Agave General

Question 1

What is the scientific name for Agave

Answer 1

Agave

Question 2

What is the genus of Agave

Answer 2

Agave

Question 3

What is the family of Agave

Answer 3

Asparagaceae (formerly Agavaceae)

Question 4

How many varietals of Agave are there

Answer 4

160 endemic to mexico / 200 in mexico / 250 in the world

Question 5

What species of are economically important

Answer 5

Agave Tequilana (aka Blue Agave) - for Tequila
Sisal, Henequen, Cantala - for Fiber
A. Americana - for Landscaping

Question 6

What does “Maguey” mean

Answer 6

Maguey is a descriptive word for the agave. It is unregulated and changes based on the region the agave is being grown and harvested

Question 7

T/F if the Maguey names are different then the Agave will be different

Answer 7

False. the Scientifc name is the only way to tell if it is the same plant. The Maguey name is only a desciptor and some people call one plant many different things.

Question 8

What is the meaning of “Mezcal”

Answer 8

it is short for Nahuatl Mexcalli - “Oven-cooked agave”

Question 9

Is Tequila a Mezcal

Answer 9

Yes, but is has rules based on its D.O. to be classified as Tequila

Question 10

What is a D.O.

Answer 10

Denomination of Origin. Term used to identify a product that originates within, and is produced exclusively by, a certain region of Mexico

Question 11

When did Tequila receive a DO

Answer 11

1974

Question 12

What is NOM and when did it start

Answer 12

1994 regulation of Tequila transferred to non-governmental body called CRT (El Cosejo Regulador del Tequila). They created and regulate tequila industry with “Norma Oficial Mexicana” standards

Question 13

What are the three main rules producers must follow

Answer 13

1. Every plant must be registered with CRT at time of planting and at harvest.
2. All Distilleries must test and record chemical analysis of product at various stages.
3. Each Barrel of aging tequila must be sealed by CRT official and can only be removed by official.

Question 14

What is a NOM identifier

Answer 14

it is a number used to trace all tequila to the distiller responsible for the production

Question 15

What did NOM-006-SCFI-2012 do

Answer 15

In 2012 this updated regulation stated that:
1. Blanco tequila may not have additives
2. Extra Anejo is allowed to have age statement
3. Bulk tequila can only be made by authorised producers
4. Agave must be registered during calendar year of its planting and updated yearly

Question 16

What is the approved region(s) to grow Tequila

Answer 16

Jalisco
Nayarit
Tamaulipas
Guanajuato
Michoacan

Question 17

Can tequila be produced anywhere in the approved mexican states listed for tequila production?

Answer 17

No. Only Jalisco can Tequla be produced anywhere in the state. The other four states have limited municipalities for production

Question 18

How many municipalities in Michoacan can produce tequila

Answer 18

30

Question 19

How many municipalities in Nayarit can produce tequila

Answer 19

8

Question 20

How many municipalities in Guanajuato can produce tequila

Answer 20

7

Question 21

How many municipalities in Tamaulipas can produce tequila

Answer 21

11 (was added in 1977)

Question 22

How many municipalities in Jalisco can produce tequila

Answer 22

125 (the entire state)

Question 23

Can Mezcal be made in the same states as Tequila

Answer 23

Yes, but not all. Only in parts of Guanajuato, Tamaulipas & Michoacan.

Question 24

What do you call “Tequla” that is made outside of DO area

Answer 24

Non Denomination of Origin

Question 25

When did Mezcal receive a DO

Answer 25

1994

Question 26

Does Bacanora have a DO

Answer 26

Yes in 2000

Question 27

Does Sotol have a DO

Answer 27

Yes in 2002

Question 28

How long does it take agave to grow

Answer 28

5-40 years depending on varietal

Question 29

Aged Tequila can have what additives

Answer 29

Glycerin
Oak extract
caramel coloring
sugar

Question 30

Does additives need to be discolosed in Aged Tequila

Answer 30

No