Tequila Connoisseur

What is Tequila | Making Tequila | Tequila Glossary | Tequila Trivia

Tequila Trivia
Index to the most asked questions.

Is tequila made of cactus?
No, tequila is made from the Blue Agave plant, a type of maguey, which is closer to the Lily family than it is to cactus.

What's with the worm?
There is no worm in tequila. Sometimes the worms, called gusanos, are placed in mezcal, but never in tequila.

What does aging mean?
Aging is the process by which tequila is stored in wooden barrels to gradually absorb flavors and aromas. Reposado tequilas are rested in large wooden vats for no more than 11 months. Añejo tequilas are aged for a minimum of 12 months in American White Oak barrels that once held whiskey or bourbon. The barrels are charred to enhance the release of sugars and other flavorings in the wood.

What is a Los Altos tequila?
Los Altos is a specific, high-altitude growing region for Blue Agaves. Los Altos agaves tend to be larger, wild, and due to higher sugar content have a shorter window of peak maturation.

What's the difference between mixto tequila and 100% Blue Agave?
100% Blue Agave tequilas are just that. They tend to have more distinctive agave flavor (like single malt scotches). Mixto tequilas are made from at least 51% blue agave sugars with the rest derived from other sugars. They tend to have less agave character (more like blended scotches).

What gives tequila its color?
Unaged tequilas are colorless unless caramel sugars have been added. All other tequilas are aged in wood barrels, which impart some color. Really dark colored tequilas likely had caramels added, or they may have been aged in brand new, charred oak barrels. When aged naturally, the color should vary between light yellow to golden.

What should tequila taste like?
Blanco: clean, fresh agave fruit with hints of citrus, pepper and spice.
Jove Avocado: fresh and smooth, a touch sweeter than Blanco, with interesting aromatics.
Reposado: a more delicate softness and more developed finish.
Gran Reposado: the fine qualities of reposado taken a step further.
Añejo: smooth and complex, with layers of caramel, spice, fruit and smoke.

What's the best tequila?
It's a matter or personal taste, but the highest quality tequila is made from the finest Blue Agave. It is fermented and distilled under spotless conditions, and uses only natural materials without chemical additions.