Become a Tequila Connoisseur: Part 2 Location Matters

Tara A. Spears
“Uno mas, bartender…one more…mas tequila! Yo can’t drink the water, don’t ya eat the ice;Take your vitamin “T” with salt ‘n lemon slice!” Sammy Hager 1999 Tequila song

Most people first experience tequila on a Mexican vacation or honeymoon trip. But, the path to becoming a tequila connoisseur involves understanding what factors impact tequila flavor. Really, tequila is an artisan craft spirit – lots of unique, hand-made elements in the process- that is done on a large scale.

Each tequila brand is a product of a particular family: reflecting the whims and creativity of a real person. Drinking tequila is stepping into another man’s expertise and ambition.
Tequila is a product that has been associated with the values of Mexican regional and national identity, popular culture, literature, and cinema. Currently, tequila production constitutes one of the main economic sources in Mexico. Employing more than 340,000 workers in the tequila industry, it is a significant component in the agricultural and industrial development of various states, especially Jalisco.

Tequila’s distinction and importance come from its historical roots; its production and commercialization have reached great cultural and economic relevance in the 21st century.
The pricing of tequila reflects the fact that much of the production is still done by hand. Tequila is the only distilled spirit that is made from a raw ingredient that isn’t harvested annually. Agaves take seven to ten years to mature to ripeness whereas spirits such as whiskey or vodka are made from corn, rye, wheat, or barley that get harvested each year. That means that by the time an extra añejo Tequila gets to your glass, it’s at least a ten year-old product from start to finish. 7-10 years in the field, at least 3 years in a barrel, and such a short life in your glass – so take the time to savor and enjoy, Tequila fans, it has been a long time coming.
Tequila connoisseur lesson 101: There are several reasons these tequilas have a unique taste. Two of the most important reasons are that the soil and climate of very different growing regions. Although the altitude difference between the two regions is only about 2,500 feet, the amount of rainfall, year-round temperature and growth time vary significantly which impacts the taste.
The first characteristic to consider is altitude. Among tequila aficionados, there has been a long debate about which is better — lowland tequila from El Valle (the valley) or highland tequila from Los Altos. According to Tequila Casa Aceves, lowland tequilas have a more earthy, peppery, and herbal taste. Highland tequilas have a sweeter taste that’s sometimes described as fruity or floral. The best way to determine if you prefer highland or lowland tequila is by taste. Testing is the only way to know your preference which is why all tequila tours have a time for you to sample multiple tequilas.

Next, separate from the agave percentage and altitude designation, most tequila types are determined by how long they’re aged. Becoming familiar with the main types and what each category means is tequila connoisseur lesson 201.
Blanco tequila, which is often called silver or plata tequila, is the youngest variety. It can be aged in stainless steel tanks for as long as two months. However, most brands bottle their blanco tequila immediately after distillation. Because of this, what you end up tasting is very agave-forward. The clear spirit is sharp and peppery with a distinct bite, according to Delish blog.
Level 2, Joven or Gold Tequila. While these two titles, “joven” and “gold” have been historically interchangeable, they actually refer to two different styles of Tequila that can be made in this category. Jovens are any blanco Tequila that has an aged tequila (reposado, añejo, or extra añejo) blended into it resulting in an unique flavor. Combining blanco’s youthful characteristics with the more mature qualities of an añejo or reposado, gold Tequila is truly the best of both worlds.

Another type of tequila is Category 3, Reposado. The word reposado translates to “rested,” which refers to the time spent aging after distillation. If you think of blanco as a tequila that pulled an all-nighter, consider reposado as the type of tequila that took a power nap. Reposados can be aged anywhere from two months to a year in either oak barrels or stainless-steel vats. The vessel, along with the time spent aging, imparts a smooth, almost caramel-like flavor and a delicately golden hue. It’s one of the most versatile types of tequila—it’s complex and enjoyable on its own while still being mild enough to include in cocktails.

Category 4. Añejo in Spanish translates to “old,” which is an apt description of this tequila type. To be classified as an añejo, tequila must be aged for a minimum of one year, but can sit in an oak barrel for up to three. Unlike reposado, which doesn’t have a size requirement for the barrel, the barrel size for an añejo cannot exceed 600 liters. This allows more of the spirit to interact with the wood and develop a deeper, richer flavor.

Even if you don’t speak Spanish or are unfamiliar with tequila terms, the definition of Category 5, extra añejo tequila, is fairly simple: it’s just like añejo tequila but older. Extra añejos are aged for at least three years in oak barrels that can fit a maximum of 600 liters. Due to all the time and labor required to make extra añejos, they’re considered to be some of the most premium tequilas on the market. This is not your average tequila. It definitely doesn’t belong in a margarita. If you’re willing to splurge on a bottle, this would be a special-occasion sipper.

“Tequila is not just a drink but an experience. From the aroma to the taste, tequila tells a story through its production, history, and land of origin. Premium tequila symbolizes a respect and admiration of Mexico’s rich history and traditions, creating its cultural representation through the art of storytelling.

So, the next time you take a sip of tequila, remember that you are not just drinking a spirit but experiencing an authentic cultural journey.” Daniela Baldenebro. Whether you’re a craft spirit aficionado or simply want a buzz, there’s a category of tequila to suit your mood. From fruity cocktails to savory sipping, tequila is a portal to good times and memorable experiences.

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