Agave and naturally-sourced volcanic water. Our Anejo is aged for 18 months in ex-Bourbon American Oak Barrels.
The Blanco is bright with slight notes of sweet agave and a smooth finish.
Don Fulano Imperial $179.00
Don Fulano Imperial is the oldest expression in the range. A full flavoured, rich and complex tequila, aged for five years and up to 12, and finished in an Oloroso sherry cask. A wonderfully smooth and rich Extra Añejo with a great combination of elegance and power.
1800 Tequila Reposado $39.99
This tequila is crafted using 8-12 year old 100% Weber blue agave and is matured in American and French Oak barrels for no less than six months. This rich liquid has notes of buttery caramel, mild spice and a touch of smokiness, which is imparted by the finishing process.
Herradura Tequila Anejo $59.99
Age is not just a number. Herradura Añejo matures in the barrel for 25 months, more than twice the 1 year age requirement. This patience is rewarded with a beautiful amber color and a complex, spicy taste. Our Añejo has a deliberately smooth taste that melts across your tongue, with hints of dried fruit and toasted oak. Herradura Añejo was introduced to the world by Casa Herradura in 1962.
Don Julio Primavera Tequila $199
Primavera is made for moments best spent outdoors, in the daytime with friends. During the barrel mellowing, our tequila mingles with the light essence of orange peels, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The full-bodied flavor of honeyed agave with a hint of spice, and a light, citrus finish is best enjoyed on the rocks with an orange wheel or in our go-to drink of the summer: the Primavera Sunset. Simply combine Don Julio Primavera, club soda and a touch of citrus, the perfect for cocktail for any outdoor daytime get-together.
Tanteo Tequila Habanero $55.99
Ultra-premium 100% Blue Weber Agave Blanco Tequila infused with real habanero peppers, sourced from the Yucatan Peninsula. Tanteo Habanero Tequila is unapologetically spicy with a pleasant tropical nose.
We hope to inspire you for your next Tequila shopping spree. Comment below if you have tried any of these Tequilas and what your favorites are.
And remember, when life gives you lemons, grab salt and Tequila!