Tequila is the most popular distilled beverage in the world and can only be produced in some parts of Mexico. Tequila is mostly consumed in the United States and Mexico than the rest of the world. This beverage is made from the agave plant, by distilling the fermented juices of the plant. The agave plant is a succulent and is a member of the lily family.
The agave plant used for making tequila is harvested after 7 to 10 years of growth. The leaves of the plant are then removed and the Piñas are quartered before slowly baking in steam. Piñas is a large bulb-like underground part of the agave plant. After the plant is baked well, it is crushed to extract the juice. This juice is then fermented by mixing it with yeast to convert the sugar present in the juice to alcohol.
Here are some important things to know about this exotic beverage.
The Meaning Of Tequila
The word tequila originates from the Nahuatl language that means “the place where plants are harvested.” According to the book “A Drink Named Tequila”, by Jose Maria Muria, the word tequila could also possibly mean “the place where a lot of work is done.”
Where Is Tequila Made?
The only country in the world that produces tequila is Mexico. It is mainly produced in the state of Jalisco and some other places like Nayarit, Tamaulipas, Guanajuato and Michoacan. Agave-based distilled drinks are also made outside of these regions. But they are called mescal instead of tequila.
How To Make Sure It Is Tequila?
If you are having a bottle in your hand, look at the label for 100 % agave tequila. This designation is only allowed for tequila bottles with no added sugars. If there is sugar or corn syrup added to the fermentation tank along with the agave plant juice during the manufacturing process, that type of tequila is called as mixto.
What Do You Mean By Anejo?
If you see Anejo in a bottle of tequila, it means old. You often see Anejo or extra Anejo listed on a bottle of tequila, which means you can expect deeper, woodier, tannic notes like black tea and chocolate that is layered over the agave flavor. This is the main reason why Codigo Anejo tequila is very popular.
What Does Reposado Mean?
The literal meaning of the word reposado is rest. The reposado tequila is the spirit that is usually matured in a cask for 2 to 11 months. During this period it gathers some slight vanilla and caramel flavors. Codigo Reposado tequila is one of the most popular tequilas in the United States.