Without a doubt, tequila is among the most popular spirits on the globe. However, most people who enjoy this agave spirit know little about it, and we want to change that. Whether you are a craft tequila enthusiast looking to learn more about the spirit or simply want to impress friends and family with fun facts, keep reading.

1. The name tequila originates from the Aztecs. 

The Aztecs were an ancient group that settled in Mexico; they were the first to discover chocolate. Aztec people spoke a distinct language called Nahuatl, and the word tequila is from the Nahuatl word “Tequillan,” which means “place of tribute.”

2. It can only be produced from designated regions. 

Like cognac, some fine wines, and champagne, tequila is only produced in five Mexican regions. These are Nayarit, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Tamaulipas and Michoacan. Of all these regions, Jalisco produces the highest quantity of tequila in Mexico.

3. It is a plant-based drink.

A spirit should be made from at least 51% blue agave plant (with the remainder made from another neutral spirit) to earn the title tequila. However, many current brands raise the bar higher by using 100% blue agave to make their spirit. Such brands are costlier, whereas tequilas made using lower amounts of agave are relatively cheaper.

4. Harvesting the Agave plant takes a lot of time and effort.

The blue agave plant (scientific name: Agave tequilana weber) can take 8 to 12 to fully mature and grow up to 7 feet tall. Even after the plant is ready for harvest, the farmers must do it carefully to get the correct part.

5. The Agave plant isn’t a cactus.

Due to its rather spiky appearance, most people conclude that the blue agave plant is a cactus, which it isn’t. The plant is a succulent, a member of the Agavoideae family, and is closely related to the lily plant.

6. Only the Agave heart is used to make tequila. 

The heart of the Agave plant, also called pinas, is first cut out, simmered, ground down, and then fermented by farmers to make craft tequila. This means that after harvesting, the Agave plant dies, and farmers must grow a new one from scratch. To make other fruit spirits like wine, you can harvest from a plant for several seasons before uprooting and planting a fresh one.

7. Its technically mezcal. 

All tequila is mezcal. However, not all mezcals in the market are tequila. Experts consider any spirit from the Agave plant as mezcal, whereas craft tequila can only originate from blue agave variation.

8. In Mexico, tequila enthusiasts customarily sip their drink.

All over the United States, it is common practice for people to enjoy a shot of tequila with salt and lime (tequila cruda.) However, in Mexico, patrons prefer to take their tequila neat.

9. Similar to wine, terroir can influence how tequila tastes.

The dominant influencers on tequila flavor are yeast, which can be commercial yeast added during distillation or wild yeast naturally occurring in the environment and the type of soil the Blue Agave plant grew on. 

For instance, tequilas originating from the highland areas (Los altos) tend to have sweeter and, in some cases, grassier flavor profiles. On the other hand, tequila from lowland regions (El Valle) may have a more earthy flavor. To give customers a feel of the terroir, some craft tequila brands specialize in regional or even specific village bottlings.

10. There are five classifications of tequila. 

These are:

Blanco Tequila 

Blanco, also called silver or plata tequila, can age for a maximum of 60 days, but it often goes from still to the stainless tank straight into the bottle. Skipping the aging step makes blancos transparent and gives the beverage a sharp taste, which most people can’t handle.

You can use blancos to make cocktails like palomas and margaritas.

Reposado tequila

Reposado (meaning rested) ages in a barrel for two or eleven months, and it is the most popular style of tequila among Mexicans. This spirit contains slight barrel notes of blue agave flavors and has a smoother finish than a blanco.

If you want a soft drink with a warmer flavor profile on your plate, swap reposado into any recipe requiring a blanco.

Anejo tequila

Anejo (old) ages for one or three years inside oak barrels. Manufacturers can use any barrel but prefer French oak and American whiskey barrels. 

Due to the barrels used, anejo’s generally have a variety of flavors, like brown sugar and vanilla, associated with bourbon. You can enjoy the anejo tequila neat or add some water or ice.

Extra Anejo tequila 

Extra anejo typically rests in more than one barrel before bottling and ages for at least three years. It’s also considered a premium drink, which is why it is costly.

Since the spirit takes more time inside the barrels than the other types, it has a sturdy aroma and rich amber color. Also, extra anejo has complex flavors similar to aged cognac and whiskey.

Christalino tequila 

Christalino first debuted in 2011 and isn’t formally recognized by the governing Tequila Regulatory Council. It’s aged and filtered through charcoal to eliminate the oaky barrel flavors and color. The result is a clear spirit with a robust taste.

11. Tequila can be good for your health. 

Some reports suggest that 100% agave tequila offers a few health benefits that include

• Improved digestion 
• Curbing insomnia
• Helps to lose weight
• It may help prevent type 2 diabetes.

It’s critical to Remember that the benefits mentioned above aren’t scientifically proven.

12. You can cook with tequila. 

According to numerous chefs, you can use tequila to make syrups, glazes, and marinades for various recipes.

13. Tequila dates back to ancient times.

Studies indicate that Teotihuacan people enjoyed tequila from early 150 B.C. Like today, it was a regular part of their ceremonies.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What’s the most expensive craft tequila?

Ley Tequila Diamante, which retails at 3.5 million dollars, is the costliest tequila in the market.

When is the best time to drink craft tequila?

That depends on every individual, but tequila is ideal for almost all occasions.

How can you prevent a tequila hangover?

Drink in moderation, and ensure you take lots of water before, during, and after to avoid becoming dehydrated.

Conclusion 

Want to learn more about different types of spirits, the distilleries that make them, and their history? Distillery Nearby is your one-stop shop for all of this information and more. You will also learn about cocktails and events to meet and mingle with fellow spirit enthusiasts. Visit today.