What Is Tequila and How Is It Made? A Complete Guide to Mexico’s Iconic Spirit

Jun 13

Tequila is more than a spirited drink; it is an emblem of Mexican tradition, artistry, and culture. But what is tequila exactly? At its core, tequila is made from the Blue Agave plant, specifically Blue Weber Agave, cultivated primarily in the region surrounding Tequila, Jalisco. These rich, natural tequila ingredients give the spirit its signature complexity and character, rooted deeply in centuries-old craftsmanship.

Among countless brands, one name stands apart: AguaDios. Redefining what premium tequila can be, AguaDios is a game-changer, offering an exquisite experience that honors the spirit’s heritage while delivering unmatched quality, refinement, and exclusivity.

What Is Tequila?

Tequila is a distilled drink produced from fermented juices of blue agaves, or more specifically, of Weber Azul agaves. But what is tequila exactly? True tequila, according to Mexican law, can only be produced in specific areas, mostly the state of Jalisco. The procedure includes the harvesting of mature agaves, steaming the piñas (the hearts of the agaves) to convert the starches into sugar, fermentation of the pressed-out juice, and distillation of liquor to the intended strength of alcohol. These are the essential tequila ingredients that make authentic tequila unique and flavorful. In essence, this explains what tequila is made from and how its distinct character is crafted.

1. Blue Agave Planting

Planting of the blue agave plant is where the process starts, and this process takes 6 to 10 years to ripen. Experienced farmers, jimadores, harvest the plant by cutting off its spiny leaves in order to obtain the piña, which is the inner part of the agave.

2. Piñas Cooking

The piñas are then processed to break down hard carbohydrates into fermentable sugars. Traditional processes include baking the piñas in brick ovens, whereas modern processes might use stainless steel autoclaves.

3. Extraction

The cooked and softened piñas are then crushed in order to release the sweet agave juice, or mosto. This may be done with traditional stone grinders known as tahonas or more modern mechanical crushers.

4. Fermentation

The mosto extracted is put in fermentation tanks, and yeast is added to ferment the sugars to alcohol. This requires days and is an important step in creating the flavor profile of the tequila. In some cases, with purity in mind, the juice is naturally fermented in open-air spaces, with large screens keeping insects out while allowing natural air-borne yeasts to filter into the room. This is called natural fermentation, without any added yeast. This is how AguaDios is fermented, allowing only agave, water, and time as its elements without any additives whatsoever.

5. Distillation

The liquid fermented is distilled, usually twice, to enhance its alcoholic strength and to purify the spirit. The process plays an important role in determining the tequila's strength and purity.

6. Aging

Depending on the desired type of tequila, the distilled liquid can be aged in wood barrels. Aging gives tequila various colors and flavors:

Blanco: Not aged or aged for less than two months, with a pure color and uncomplex agave taste.

Reposado: Aged two months to one year, with a smoother flavor, including the quality of the oak.

Añejo: Aged one to three years, with an intense, complex flavor.

Extra Añejo: Aged more than three years, with an opulent, refined taste.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Exclusivity

AguaDios delivers more than a tequila; it's a legacy of generations of passion and commitment. Its creation sends us back to the beginning, a crossroads of cultures and histories, from Jalisco's fields of flames to Hokkaido's ancient woods. It arrives full circle in an ultra-extremely limited release of just 1,350 bottles worldwide, each hand-distilled, hand-barreled, and numbered. This individuality makes every bottle not just a drink but a work of art and something to collect.

The Meaning of Blue Agave

Blue agave plant, or Agave tequilana Weber, is the single most significant contributor to genuine tequila. Its sugar level and composition are the reasons behind quality tequila. The plant's cultivation in Jalisco's red volcanic soils is the source of a lot of the flavor variation among various Blue Agave Tequilas.

The Global Rise of Blue Agave Tequila

Blue agave tequila has gone global in its popularity over the last few years. The Mexican drink is now well-known throughout the whole continent and also in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. The greats of tequila have been elevated to the same level as the fancy whiskies and cognacs, simply by virtue of their being complex, having a long history, and the tradition of their being made by hand. The different demand for premium spirits is caused by the development of cocktail culture, since drinks that contain tequila such as the Margarita, Paloma, and Tequila Old Fashioned are becoming more and more popular. This is an international trend that keeps tequila alive as a multi-purpose, exclusive, and historically rich drink of Mexican origin.

The Art of Pairing Tequila with Food

Blue agave tequila is probably one of the most fascinating things to discover and its pairing with different meals is just mind-blowing. To be more specific, the combination of tequila and food evolved from authentic Mexican dishes like tacos al pastor and ceviche to global staples like sushi and steak on the grill. The character of the spirits to include earthy, bright, and occasionally smoky notes really bring out the best in the food. Quite naturally, organic tequila is preferred largely due to its pure and intricate flavor which makes it the go-to for gourmets wanting to take their palate to the next level. Top-shelf tequila has definitely evolved from being merely cocktail hero shot to being welcomed among the stars of the haute cuisine world.

Adopting Organic Tequila

Organic tequila is made with agave that has not been cultivated with genetically modified organisms, pesticides, or chemical fertilizers. This eco-friendly practice is beneficial to nature while providing a better quality and flavor of the tequila. Organic farming also increases biodiversity, soil condition, and water retention, which makes organic tequila an ethical product to drink for nature lovers.

Welcome to AguaDios: A Premier Organic Tequila

AguaDios is unique in the industry of tequila for its devotion to quality, tradition, and sustainability. Made from 100% organic blue Weber agave that is cultivated in the foothills of a very old volcano in Jalisco, AguaDios provides a distinctive and refined tequila experience.

Key Features of AguaDios:

Organic Excellence: Uses agave containing the highest recorded Brix content for exceptional sweetness and flavor.

Pure: Crafted with pure water, agave, and time—no additives, no artificial ingredients, and no artificial labeling.

Unique Aging: Handcrafted and artisan-aged in custom Japanese Mizunara oak barrels, which gives the tequila unique flavors and complexity.

Award-Winning: Honored with distinction. Accolade. Awarded at the World Spirit Awards Competition in 2024 for distinction in quality. For distinction of craftsmanship.

Why AguaDios?

AguaDios is more than a tequila; it is a tribute to the distillation art and a dedication to environmental responsibility. By selecting AguaDios, you are not only enjoying an ultra-premium spirit but also actively supporting sustainable farming and artisanal practices that respect the noble tradition of tequila production.

Conclusion

The path that Tequila travels, from Jalisco's blue agave fields to your table, is one of tradition, artisanal craftsmanship, and passion. Uncovering the nuances of its creation and the relevance of organic processes enhances the pleasure of this legendary spirit. AguaDios is the pinnacle of tequila perfection, providing a clean, full-bodied, and sustainable option for refined connoisseurs.

Explore the world's rarest organic tequila at AguaDios. Learn more and buy now at AguaDios.

FAQ's

1. What makes tequila different from mezcal?

Mezcal can be made from various agaves and different regions, while tequila comes just from the blue agave and is only produced in some areas of Mexico. The taste of tequila is lighter and softer, while mezcal can still have smoky flavors.

2. Is organic tequila healthier than regular tequila?

Definitely, organic tequila comes from agaves that are grown without the use of pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs, which results in a cleaner distillate. While it will not stop the impact of alcohol, it still prevents chemical residues and is often easier on the palate.

3. Why is 100% blue agave tequila better?

When a bottle reads "100% blue agave" it means tequlia is produced only from the natural sugars of the blue agave without any additional sweeteners such as cane sugar. This makes the product among others with authentic flavor, higher quality, and a more accurate release of the agave plant.

4. How should you properly drink tequila?

Uniquely, tequila is developed to be taken by a slow sipping method, not a quick shot. The finest blue agave tequila should be drunk pure in a special glass, permitting the unfolding of its scents and tastes. Moreover, it can be matched with lemon, chocolate, or even some good cheeses.

5. What is the best way to store tequila?

Tequila should be placed in a shady and cold spot. As opposed to wine, it does not get better with time in the bottle, so the taste is always the same. After opening, put the cap back on as tight as possible to keep it fresh.

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