Tequila Fest

All About Tequila

What Is Tequila

Two things make tequila, tequila.First, where it’s made and Second, what it’s made from.

Where it’s made.
Only products made in the Mexican state of Jalisco and in small areas of four other states –Nayarit, Guanajuato, Michoacan and Tamaulipas – can be legally called tequila.

What it’s made from.
Only the product distilled from Blue Weber Agave can use the name “tequila.” It’s kind of like champagne. Only sparkling wines made in France’s Champagne region, and made with the “methode champagnois,” can legally be called champagne in the EU.

Ultimately, Tequila is defined by where it’s from and what goes in it. But not all tequilas are the same.

Are There Different Types of Tequila?

There are actually five types of tequila:
• Oro (Joven)
•Blanco (Silver)
•Reposado (Rested)
•Añejo (Aged)
•Extra Añejo

How To Properly Taste Tequila

The key to tasting tequila well is through the sense of smell, so pay heed to your nose. Industry insiders recommend taking three little sniffs.

The first is to see what aromas you’re able to identify without moving the liquid.

Next, twirl the tequila to let the aromas come through the glass. Take a small sip first to get your palate used to the alcohol.

Next, take the tequila onto your tongue and try to hit all of the flavor receptors — salty, bitter, sweet, and so on. (Insider tip: It helps to keep some liquid in your mouth, so breathe with your mouth open with the liquid in your mouth).

Finally, of course, swallow it for the back-end notes that will emerge.

What is the best way to learn about Tequila

Of course, we believe that the best way to learn about tequila is to come to the Detroit Tequila Festival.

Still want to learn more? Here are some guidelines to follow:

Aside from attending the Detroit Tequila Festival, the best way to learn about any type of spirit is to do side-by-side tastings of different styles.

With tequila, start with a blanco, then progress toward a reposado and on to anejos, moving from youngest to oldest.

Try a tequila flight and you’ll be able to experience and taste the different expressions. Hopefully you’ll find something you enjoy, and be able to appreciate the complexities that each expression will bring.

What is Oro / Joven Tequila?

Oro/Joven Tequila: Is a mix of unaged and aged tequila (typically Blanco and Reposado). Jovens taste Soft and smooth with hints of vanilla and spiced undertones, balanced with delicate notes of pear. Has a clean, warm finish with hints of hazelnut and a bright, open aftertaste.Oro is perfect for making tasty cocktails with juice and other mixers, such as Tequila Sunrise or Tequila Sour.

What is Blanco / Silver Tequila?

Blanco/Silver Tequila: A blanco, sometimes called plata or silver tequila, can be aged in a barrel for up to 60 days, but in most cases it goes from the still to a stainless steel tank to the bottle. Skipping the aging process is also why blancos are transparent (as is mezcal) and have a sharp bite that some people find off-putting.
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Blancos tend toward the peppery side, with citrus, agave and herbs being the focal point. Blancos make great Margaritas and Palomas.

What is Reposado / Rested Tequila?

Reposado/Rested Tequila: Any tequila aged in oak barrels for more than 60 days but less than a year is characterized as a Reposado — which translates to "rested" or "restful" in Spanish.
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Reposado tequilas get their color the hard way: day by day. Reposados are aged in oak barrels for at least two months, but less than one year. During that time, they absorb some of the characteristics of the wood they’re aged in. And this is where truly complex tequila flavors begin.
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Reposados take on the presence of the wood and have a smooth flavor with notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel.

What is Añejo / Aged Tequila

Añejo (Aged): Anejo is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 3 years. (añejo means “old” or “vintage” in Spanish). Añjejos must be aged in relatively small barrels – just 600 liters. For true lovers of tequila, this is where the most complex and interesting flavors can be found.
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With Anejos and extra Anejos, the wood is more assertive, and common traits tend to be cinnamon, caramel, chocolate, and coffee. You might even detect banana, avocado or dry nuts.
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Aged tequilas are meant to be sipped neat. (Añejos are rarely used for margaritas or shots).

What is Extra Añejo Tequila

Extra Añejo: Tequila aged in oak barrels over 3 years may be labeled “Extra Añejo.”This aging process results in richer whiskey-esque flavors of caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate.
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Anejos and extra Anejos, the wood is more assertive, and common traits tend to be cinnamon, caramel, chocolate, and coffee. You might even detect banana, avocado or dry nuts.In order to appreciate the complex flavor profile, we suggest sipping it neat or on the rocks.

Friday, December 13, 2024

Disfrutar (aka, Enjoy)!!