(Family Features) As one of the world’s most popular spirits, tequila has a rich heritage rooted in traditional Mexican craftsmanship. Yet, many people may not be aware of its history or all that goes into producing the spirit. Understanding the production process can reveal the commitment to quality, artistry and craftsmanship that defines one of Mexico’s greatest treasures.
What is Tequila?
Tequila is a distilled spirit that can only be made from Blue Weber agave grown in five specific regions of Mexico: Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit and Tamaulipas. Blue Weber agave takes more than five years to mature and each agave plant is harvested only once.
Tequila is not just a spirit – it’s also a place. The town of Tequila in Jalisco, Mexico, is where this iconic spirit was born. The tequila industry as people know it began in 1758 when Jose Antonio de Cuervo was granted land in the region. By 1812, his family established La Rojeña, which remains the oldest tequila distillery in the world. Cuervo was the first to export tequila to the United States, setting the stage for tequila’s global expansion. Today, La Rojeña crafts many tequilas, including Cuervo Tradicional, Reserva de la Familia by Jose Cuervo and Maestro Dobel Tequila, following time-honored methods.
The Art of Tequila Production
The tequila-making process begins with cooking the inner portion of the agave, the piña, to convert the plant’s natural starches into fermentable sugars. After cooking, the juices from the piñas are extracted and separated from the agave fibers. These juices are then fermented using various yeast strains to convert the agave sugars to alcohol before the liquid is distilled.
The art of tequila production involves striking a balance between traditional methods and modern techniques to achieve consistency and quality. This process showcases the natural complexity and character of the Blue Weber agave plant, as well as the unique craftsmanship that goes into every bottle.
Favorite 100% Agave Blanco Tequilas
When searching for your next favorite tequila, consider one of these award-winning 100% agave options crafted with just three simple ingredients. Each tequila has been Mexican-family owned for 11 generations, uses estate-grown agave, recycles 100% of its agave fibers and treats 100% of the water used in the tequila-making process. To learn more about tequila production, visit TequilaFacts.org.
The Tequila That Invented Tequila
The original tequila created more than 230 years ago by the oldest tequila company and first agave farmers, Cuervo Tradicional Blanco follows the same family recipe that put tequila on the map. This award-winning 100% Blue Weber agave tequila offers herbaceous citrus notes balanced by spicy, sweet fruit and a clean finish. Cuervo is a protector of the industry, environment and Mexican communities at the heart of tequila.
How It’s Made: The agaves are aged at least 5 1/2 years before they’re cooked in traditional masonry brick ovens at La Rojeña for 36-40 hours. They’re then processed through roller mills to extract the juices.
The Best Taste in Tequila and in Life
Taking its name from the year tequila began gaining recognition beyond its humble origins in Jalisco, Mexico, 1800 Blanco Tequila features a floral, fruity aroma with hints of spice and black peppercorn with a balanced sweet prune and roasted pepper flavor, making it the perfect tequila to enjoy neat, on the rocks or incorporated in your favorite cocktail.
How It’s Made: Agave hearts are hand-harvested at peak maturity before the tequila is cooked in traditional masonry brick ovens for more than 36 hours, then double-distilled in copper pot stills. The tequila is a special selection of white tequilas blended for added complexity and flavor.
The Organic Crown Jewel of the Cuervo Family
Reserva de la Familia Organic Platino by Jose Cuervo is part of a collection of small-batch artisanal tequilas, 100% organically certified and handcrafted with meticulous care. This bright, unaged tequila features a unique, sweet and spicy palate with notes of melon, honey and hay, culminating in a clean finish highlighted by warm cinnamon spice. As a 100% certified organic product, it is one of the finest, most sustainable ultra-premium tequilas on the market.
How It’s Made: This tequila is crafted following the ‘Esencia de Agave’ process – a proprietary process created by Cuervo and known only by the distillers. This method allows the agave notes to retain their original character and shine through in the aroma and flavor of the finished product.
Mexico’s No. 1 Tequila
An award-winning, 100% Blue Weber agave tequila, Gran Centenario Plata is the favorite tequila of Mexico. Originated in 1857 by the first Master Distiller of tequila, this blanco presents vibrant fruit characteristics of pear, lime and citrus, complemented by subtle black pepper undertones.
How It’s Made: This blanco tequila is unique because it is matured in American Oak pipónes for 4-6 weeks, contributing to its distinctive straw color. The surface contact ratio of the pipónes is smaller than a barrel, which allows for less exposure to the wood, creating a nuanced flavor profile when compared to other blancos.
An Uncommonly Smooth Tequila for Any Occasion
A beloved tequila in Mexico, Maestro Dobel Blanco is crafted from single estate agaves that are slow-cooked in masonry ovens. Distilled twice, the resulting liquid is sweet, featuring caramel, honey, maple, walnut and vanilla tones alongside an indescribable softness and smooth finish.
How It’s Made: The agaves are harvested before the rainy season to create a greater concentration of carbohydrates, adding depth of flavor and producing a smooth, complex blanco tequila.
