Welcome, amigos! Today, we’re going to talk about one of the most glorious drinks of all time – tequila! For most of us, it’s a party starter, a social lubricant, and the perfect shot that lifts our spirits up. But did you know that there’s a lot more to tequila than its drunk shenanigans? Tequila is steeped in history and mystique, and we’re going to uncover some intriguing tequila trivia that’ll blow your mind. So, grab a shot or a margarita, and let’s dive into the world of tequila.
The Basics of Tequila
Before we go into the fascinating details of tequila trivia, let’s start with the ABCs of tequila basics.
Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant predominantly grown in the Jalisco state of Mexico. It’s a transparent liquid, but the aged ones, like Añejo and Reposado, have a golden amber hue, thanks to the oak barrels they’re aged in. Tequila is a protected designation of origin (PDO) product, meaning that it can only be called tequila if it’s made in Mexico’s five designated states – Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, or Tamaulipas.
Tequila is classified into four types based on its ageing process and required barrel time. Blanco(white) or Silver tequila is unaged or aged less than two months. Reposado rests in oak barrels for two to twelve months, while Anejo ages for one year to three years. Extra Anejo or ultra-aged tequila must mature for over three years.
Tequila Trivia
Now that we know the basics let’s get into the fun part – tequila trivia. Here are some exciting facts about tequila that you didn’t know.
1. Tequila is not just made from the Blue Agave plant.
While the Blue agave is the star of tequila, other types of agave can also be used to make mezcal. Mezcal, by definition, is any agave-based liquor that is not supposed to be called tequila. There are over 200 species of agave plants around the world, but only a few of them are used to make tequila or mezcal.
2. Tequila is a Mezcal, not the other way around.
Tequila is a type of mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila. To be called tequila, the spirit has to be made in specific regions and follow strict standards set by the Mexican law. Mezcal, however, can be made anywhere in Mexico from any species of agave.
3. The worm in tequila is a gimmick.
We all know about the worm that frequents tequila bottles, but did you know that it’s just a clever marketing gimmick? The worm, or more accurately, the “gusano,” is a caterpillar that feeds on agave leaves, but it’s not supposed to be in tequila bottles. It was just a ploy by some distilleries to add a fun element to the tequila. It’s rare to find it in tequila bottles now, and even if you do, it’s not worth eating it.
4. Tequila can help you lose weight.
Now, this is a little counterintuitive, but tequila has been found to aid in weight loss. Agavins, a type of natural sugar found in tequila, triggers insulin production, which in turn helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduce appetite. However, the mixers we use in tequila drinks, like syrups and sodas, cancel out the benefits of tequila. So, if you want to lose weight, stick to drinking tequila straight or on the rocks.
5. Mexico has a Tequila train.
If you’re a true tequila aficionado, the Tequila Express should be on your bucket list. The Tequila Express is a tourist train that runs from Guadalajara to Tequila, taking you on a scenic ride through the agave fields and distilleries. You get to sample and learn about tequila during the journey, and it’s the perfect way to experience Mexican culture and hospitality.
6. The oldest tequila distillery in Mexico is Hacienda Corralejo.
Now, this is a question that most tequila enthusiasts ask – “what is the oldest tequila distillery in Mexico?”The answer is Hacienda Corralejo, located in the town of Guanajuato. The Hacienda Corralejo was founded in 1755 by Don Pedro Sanchez de Tagle, and it’s been producing tequila ever since. The distillery prides itself on being one of the few tequila brands that still use clay ovens and copper alembic stills to preserve the traditional methods of tequila-making.
7. Tequila is a painkiller.
Tequila’s magical properties extend beyond its ability to make us feel happy and alive. It’s been found that drinking tequila can help relieve pain. Tequila contains compounds called agavins that stimulate the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. So, the next time you’re nursing a painful hangover, skip the aspirin, and down a shot of tequila instead.
8. Tequila has its glassware.
Just like wine and whiskey, tequila has its unique glassware. The traditional tequila glass is called Copita, and it’s a small, narrow vessel that allows for a better concentration of aromas. The Copita glass is perfect for sipping on tequila and experiencing its complexities, just like a wine glass would do for wine.
9. Mexico celebrates National Tequila Day.
If you’re a fan of tequila, then mark your calendars for July 24th. It’s National Tequila Day in Mexico, and it’s the perfect occasion to drink tequila and celebrate Mexican culture. The day is celebrated with tequila tastings, ceremonies, and fun events that showcase the best of tequila.
10. Tequila can be a luxury drink.
Tequila is not just a cheap party drink anymore. Aged tequilas like Anejo and Extra Anejo can be as expensive as the finest scotch and whiskey. In fact, Some of the world’s most luxurious tequilas come with an astronomical price tag. For example, Clase Azul Ultra, a brand of tequila, comes in a handcrafted decanter adorned with platinum and 24k gold. A single bottle of Clase Azul Ultra costs over $30,000, making it one of the world’s most expensive spirits.
Conclusion
And there you have it, amigos, some fascinating tequila trivia that you can use to impress your friends while enjoying some tequila drinks. Remember, tequila isn’t just a drink; it’s a cultural symbol of Mexico, and every sip tells a story. So, the next time you raise a glass of tequila, toast to the history and traditions of this beloved spirit. Salud!
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