Did you know that this Thursday, July 24, is National Tequila Day? If you’re like most people, you probably didn’t even know that this holiday existed. National Margarita Day, which falls is February, has in recent years received increased media attention. But there’s more to tequila than margaritas, so it’s about time that this south of the border favorite is recognized for its own nuances and flavors.
A little background for those who aren’t familiar with tequila. Like it’s neighbor to the north Kentucky bourbon, which must be produced following certain rules and guidelines, tequila by Mexican law must be made in Mexico, specifically in the state of Jalisco and limited areas in Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit and Tamaulipas. It is produced from blue agave, and more than 300 million blue agave plants are harvested for tequila production in Jalisco annually. Higher-end tequilas are made with 100 percent pure blue agave, while cheaper brands, called mixtos, use less. By law, however, all tequila must contain at least 51 percent agave.
There are five different categories of tequila, each based on how long the distilled tequila is aged.
Blanco: bottled immediately after distillation.
Joven: blanco that is flavored or blended with aged spirits.
Reposado: aged two months to one year.
Añejo: aged one to three years.
Extra añejo: aged at least three years.
If your last experience with tequila included the words “lick it, suck it, slam it,” and ended with a pounding headache the following morning, you might be thrilled to know that tequila has grown up and that there are now numerous premium brands available on the market.
“Maybe you have in your mind tequila from 30 years ago. It is different because now all tequila producers in Jalisco really are researching and investing for quality,” says Cirilo Oropeza (pictured), master distiller for the super-premium craft brand Espolón. “Years ago, [slamming tequila] was necessary. But now you can enjoy your tequila without salt, without lemon. You can enjoy it straight.”
Following are a few more fun facts about Mexico’s favorite drink, courtesy of my friends at Blue Nectar Spirits Company. And don’t forget to check back on Thursday for some tasty recipes to help you celebrate National Tequila Day in style.
Veni, Vidi, Bibi!
—Rebecca
Photos © Dave Pisani