What Is Tequila Made From? Behind The Scenes Of The Process
The main source of tequila is the blue agave plant, but it is the process that holds the key to its distinct character and classification. Production begins with the cultivation of the blue Weber agave plant, which takes between six to eight years to mature fully. Once ready, the agave leaves are removed, exposing the core or piña, which is then harvested by hand using a sharp tool called a coa.
The piñas are slowly cooked in traditional masonry ovens or stainless steel autoclaves to break down complex carbohydrates into fermentable sugars. After baking, they are shredded or crushed to extract aguamiel, the sugary juice essential for fermentation. This liquid is then placed into fermentation tanks, where yeast converts the sugars into alcohol. Natural or cultured yeast strains may be used, depending on the producer’s flavour profile.
The fermented liquid undergoes double distillation in copper pot stills or stainless steel columns to separate impurities and concentrate the alcohol. Each stage defines tequila’s final texture, clarity, and flavour. Now that you know about the conventional process, get to know various types of tequila and popular tequila cocktails.
3 Types Of Tequila To Know About
1. Blanco Tequila
Blanco tequila, also known as silver or plata, is bottled immediately after distillation or rested in stainless steel for a short duration. It presents a clean, bright flavour with agave character, citrus notes, and slight peppery undertones. As it’s not barrel aged, the spirit offers crisp notes and works well in cocktails that highlight fresh ingredients or clear spirits. Ideal for classic tequila-forward serves, it provides clarity without interference from oak or time.
Drink To Try: Tequila Sunrise Cocktail
The Tequila Sunrise is known for its visual gradient and distinct character. It combines citrus brightness with a sweet, rounded finish, creating a layered drink. The primary flavour is fresh orange, supported by the sweetness of agave and soft fruit undertones from the sweetener. Its texture remains light, offering a clean texture.
2. Reposado Tequila
Reposado Tequila is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months and up to one year. This resting period imparts mild vanilla, soft spice, and light caramel notes without masking the original agave base. The balance between wood influence and vegetal complexity creates a layered texture suitable for structured cocktail builds. It bridges the gap between unaged brightness and matured depth. Reposado is often selected for cocktails requiring roundness or added aromatic complexity. The slight golden hue reflects controlled barrel ageing.
Drink To Try: Tequila Old Fashioned Cocktail
The Tequila Old Fashioned replaces whisky with a reposado or añejo base, for a drink that is rich and subtly spiced. It maintains the minimalism of the original recipe, allowing the spirit’s complexity to take focus. Notes of vanilla, soft oak, and light caramel emerge first, followed by pepper, honey, or citrus, depending on the base tequila.
3. Añejo Tequila
Añejo tequila is matured in oak barrels for one to three years, resulting in a spirit with rich flavour, robust colour, and fuller body. Ageing contributes layers of spice, chocolate, dried fruit, and toasted oak, complementing the original agave base. This process creates a texture with refined smoothness. Añejo works best in cocktails that benefit from complexity and subtle sweetness, similar to how aged whisky is used in traditional formats.
Drink To Try: Tequila Negroni Cocktail
The Tequila Negroni offers a unique reinterpretation of the traditional Negroni using añejo tequila in place of gin. This substitution creates an oaky flavour profile, balancing herbal bitterness with toasted sweetness and subtle spice. The aged agave spirit contributes notes of dried fruit as well as cocoa, forming a complex base for the vermouth and bitter components.
*Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
