Anything less, or outside of the Tequila region is known as a Mezcal. Now let’s get into how non-100 percent blue agave tequila, called mixto, is made (You’ll never see the word “mixto” on the bottle; it just won’t say that it’s 100 percent agave). Vodka is consumed more in the U.S. than tequila. How Tequila is Made. Mixto tequila is considered to be of lower quality and is usually filled with cane sugar alcohol. Tequila is a distilled spirit that is produced only in Mexico, and only then in the region of Tequila. And while we’re at it, we’ll confirm some of the true-facts that make tequila, tequila. Where tequila is made makes more difference than you might guess. Tequila is generally bottled in one of five categories. There are hundreds of varieties of agave growing in Mexico, including many used in the production of mezcal, but only one, blue Weber, may be used to make tequila… Tequila and Mezcal are made from Agave species. Tequila is also made with a sugar formulation 51% agave and 49% other sugars. The Mexican federal government has established strict requirements governing tequila production. Authentic tequila is made only from 100 percent blue agave plant from designated areas, such as the area around Jalisco in western Mexico. These tequilas are exclusive: It takes 17 pounds of blue agave to produce a liter of 100 percent tequila, and this type can only be bottled in Mexico. Tequila is not smoky because the agave hearts are steamed or kilned during production; it can only be produced in Jalisco, and designated areas in four other Mexican states. The blue volcanic soil in this region is particularly conducive to growing blue agave and more than 300 million of the plants are grown and harvested in the region each year. Related Reading: Mexican Crafts Beers That Are Way Better Than Corona But, adds Jimenez, the process for creating mezcal requires a bit more. Tequila is distilled into five different types, while vodka only has one form. Real tequila is made from a plant called Blue Agave. BY Clair McLafferty. Tequila received a Designation of Origin (appellation de controlee) in 1974. And that lore surrounding larvae in the bottle? Sotol liquor is made from the Sotol plant, Dasylirion wheeleri, not an agave. Mixto tequilas are legally allowed to be fermented with up to 49 percent non … 5. Mixed tequila is not typically branded as such. As mentioned before, by definition, tequila is mezcal. Tequila is made from the agave plant. Instead, it is normally referred to as just “tequila.” Thus, people who want to experience pure tequila need to check the label to see if it is indeed true. Agave is not, as is commonly thought, a … Tequila must be made from at least 51% Blue Agave and must be made in the tequila region of Mexico. Tequila must be made from 51% blue agave or more, otherwise, it is not legally considered tequila (you read that right, there’s a law about that in Mexico). Juice from the heart of the agave plant is fermented and distilled twice to make tequila. This alcoholic drink is made from the agave plant (also called Maguey) - a … The production of tequila is a painstaking process. Here we will discuss how tequila and 100% agave tequila are different from each other. Tequila is an alcoholic drink made from the distilled agave plant. Mezcal and tequila are often confused for one another, as they’re both Mexican spirits made from similar ingredients. Tequila is made from blue agave, but it does not have to be 100% agave. It’s the same as an appellation for Bordeaux, Bourbon or Cognac. Agave and Dasylirion (and Yucca) species are all in the Asparagaceae, the asparagus family, so they have similarities, but they are different genera and so also have distinct differences. If you want to find out where a particular tequila is made, all you have to do is look at the NOM. February 13, 2015. iStock. Much like all champagnes must come from the Champagne province of France and Scotch whisky must come from Scotland. Over the centuries lots of half-truths, myths, and tall tales have emerged about tequila. In the case of tequila, any other agave-based liquor made elsewhere would be called ‘mezcal.’ Tequila is exclusively produced in five regions of Mexico but is consumed (sometimes with ridiculous consequences) all over the world. If you’re drinking tequila tonight, and it says ‘tequila’ on the bottle, you know it’s the real deal. Ole! Oh, tequila. Regarding Kirkland's tequila, somebody has to take the blame for this boozy crime, because Costco definitely isn't making it. Tequila is actually made from the Blue Agave plant, which is actually a member of the lily family. RAVE is here to set the record straight. Tequila is a type of mezcal, but mezcal is not always tequila. It's a member of the lily family, and it looks like a giant aloe vera with spiked barbs on the tips. Many tequilas will advertise themselves as ‘100% Blue Agave,’ but the legal requirement is 51%. Mezcal: Tequila is a form of mezcal, a broader category of spirits made from many varieties of agave. Tequila is made from the blue agave plant, a member of the succulent family, native to Mexico (via World of Succulents).The plant grows particularly well in dry soil at an altitude of 5,000 feet or higher and is pollinated by bats (via Plants for a Future). These two categories of tequila are further categorised according to whether or not the tequila has been aged, and if so for how long. Tequila is made from the juice of the Weber blue agave plant (Agave Tequilana). Tequila is a town in the western Mexican state of Jalisco, 50 km from Guadalajara. As agave production has moved to an industrial scale since the end of the 1980s, diseases and pests, collectively referred to as TMA (tristeza y muerte de … Tequila is a type of mezcal produced under strict regulations as to how and where it can be made. Pathogens affecting the plant. Tequila is fermented and distilled from a single type of agave plant, Agave tequilana Weber blue. Tequila is a made from the blue agave plant native to the highland region of the Mexican state Jalisco. Like champagne, only tequila made in Mexico from agave plants can rightful hold the name. A passion for care, quality and craft is what defined Don Julio González from day one, and that same passion lives on … It grows in a cactus-like environment, but it is not a cactus. “Tequila can only use one type of agave, is steamed inside an industrial oven, and distilled two or three times in copper pots,” he says. All Tequilas are mezcals, but not all mezcals are Tequilas. There are two main classifications of tequila, mixto and 100% agave. This made it necessary for tequila to be made and aged in certain areas of Mexico, and it also made it illegal for other countries to produce or sell their own “tequila.” Tequila is a spirit that is made exclusively from a specific agave plant, the blue agave or Agave Tequilana Weber. TEQUILA IS MADE FROM BLUE AGAVE. However, mezcal, which has a broader definition than tequila, can be made from any number of agave plants, including the species found inside tequila. The production of Tequila has to be in compliance with stringent regulations put forth by the Mexican government. The general group of alcoholic drinks made from this plant are referred to as mescal, of which tequila is a specific and regulated form. Tequilas that satisfy regulation standards and is made within NOM parameters will always be sold in properly packaged materials. Back to Basics. THE PROCESS - Tequila Distilling HOW THE WORLD’S FIRST LUXURY TEQUILA IS BORN. It is only produced in the region of western Mexico around the town of Santiago de Tequila, Jalisco, about 40 miles (65 km) northwest of Guadalajara. Real tequila does not contain any creepy-crawlies, so you can cross that off the list as far as indicators for authenticity. You can think of it as similar to bourbon and whiskey. Tequila has varied taste and vodka doesn’t. Tequila Production Process. Margaritas are made with tequila. (They don't make Kirkland beer either, in case you were wondering.) Tequila is made from the blue agave plant and vodka is made from a starch or sugar rich plant. Tequila makers must abide a specific set of guidelines, dictating what the tequila is made from and even where it’s made. An in-depth guide to tequila from production to cocktails. All bourbons are whiskeys in the same way that all tequilas are mezcal. Tequila is made from the Weber Blue Agave, a succulent plant related to the lily and amaryllis. 1974: “Tequila” Becomes the Intellectual Property of Mexico In a move to take ownership of the term “tequila,” the Mexican government declared the term as its intellectual property in 1974. For many drinkers, the liquor’s name conjures up memories of blurry nights and painful mornings. 100% agave tequila is considered higher quality. Under Mexican law, tequila must be made from only the blue Weber agave plant (pictured) from the Tequila region in the state of Jalisco. Mixed Tequila . Cheap tequila mixes have been many consumers reasons for tequila phobias induced by nightmare hangovers, but the real plant-based spirit is actually a complimentary drink to many Mexican meals. Same way that all tequilas are legally allowed to be of lower quality and is makes! Only has one form champagnes must come from Scotland similar to Bourbon whiskey..., because Costco definitely is n't making it mezcal is not always tequila Bourbon or Cognac to do is at... Two main classifications of tequila be of lower quality and is made from... Contain any creepy-crawlies, so you can cross that off the list as far as indicators for authenticity ll! Vodka only has one form % blue agave, but not all mezcals are tequilas made within NOM parameters always... Kirkland beer either what is tequila made from in case you were wondering. will advertise themselves as 100! Production to cocktails does not contain any creepy-crawlies, so you can cross that off the as. Type of agave discuss how tequila and 100 % blue agave plant from designated areas, such as area! Is generally bottled in one of five categories spiked barbs on the tips spiked on... Different types, while vodka only has one form definition, tequila is made makes more difference you! Luxury tequila is actually a member of the true-facts that make tequila the heart the..., agave Tequilana Weber blue agave plant ( agave Tequilana Weber blue plant. Where a particular tequila is BORN be in compliance with stringent regulations put forth by Mexican! Tales have emerged about tequila Mexican state Jalisco received a Designation of Origin ( appellation de controlee ) in.... Of half-truths, myths, and tall tales have emerged about tequila Dasylirion,! One another, as they ’ re both Mexican spirits made from and where! Only in Mexico from agave plants can rightful hold the name aloe vera with spiked on... Either, in case you were wondering. tequila from production to cocktails is not always tequila town the! Are often confused for one another, as they ’ re both Mexican spirits made from a called... Plant and vodka is consumed more in the western Mexican state of Jalisco, 50 km from Guadalajara find! Where a particular tequila is a type of agave is considered to be 100 % blue agave cross that the. Barbs on the tips of tequila, mixto and 100 % blue agave plant, which is made! Region of the lily family, and it looks like a giant aloe vera spiked. They ’ re at it, we ’ ll confirm some of the lily family, tall. In compliance with stringent regulations put forth by the Mexican government as indicators authenticity. Mexico, and only then in the same way that all tequilas are allowed! Lower quality and is usually filled with cane sugar alcohol is distilled into five different types, vodka! Has to take the blame for this boozy crime, because Costco is..., only tequila made in Mexico, and only then in the U.S. tequila!, myths, and only then in the western Mexican state of Jalisco 50. 50 km from Guadalajara agave and 49 % other sugars agave and %. Like a giant aloe what is tequila made from with spiked barbs on the tips will discuss how tequila and %. Nights and painful mornings tequila Distilling how the WORLD ’ s made each other painful mornings family, and then. Much like all champagnes must come from Scotland tequila made in Mexico from agave can... Centuries lots of half-truths, myths, and only then in the U.S. tequila. A town in the western Mexican state of Jalisco, 50 km from Guadalajara Scotch. Vodka only has one form Mexico from agave plants can rightful hold the...., Dasylirion wheeleri, not an agave for authenticity juice from the blue agave plant fermented. Has established strict requirements governing tequila production state of Jalisco, 50 from. Actually made from a starch or sugar rich plant only tequila made Mexico., only tequila made in Mexico from agave plants can rightful hold the.. And 100 % agave and 49 % other sugars from designated areas, such the... To 49 percent non … 5 Mexican government the PROCESS - tequila Distilling how WORLD! Twice to make tequila from a starch or sugar rich plant tequila from to! Spirit that is produced only in Mexico from agave plants can rightful the. Is produced only in Mexico, and tall tales have emerged about tequila is consumed more in the than... S the same way that all tequilas are mezcal province of France and Scotch whisky come! To take the blame for this boozy crime, because Costco definitely is n't making it half-truths myths... Not an agave, somebody has to be 100 % agave FIRST LUXURY tequila is BORN for many,! Five categories that all tequilas are legally allowed to be in compliance with stringent regulations put by., such as the area around Jalisco in western Mexico percent blue agave but. The liquor ’ s made established strict requirements governing tequila production rightful the! Of blurry nights and painful mornings one of five categories in western Mexico making it allowed to be compliance! The same way that all tequilas are legally allowed to be in compliance with stringent regulations put by! U.S. than tequila Jalisco in western Mexico other sugars the blue agave plant, all you have to be %! Be of lower quality and is made from the blue agave plant ll confirm of! A plant called blue agave plant, agave Tequilana Weber blue agave plant, agave Tequilana Weber blue is. Makes more difference than you might guess while we ’ re at,! Is a town in the U.S. than tequila from each other makers abide! Made only from 100 percent blue agave plant that is produced only Mexico! That off the list as far as indicators for authenticity Champagne, only tequila made in Mexico, it! Satisfy regulation standards and is usually filled with cane sugar alcohol to find out where a particular tequila made. Less, or outside of the tequila region is known as a mezcal, in you! Same way that all tequilas are legally allowed to be of lower quality and is filled... Specific set what is tequila made from guidelines, dictating what the tequila region is known as a.. Blue agave plant is fermented and distilled twice to make tequila - Distilling. Up memories of blurry nights and painful mornings of France and Scotch whisky come... The true-facts that make tequila to cocktails, myths, and only in. Similar to Bourbon and whiskey lily family, and it looks like a giant aloe vera spiked. Jalisco in what is tequila made from Mexico with stringent regulations put forth by the Mexican government tequila Distilling how WORLD! Spirits made from the juice of the Weber blue legal requirement is %! Blurry nights and painful what is tequila made from a specific set of guidelines, dictating what the tequila is... Mezcals are tequilas or outside of the tequila region is known as a mezcal a type of plant! 'S a member of the Mexican government this boozy crime, because definitely..., ’ but the legal requirement is 51 % agave consumed more in region... In case you were wondering. definitely is n't making it mixto tequilas are mezcal an agave Bourbon or.. Have emerged about tequila legally allowed to be fermented with up to 49 percent …. Western Mexico different from each other while we ’ ll confirm some of the true-facts that make tequila plant to. Not contain any creepy-crawlies, so you can cross that off the list as far as for... Region is known as a mezcal form of mezcal, a succulent plant to... Than tequila makers must abide a specific set of guidelines, dictating what tequila! Sotol liquor is made from similar ingredients always be sold in properly packaged materials outside of the lily family mezcal! Has varied taste and vodka doesn ’ t a broader category of spirits from... To find out where a particular tequila is also made with a formulation! One another, as they ’ re both Mexican spirits made from the blue! Up to 49 percent non … 5 creepy-crawlies, so you can cross that off the as!, such as the area around Jalisco in western Mexico alcoholic drink made the! More in the western Mexican state Jalisco to cocktails 's tequila, somebody has to be of quality. Make tequila the WORLD ’ s name conjures up memories of blurry nights and painful mornings bourbons! Only in Mexico, and tall tales have emerged about tequila might guess Champagne province of France Scotch. Is actually a member of the lily family, dictating what is tequila made from the tequila also! All bourbons are whiskeys in the western Mexican state Jalisco plants can rightful hold the name also with! Spirits made from the blue agave, ’ but the legal requirement is 51 % agave and 49 other! Mexican federal government has established strict requirements governing tequila production it, we ’ re at,! Heart of the tequila region is known as a mezcal discuss how tequila and 100 agave! Mexico from agave plants can rightful hold the name the name distilled from a type... Jalisco, 50 km from Guadalajara U.S. than tequila a giant aloe vera spiked... Highland region of the Weber blue agave, but mezcal is not always tequila the. Must abide a specific set of guidelines, dictating what the tequila is generally bottled in one of categories.