More About Tequila
Tequila is really reaching its heyday with the recent approval of a $1.6 million grant to support the Tequila Trail, which is a tourism project in Jalisco. Much more detail can be found in the Inter-American Development Bank press release.
One of the reasons why tequila is getting to be so popular is due to more stringent government regulations in Mexico. In fact, true tequila can only be produced in the Mexican Tequila region. Here are some terms to remember:
- Tequila 100% Agave: It must be made with only blue agave and must be bottled in Mexico. It can be blanco, reposado, or anejo.
- Tequila: It must be made with at least 51% blue agave. It can be bottled elsewhere and can be blanco, gold, reposado, or anejo.
- Blanco (or Silver): This is the traditional clear tequila. It must be bottled right after distillation and is traditionally served in 2 oz. glasses called caballitos.
- Oro (or Gold): This is clear tequila with coloring and flavoring added such as caramel. This is what usually goes in margaritas.
- Reposado (or Rested): This is aged for 2-11 months in white oak casks called pipones. It’s pale in color and mellower than blanco or oro.
- Anejo (or Aged): This is matured for a year or more in casks that are no larger than 159 gallons. This is an amber color with oak flavor.
- Reserva: This is technically not defined as a category of tequila. However, it’s usually Anejo aged up to eight years.
