Are you a Tequila expert?
Apr. 26, 2016
Tequila is a popular spirit with American consumers throughout the year, and it continues to grow in popularity. In 2015, sales of tequila increased over the previous year by 8.9% among off premise accounts and 8.5% at on premise locations, according to IRI and GuestMetrics data. Of course, the most popular time for tequila is definitely Cinco de Mayo. Whether your customers are long-time tequila drinkers or new fans of the spirit, they’re going to have questions. Brush up on your tequila trivia and get the limes ready!
HOW IS TEQUILA MADE?
Tequila producers in Mexico cultivate massive Blue Agave plants, which take nearly a decade to mature and have a giant, juice-filled pit called the "piña." The “jimadors” harvest, heat and crush the piñas to extract the agave juice that is the basis for all true Tequila. The juice is fermented, distilled and either bottled or aged in barrels. In keeping with Mexican law, only jimadors in Jalisco and parts of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit and Tamaulipas can call their product “tequila.”
HOW MANY MAIN TYPES OF TEQUILA ARE THERE?
Five. The types of 100% agave tequila are:
- Blanco (Silver) Tequila is not aged after distilling; it is known for an earthy, agave flavor
- Reposado (Rested) Tequila is aged in oak barrels for two months to a year; provides smooth taste without much bite
- Oro (Gold) Tequila is Blanco Tequila mixed with Reposado; great in mixed drinks
- Añejo (Old) Tequila is aged for one to three years in oak barrels; these are ideal for sipping and appreciating like a Scotch or Whiskey
- Extra Añejo tequila is aged in oak barrels for longer than three years and is generally considered Premium quality.
WHAT IS A "MIXTO" TEQUILA?
Mixtos are mixtures of agave and other ingredients, such as grain alcohol, coloring or syrups. The contents must be at least 51% agave to be considered Tequila. Mixtos are the most common choice for shooting tequila.
WHAT IS THE BEST TEQUILA FOR MARGARITAS?
Blanco, Reposado and Oro Tequilas are ideal. Blanco tequila provides a more authentic agave taste, but Reposados make for a smoother drink. Oro tequilas provide a balance between the two.
ARE YOU AN EXPERT NOW? TAKE OUR TEQUILA TRIVIA TEST AND FIND OUT!