History of Tequila

Tequila is made from the distilled sap from the heart of the Agave Plant; (The heart looks like a Pineapple and can weigh as much as 200 lbs.or more). The Agave plant is also known as “Maguey,” (This plant is a Succulent, related to the Lily family) not a Cactus, the term Cactus juice when used to describe Tequila is incorrect, another misconception is that Tequila and Mezcal are one and the same, there are a number of varieties of agave, blue being considered the best, Tequila is made only from the blue agave, whereas Mezcal is not. (Tequila is to Mezcal what Cognac is to Brandy)

  It is generally believed that over one thousand years before the Spaniards arrived in what is now known as “Mexico”the Indians had discovered that the sap from the heart of the Agave, when fermented for a few days, would produce a low alcohol beverage somewhat like wine, this beverage is called “Pulque”

The Spaniards being familiar with the distillation process realized that they could produce a much stronger drink (which was more to their liking) if they applied the distillation process to this beverage that the Indians were drinking, That was the birth of Tequila.

There are many legends and myths about Tequila, however, The Mexican Poet Alvaro Mutis wrote the the following“Tequila is a gift from the Gods, and they don’t offer fables when bestowing favors, that is the job of mortals.”

Today, The Mexican Government regulates the production of Tequila; there are four types of Tequila “white or silver” which is unaged, “Gold” which is unaged with the addition of color. “Reposado” which means Rested, and must be aged in oak barrels from 60 days to one year) “Anejo” which means aged, and must be aged in Mexican Government approved oak barrels sealed by the Mexican Government for a minimum of one year.

By Mexican Law to be called Tequila it must be made from a minimum of 51% agave, the balance can be from adding sugar (often sugar cane) The best and most expensive Tequilas are Anejo, made from 100% agave which by Mexican Law must be made in Mexico under the supervision of The Mexican government.

If the Label doesn’t say 100% agave: its not, The Label must say 100% agave, and, state the name of the Distillery and where it is located.

 For mixed drinks and cooking, the medium priced Tequilas should be used, however, the finer Tequilas should be treated with the same respect as a one would a fine cognac

Tequila was first imported to the United States sometime in the 1870’s,the prohibition years in the United States further promoted the popularity of Tequila.

Tequila Flambed Bananas.

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