Tequila Flashcards
What is the difference between ‘Tequila’ and ‘100% Agave Tequila’ as recognized by the official standard fo Mexico
- ‘Tequila’ must be produced from a base of at least 51% blue agave, while the other 49% may come from other sugars
- With a certificate of approval from the Ministry of Economy, ‘Tequila’ may be transported in bulk and bottled outside of the designated area. ‘100% agave’ must be bottled within the tequila-proucing area
What are some of the ‘mellowing agents’ that may be used to treat reposado and anejo tequila? At what level?
Caramel coloring, natural oak or Encino oak extract, glycerin, and sugar syrup.
Maximum 76g/L for sugar, or 1% total of all materials bt volume
What were some other uses for the agave plant prior to being discovered it could be made into a beverage?
- Agave fiber was used as rope and binding cords
- The broad, durable leaves were used for roof thatching
- Thin, sharp thorns provided needles for sewing
What 4 states (aside from Jalisco) allow for the production of tequila?
Tamaulipas, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Michoacan
What are the two main regions of tequila production in Jalisco?
The Amatitan/Lowlands and Los Altos/Highlands
What are some defining characteristics of Lowland tequilas?
Crisper, more vegetal, earthy, with black pepper and spice flavors
What are some defining characteristics of Highland tequilas?
Softer, fruiter, highly floral
List the steps of tequila production
- Harvest
- Cooking
- Extraction
- Fermentation
- Distillation
- Dilution
- Maturation
- Bottling
How long does it take an agave plant to mature before it’s ready to be harvested?
6-8 years
How do the jimadors prepare an agave for harvest?
They remove the central flower spike, which forces the plant to send its sap into the heart
What are bagazo?
leftover fibers from the extraction process. Sometimes added during the fermentation process to impart complexity
Term used for the fermented liquid ready to be distilled into tequila
Mosto
Typical ABV of Mosto after fermentation is complete
4-8%
Name and alcohol content of El Corazon from the first distillation
Ordinario or tequila primero. Alcohol content of 25%
Name and ABV of the tequila coming off the second distillation
tequila refino or vino refino. 55-60%
How does the definition of ‘oro’ differ from ‘tequila’ to ‘100% agave’?
When applied to 100% agave, ‘oro’ indicates the blending of young tequilas with aged tequilas
When applied to mixto tequila, ‘oro’ indicates a young tequila that has been mellowed.
Define: Pulque
Pulque is to tequila as beer is to whiskey. It is a fermented beverage produced from the sap of the maguey
What does NOM stand for?
Norma Oficial Mexicana
Offical standard of Mexico
According to NOM, approved bottling ABV for Tequila
35-55%
Term for the juice that accumulates in the agave’s central stem
Aquamiel (honey water)
Two terms used for the swollen portion of the agave
Pina (Pineapple)
Cabeza (Head)
How do the Lowlands and Highlands physically differ?
Lowlands: located in east/central Jalisco, and the warmer of the two regions. 1300m above sea level
Highlands: located in north/central Jalisco, 2000m above sea level
What are six factors that influence the flavor of tequila?
1) Amount and quality of agave
2) Other base materials
3) Water
4) Fermentation
5) Distillation
6) Maturation
