Tequila
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Tequila has a great flavor profile that mixes well into a variety of cocktails. There are, of course, the margaritas and frozen cocktails in which tequila is mixed with any fruit imaginable. It also makes a perfect base for spicy cocktails and is very popular for party shots.
- Distilled From: Tequila is distilled from the fermented juices of the agave plant.
- Flavor Profile: Most tequila has a vegetal, earthy flavor with semi-sweet and spicy tones.
- Aged: Blanco (or silver) tequila is un-aged. Reposado and añejo tequilas are aged, often in used whiskey (bourbon) oak barrels. Gold tequila is blended.
- Produced In: Tequila can only be made in Mexico. Agave spirits produced outside of Mexico cannot be labeled "tequila."
- Styles: Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, Extra-Añejo, Gold (Other agave spirits are mezcal, pulque, sotol, raicila, and baconara, but these are not "tequilas.")
- Alcohol Content: Typically 40 to 50 percent ABV (80 to 100 proof)
- Regulations: Tequila is the most tightly regulated liquor. The laws are defined under an Appellation of Origin, which was first adopted in 1978, and the industry is overseen by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT).
