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Tequila: Fascinating Facts That Will Astonish You
Considered a drink of the gods, tequila, more than just a distilled spirit, is an icon of Mexican culture that has captivated palates worldwide. The image of tequila as synonymous with drunkenness and unforgettable hangovers is finally fading. Nowadays, meticulous production and discerning, curious consumers have managed to place quality tequila in its rightful position. Beyond its unique flavour and its ability to enliven any party, tequila harbours a series of fascinating curiosities that few are aware of.
This article will take you on a journey of discovery about this elixir that Mexico has given to the world, whose history, versatility, and qualities make this distilled spirit more than just a drink.
Welcome to the fascinating world of tequila!
5 Fascinating Facts About Tequila Worth Knowing
1. Do you know how tequila was born?
There is a legend that tells of a lightning bolt striking an agave plantation, causing a fire that heated the hearts of the agave plants, known as piñas. This produced a sweet-tasting, pleasantly aromatic nectar that caught the attention of the ancient inhabitants of the region. They discovered that when fermented, the nectar had relaxing properties and induced euphoria when consumed, considering it a gift from the gods. This original drink is pulque, which, after the conquest and the introduction of the first stills to the new continent, could be distilled, giving birth to the tequila we know today.
2. Did you know that tequila is made from agave?
Surely you did. What you might not know is that there are about 200 species of agave in the world, and Mexico has 150 of them, which is 75%. However, for this distilled spirit to be considered tequila, only one species can be used: the blue agave or agave tequilana Weber.
3. Do you know the origin of the name "tequila"?
Tequila is the name of a municipality in the state of Jalisco, in western Mexico, famous for producing this distilled spirit. Its name comes from the Nahuatl word Tekilan, which means “place of the workers.” Since July 2006, the agave and the ancient tequila-making facilities have been part of the World Heritage due to their natural and cultural richness, and the municipality of Tequila is listed among Mexico's “Magical Towns.”
4. Did you know that tequila has a designation of origin?
And it is not limited to the municipality of Tequila in Jalisco; you can also find authentic tequilas from 181 municipalities across 5 states in Mexico: Jalisco, Michoacán, Guanajuato, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. This designation of origin was established in 1974, becoming the first designation of origin in the entire country.
5. Do you know what cristalino tequila is?
There are four traditional types of tequila:
Tequila blanco or plata (silver): Bottled without ageing, retaining its pure and fresh character.
Tequila reposado: Aged from 2 to 12 months in oak barrels, rounding out its flavour and adding organoleptic notes.
Tequila añejo: Aged for one to three years in oak or holm oak barrels, which imparts finesse and elegance.
Tequila extra añejo: Aged for a minimum of three years in oak or holm oak barrels; a distilled spirit with special complexity and distinction.
Tequila cristalino is a tequila that has undergone barrel ageing (whether reposado, añejo, or extra añejo). After ageing, it undergoes a filtration process that removes impurities and the colour imparted by ageing, but retains its flavour and complexity. At first glance, it is a clear and crystalline tequila, hence its name, but its organoleptic characteristics are more complex and elegant compared to a silver or plata tequila.
Tequila, more than just a drink, is an integral part of Mexican culture and tradition. From its mythical origins to modern innovations like cristalino tequila, this distilled spirit continues to evolve and captivate lovers of fine drinking worldwide.
The next time you enjoy a good tequila, remember these curiosities and savour it slowly, appreciating each nuance of this divine drink. Cheers!
