TEQUILA FACTS Flashcards
What is tequila made from?
Tequila is made from the fermented juice of the blue agave plant.
The liquor must be made in Mexico to be called tequila.
What percentage of blue agave must tequila be distilled from?
Tequila must be distilled from a minimum of 51% blue agave. The best tequila is made from 100% blue agave.
What is the fruit of the blue agave referred to as?
The fruit of the blue agave is referred to as a ‘pineapple’.
How is white tequila different from gold tequila?
White tequila is bottled with no aging, while gold tequila is aged at least one year.
What does ‘Añejo’ tequila mean?
‘Añejo’ tequila is aged at least 3 years in small oak barrels.
Where is the finest agave grown?
The finest agave is grown around the area of Jalisco, Mexico.
What is the difference between tequila and mezcal?
Tequila is to mezcal, as cognac is to brandy. Mezcal is a lower quality type of tequila traditionally made from the mescal plant or different cactus species.
How is tequila traditionally served?
Tequila is traditionally served ‘neat’ as a shot. The customer will lick the back of their hand, sprinkle salt on it, then lick the salt, ‘slam’ the shot of tequila and bite or suck on the lime wedge. Hence the phrase, ‘Lick it, Slam it, Suck it’.
