3.2 REV Q (Tequila)

Question 1

Which country does tequila come from?

Answer 1

It must come from Mexico and only a couple regions. If it’s from Mexico but not those regions it’s called Mezcal.

Question 2

Which raw material is used for tequila production?

Answer 2

Blue agave

Question 3

What is the first stage of tequila production and what happens during the stage?

Answer 3

Processing Blue Agave

When a plant is harvested, the long spiky leaves are cut away to leave the hard core. The cores of blue agave are then cooked in ovens to make them soft and sweet. The core is then crushed, releasing a sweet juice.

Question 4

What is the second stage of tequila production and what happens during the stage?

Answer 4

Fermentation

The agave juice is mixed with water to create a sugary liquid that can be fermented. Tequila producers can add other sugars to the liquid before fermentation but at least 51% of the sugars must come from blue agave.

Question 5

What is the third stage of tequila production and what happens during the stage?

Answer 5

Distillation

Most tequilas are double pot distilled to a notably low strength and produces a very distinct and characterful spirit, with very recognisable herbaceous, peppery aromas.

Question 6

What is the fourth stage of tequila production and what happens during stage?

Answer 6

After distillation

The distiller can choose whether to age the newly made spirit or leave it unaged. Aged tequilas are rarely matured for very long periods because the oak aromas of vanilla and spice can easily mask the agave character of the spirit. Caramel colouring may be used before dilution.

Question 7

What are the two types of tequila and what are their characteristics?

Answer 7

1. Tequila 100% Agave: only blue agave was used to make the sugary liquid.
2. Tequila: blue agave and other sugars are added to the liquid.

Question 8

What are two types of unaged tequila and what are their characteristics?

Answer 8

1. Blanco or silver: unaged tequilas that are noted for their pure expression of agave flavours.
2. Joven, Oro or gold: coloured with carameld and have their flavour softened with other additives.

Question 9

What are the two types of aged tequila and what are their characteristics?

Answer 9

1. Reposado: aged in oak for 2 to 12 months as a softer spirit that retain their pronounced agave aromas instead of having prominent oak flavours.
2. Añejo: aged in oak for at least 12 months and have both agave and oak flavours.