Tequila: The Basics
 
Tequila is evocative of images of sparkling lime margaritas, tortilla chips and salsa, fiestas, colorful settings and the strong beat of Mexican music. Recognized worldwide, tequila is an icon of Mexican nationality and culture.

As specified by regulations, Tequila is made only in certain, arid highland regions of Central Mexico. Tequila is derived from the fermented and distilled sap of one species of the blue agave.   The agave is an indigenous succulent plant and not a cactus. It’s really more like a lily.  There are 136 known species of agave, but only one, agave azul, is used to produce tequila.

The venerable tequila is linked with Mexican history both ancient and Colonial. It is believed that for 9000 years agaves have been cultivated by humans. In early times Aztec and Mayan leaders and priests drank agave drinks during sacrificial offerings to the gods and for medicinal use. When the conquistadores arrived they discovered the popular native drink called pulque. Nearly 500 years ago the Conquistadors distilled pulque into a stronger liquor, to make tequila’s close cousin, Mezcal.

In the 1500’s the Spanish explored the area of Mexico now known as the State of Jalisco, where they discovered an Indian tribe called “Tiquili. The Spaniards called the area “Tequila.”  And today the city of Tequila is the heart of the area responsible for this venerable Mexican spirit bearing its name. More than 52% of all tequila comes from the city of Tequila.

The first legally registered distillery in all of Mexico was in Tequila. In 1758 Jose Antonio Montaño y Cuervo established their tavern and later the Cuervo family was granted huge tracks of land by the Spanish King Charles IV. They were also given rights for commercial production of agave based “wine”.  Thriving throughout the ages, today Cuervo is the largest manufacturer of tequila in Mexico followed by Sauza. The Sauza’s are credited with determining that the blue agave was the best of all agave species for making tequila.  It is interesting to note the respect that accrued to the national drink, tequila. During the devastating Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918 the combination of tequila, lime and salt was prescribed to promote good health.  It is still a popular conception that taken together, tequila, lime and salt, are good for your health.
In the 1970’s the Norma Oficial Mexicana instituted the “tequila law” which states that legal tequila can only be produced in an area within roughly two hundred kilometers of Guadalajara. The NOM also requires that legal tequila must be at least 51% blue agave. Premium tequilas are typically 100% blue agave. Non premium tequilas bear a variety of sugars and are called “mixto”. “Tequila 100% puro de agave” is produced using only the sugars from the blue agave plant; and “mixto” is composed of 51% agave sugars and 49% other sugars.
The making of tequila is an interesting process and a trip to the tequila production area of Jalisco is well worth the trip. The agave fields are scenic and the distillers are friendly and proudly welcome visitors. You can have a very thorough explanation, tour and “tasting”.
From Agave to your shot glass
Small offshoots from grown agaves are planted and take up to 10 years to reach maturity.  When fully grown, the plant will reach a height of 5 to 6 feet. At this stage the agave begins to grow a central flower-bearing stalk. If left to grow, as in the wild, the stalk grows to 3 meters and is pollinated by a long-nosed bat. However, in cultivation this natural process is stopped. The outer plant is stripped bare, revealing the pina or inner core, which resembles a pinecone in shape. The pina is allowed to grow and ripen often reaching from 50 to 150lbs. When sufficiently ripened, the pina is harvested.
 
The pinas are halved and steamed in ovens or pressure cookers until soft. At this point the pinas can be crushed to produce the juice or miel which constitutes the basis of all tequila. Fermentation and aging follows.  Worms are not added. This persistent myth needs to be dispelled: true tequila does not contain a worm.
Tequila is classified according to one of five basic types:
  Blanco or Plata  (Silver, which is un-aged)
  Joven or Oro (Gold, from colorants and flavorings)
  Reposado (Aged/rested 2-12 months on oak)
  Añejo (Extra-aged, between 1 and 3 years on oak)
  Vintage Añejo (Ultra-aged over 3 years; rare since its inauguration in 2006)
The traditional way to drink tequila is to use a tall, narrow shot glass called a caballito or ‘little horse”.
  Shooters anyone? The proper order of the traditional method of drinking tequila is salt-tequila-lime: lick, sip, bite.
  Lick the back of your hand between your thumb and finger to moisten it. This holds the salt in place.
  Sprinkle a dash of salt on the wet spot. Now lick that salt
  Take a sip of tequila.
  Now bite into a slice of fresh Mexican lime.