Discover the Craft of Tequila: From Agave Fields to Premium Expressions

Tequila is Mexico's most famous spirit, made from the harvested hearts of blue agave plants. In this blog, we look at the intricate process of creating premium tequila expressions, from the agave fields of Jalisco to the master distillers who influence each batch. Join us on a journey through Mexico's tequila homeland, where we will appreciate the tremendous efforts and quality control standards that preserve the heritage of this iconic spirit. Visit Valley Wine & Spirits at 326 South Caroline Street, Herkimer, NY 13350 for personalized recommendations, and browse our selection at www.shopvalleywine.com or call (315) 867-5800 for expert assistance.

The journey of tequila begins in the fields of Mexico, primarily within the Jalisco region, where the blue weber agave plant, Agave tequilana, thrives. It takes between 7 to 10 years for blue agave plants to mature and be ready for harvest.

Once harvested, the piñas are transported to the tequila distillery and prepared for cooking. This process is essential as it converts the complex fructans within the piña into fermentable sugars. Traditionally, the piñas were cooked in brick ovens or underground pits for several days. This slow cooking caramelizes the sugars, contributing to the tequila's final flavor profile.

After cooking, the soft piñas are crushed or milled to extract the agave juice, known as "aguamiel." The extracted agave juice is then transferred to fermentation tanks, where water and yeast are added. The fermentation process can last from a few days to over a week, resulting in a mildly alcoholic agave wash.

Tequila is typically distilled twice in either pot or column stills. The first distillation, which tequila distilleries call "destrozamiento," produces a low-proof liquid called "ordinario." The second distillation, "rectificación," increases the alcohol content and refines the flavor.

After distillation, the tequila distillery will categorize these agave spirits into several types based on their aging process:

• Blanco (or Silver) is bottled immediately or aged for up to two months, offering a pure expression of the agave.
• Reposado is aged between two months to a year in oak barrels, gaining a caramel color, a mellower flavor, and a balance between agave and wood flavors.
• Añejo is aged for one to three years, resulting in a darker, more complex tequila with smoother flavors like caramel, vanilla, and spices, depending on the type of wood used.
• Extra Añejo is a relatively new category, aged for more than three years, offering the deepest complexity and smoothness.

Before bottling, tequila may undergo filtration to remove any impurities and ensure clarity. The final product must meet strict standards set by the Mexican government, including alcohol content and quality. Once approved, the tequila is bottled, labeled, and ready to be enjoyed by connoisseurs around the globe.

Both spirits originate from agave, but tequila is specifically distilled from the blue agave plant and primarily produced in the Jalisco region and certain authorized areas in Mexico. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be made from over 30 types of agave plants and is most famously associated with Oaxaca, though it's also produced in other regions. The production also differs; mezcal gains its renowned smoky flavor from cooking the agave hearts in underground pits filled with wood and charcoal and then covered. Tequila is made by steaming the agave hearts in ovens above ground, resulting in a cleaner and more direct agave plant taste.

Tequila can be consumed neat, and many connoisseurs recommend drinking high-quality tequila unadorned or on the rocks. The key is to go for tequilas labeled "100% agave" to ensure you're getting a pure and authentic experience. Each type of tequila - blanco, reposado, or anejo - will give you different complexity and depth of flavor. Make sure the tequila is at room temperature. This allows the liquor to express its full range of flavors. Use a tulip-shaped glass to concentrate the aromas. Take your time to appreciate the nose, then take small sips to enjoy the flavor profile. Notice the initial taste, mid-palate, and finish. If drinking tequila neat is too intense, try it on the rocks, as the ice can help mellow out the more robust flavors and bring forward the subtle nuances.

The margarita is a timeless cocktail that traditionally uses tequila, but mezcal’s smoky flavor balances the zestiness of citrus and the sweetness of orange liqueur, adding a unique twist to the classic.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Mezcal
• 1 oz Fresh lime juice
• 1/2 to 3/4 oz Cointreau or triple sec (adjust based on your preference for sweetness)
• Salt for rimming the glass
• Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rub a lime wedge around the edge of a rocks glass and dip it into a plate of salt to coat the rim.
2. In a shaker filled with ice, combine the mezcal, fresh lime, and Cointreau. Shake well until chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into the prepared rocks glass filled with fresh ice. You can also serve it straight up in a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Add a lime wedge on the rim or drop it into the drink.

The Paloma is a refreshing and slightly tart cocktail that combines the smokiness of mezcal with the tangy sweetness of grapefruit.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz mezcal
• Juice of half a grapefruit
• 1/2 oz Fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp Sugar (optional)
• Soda water (if using fresh grapefruit juice)
• Salt for rimming the glass
• Grapefruit slice or lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. Just like with the Margarita, rub a lime wedge around the edge of a highball glass and dip it in salt.
2. If using fresh grapefruit juice, mix the grapefruit juice, lime juice, and sugar in the glass until the sugar is dissolved. Add the mezcal and stir to combine. If using grapefruit soda, simply pour the liquor and lime juice over ice in the glass, then top with grapefruit soda.
3. Add ice to the glass and top with soda water if using fresh juice. Stir gently to mix.
4. Decorate with a slice of grapefruit or a lime wedge on the rim.

This cocktail substitutes the traditional whiskey with tequila to bring a smooth, agave-infused richness to the drink. This cocktail typically uses Añejo tequila, which has been aged in oak barrels for a deeper, more complex flavor that beautifully complements the sweet and bitter components of the Old Fashioned.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Añejo Tequila
• 1/4 oz Agave syrup (adjust to taste; you can also use simple syrup as an alternative)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 dash Orange bitters (optional, but recommended for added depth)
• Orange peel and/or cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, combine the Añejo tequila, agave syrup, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters.
2. Add ice to the mixing glass and stir the mixture well for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the drink slightly.
3. Fill a rocks glass with large ice cubes for slow dilution, ensuring a well-chilled but not overly watered-down drink.
4. Strain the cocktail into the prepared rocks glass over the ice.
5. Express the oil of an orange peel over the drink by gently twisting it, then drop the peel into the drink or place it on the rim as a garnish. Adding a cherry offers a classic garnish touch with a hint of sweetness.

A classic cocktail that showcases the versatility of blanco tequila, combining its vibrant spirit with the tartness of lemon and the sweetness of simple syrup.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Tequila (blanco or reposado for a smoother taste)
• 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz Simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1 Egg white (optional, for frothiness and texture)
• Ice
• Angostura bitters (a dash for garnish, optional)
• Lemon peel or wheel, for garnish

Instructions:

1. If using an egg white, start by adding it to your cocktail shaker. This is to ensure that if there's any mistake with the egg, it won't ruin the other ingredients.
2. Add the tequila, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. If not using an egg white, simply start with these ingredients.
3. If you've included egg white, first perform a dry shake (shaking without ice) for about 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
4. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for another 10-15 seconds to chill and dilute the mixture properly.
5. Strain the cocktail into a glass. An old-fashioned or rocks glass is typically used, but feel free to use what you have.
6. Garnish with a few dashes of Angostura bitters if desired, and a lemon peel or wheel.

Discover the perfect tequila for your palate at Valley Wine & Liquor, your go-to destination for an exceptional selection of spirits. Whether you're a connoisseur or new to the world of tequila, our knowledgeable team is here to guide you through our extensive collection. Visit us in person at 326 South Caroline Street, Herkimer, NY 13350, to explore our offerings and receive personalized recommendations. Prefer to start your journey online? Browse our curated pairings at www.shopvalleywine.com where you can find the ideal tequila to complement any occasion. For tailored advice and to ensure you select the best bottle to match your taste preferences, don't hesitate to contact us at (315) 867-5800.