What Is Tequila Made From? From Agave Harvesting to Bottling

Tequila is a Mexican spirit made from the agave plant. More specifically, Tequila is made from blue weber agave, a cactus indigenous to Mexico. Tequila can only be made from blue weber agave grown in four states in Mexico: Jalisco, Colima, Nayarit, and Aguascalientes.

Tequila is generally sold at around 70-80 proof. It is one of those spirits that is generally enjoyed very simply. It is probably the most common shot around the world, being consumed quickly from a single serving glass over the bar in many countries. Other than this, it is often served on the rocks, in a cocktail, most commonly the margarita.

To achieve the certification of a Tequila, there are several rules you must adhere to:

• The liquid must be made of a minimum of 51% blue weber agave. The other 49% can be additives like sugar etc. The ones worth paying for are 100% agave and advertise this feature on the bottle.
• The blue weber agaves must be between 7-9 years in age. They can grow up to 2 meters in this time!
• The agave is grown exclusively in one of these 4 states in Mexico: Jalisco, Colima, Nayarit, and Aguascalientes.
• The labeling of the bottle must clearly state the following categories: Name of Brand, ‘Tequila’, the category (100% agave or otherwise), Net Volume and ABV, and the NOM number. The batch number, name of the distillery, and description of origin (specifically ‘Hecho en Mexico’) must be found on the back of the bottle.

The Different Types of Tequila

There are three main tequila varieties: Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. The name Blanco is misleading. In Spanish, it means white. However, in tequila terms, Blanco is a translucent liquid. 

The three main varieties are all made in the same way, though Blanco is simply unaged.

Reposado is a slightly aged version of the Blanco, often up to a year. It has a gold-tinted color to it. It is probably the most common of tequila drinks. The reposado is often aged in American oak, more often than not in old Bourbon barrels.

Añejo is a much darker, syrupy-looking liquid. It is aged for up to four years in many cases. This tequila is so smooth, so dark, and so deeply sweet. It is often the most expensive of any tequila brands roster, due to its more laborious production process.

These are the three main different kinds of tequila, though there are sometimes flavored varieties within a company's products. Some tequilas are advertised as ‘silver’. Though these are the same as Blanco. 

There is also the existence of Cristalino tequila. This is an aged tequila, like añejo, that has been filtered to remove any impurities and color from it. The result is an entirely transparent tequila.

Also Read - Benefits of Tequila

Which are some of the famous brands?

Tequila has certainly got an established place in popular culture. It is referenced countless times in songs, tv shows, films, and more. We believe it is because of the fun and proven track record of a great night out that tequila is associated with.

At CWS, we have all of the best tequila brands. We think one of the top tequila brands is Patron. All of their products can be considered top-shelf, and some are sold at a reasonable price.

Another famous name in this spirit is the Casamigos brand of tequila. One of the most famous types of tequila is due to its owner, George Clooney. Despite the fame and acclaim associated with this brand, it is only as widely drunk as it is because it is an excellent product.

Another world favorite is Corralejo, for so many reasons! It is such an authentic-looking bottle, with mesmerizing artwork over the label. Made in Mexico for over 250 years, this is definitely one of the best tequila drinks around. What are some of the best ways to pair it with?

Check Out - What Goes Well With Tequila?

We hope you have enjoyed reading a bit about tequila and how it is made. The process of production between different spirits is fascinating with each variety posing different emphasis on different aspects of production. Tequila has the most amazing taste and the most fabulous association with fun! Have a look at our online store for some fabulous products.