Tequilas will differ in taste depending on their ingredients. This alcoholic drink will make you feel great in just a few sips. Many revelers choose it as their drink of choice. Tequila cocktails and margaritas are also made by mixing tequila with other drinks so as to achieve different flavors. All tequila is made in Mexico and it comes in a wide variety of flavors. From sweet to earthy tastes and everything in-between, there is tequila to suit all tastes and preferences. What determines what the final tequila bottle tastes like? There are several factors and here is a look at them.
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The Plant from Which it is Made
Tequila, like many other mezcals, is made from an agave plant. This plant is cooked to extract its sugars and the liquid is then fermented. It is later distilled and sold or it may be aged in barrels. There are various types of agave plants. Specifically, mezcals are made from leafy agave plants collectively known as magueyes. The type of plant used in making the drink determines its final taste. Real tequila is made from Weber’s blue agave also known as Agave tequilana. This is important to understand because many people confuse mezcal and tequila drinks. Mezcal drinks are made from agave plants while tequila is only made from the blue agave plant.
The Soil on Which the Plants Grow
Where the blue agave used to make the tequilas grows makes a huge difference in the drink’s final taste. Agaves grown in low lands give an earthy flavor while those on highlands give a sweet and fruitier taste. This can be attributed to geographical and climatic differences. The soil on the highlands is richer while the lowlands have a better water supply.
Tequilas Age
If you look at the types of tequila you will note that the classification is majorly based on the age of the drink. This age also determines how the drink tastes. In this case, age means how long the drink is left to stay in a barrel. Many alcoholic drinks are aged to make them smoother, increase the color depth, and other effects. Tequila drinks are available as un-aged, aged for a short period, or aged for a long period of time. Un-aged drinks are distilled and bottled immediately. This has a grassy taste with notes of the agave taste. Aging is done in wooden barrels during which the tequila gains a mellow and deep taste mixed with vanilla or caramel from the barrel. The longer tequila is aged, the smoother it is and the darker its color is.
Additives Added
The finest tequila is 100% agave but this is not always the case. Cheaper bottles will have other additives which also alter the taste. Sugar syrup, food coloring, and flavorings are some common additives. The final taste of the tequila will depend on the specific items added. Trying different brands can help you choose what you like the most. Ensure that the bottle you buy has at least 40% alcohol content.
How it Tequila Served
The final taste of tequila that will hit your taste buds will depend on how it is served. While some people prefer to take it as shots of plain tequila, others prefer cocktails. The plain tequila drink will have the flavors described above depending on the bottle you choose. If taken in cocktails, the taste will be a mixture of the tequila’s taste and that of other drinks used. Food items may also be added to tequila to enhance its flavor. It is common practice to take tequila with lime and salt in America. In Mexico, tequila is taken with a side of sangria which is a spicy and sour drink made from orange juice hot chili, and tomato juice. Many other variations are available.
Bottom Line
The taste of tequilas is varied and different. Where the agave is grown, the aging and additive are the main determinants of the taste. You can choose any type of tequila that suits your taste buds. Trying out different brands will help you make an informed choice. Taking tequila with other food items like lime, salt, or cocktails helps reduce the burning effect this drink has on the throat. No matter what you prefer, tequila is a great alcoholic drink you will enjoy having.
