Let’s Talk Tequila
Tequila has exploded on the U.S. market in the last twenty years (700%!!). The culture of ice-cold cheap shots taken with lime and salt has evolved into a premium product, in beautiful bottles that are proudly displayed and sipped slowly. How did we get here? The Aztecs started making an alcoholic drink called "pulque" from the Mexican agave plant as far back as 250 AD, and consumed it in religious ceremonies. It was much lighter, and probably more sour, as it was made through a simple fermentation of the plant's hearts. In the 1500's the Spanish invaders used their knowledge of distillation to transform pulque into a spirit that was more similar to the brandy they missed from home. Thus began what was originally called "mezcal wine". Mezcal is a broader category of spirits made from several varieties of agave. Tequila is a form of mezcal, made specifically from the Weber Blue Agave, or Agave Azul, succulent (it's not a cactus), and primarily from the Mexican state of Jalisco, of which Tequila is a town.The red volcanic soil of this region is ideal for growing blue agave. High quality Tequila is produced from 100% blue agave, compared to the cheap Tequila "mixto" which can be as low as 51% agave and the rest being a mix of corn and cane syrup. Premium Tequila comes from truly mature agave plants, which usually takes seven years, but can take as long as 10-12 years in the highlands. That's a long time to see a return on your investment. This is where many large companies are cutting corners and using additives to compensate for ripeness, even in very expensive Tequilas. The way the plants are roasted before distillation also separates quality from quantity. All these things can be tasted in your glass. Have your next Tequila in a wine glass, either blanco, reposado, or anejo, no chill needed. Gently swirl in your glass, and smell the aromas with your nose slightly above where you would normally sniff for wine. The range of wonderful citrus notes, floral bouquets, vanilla and baking spices, cedar and smoke, are there to be treasured. If you are wondering where to start, come by Buvette and try Valor Blanco Tequila neat. Female-owned, high quality, additive-free, ethically focused, and absolutely delicious Tequila! Cheers!