The Ultimate Tequila Tasting

Description

Bring your friends to The WhiskyShop for the ultimate tequila-tasting experience in Johannesburg and Cape Town 

This is the deal:

• Tequila tasting experience for 4 people

WhiskyShop brings you the ultimate tequila-tasting experience in Johannesburg and Cape Town!

Whether you’re entertaining a large group, hosting a holiday celebration, or just looking for new ways to expand your tastebuds, a tequila tasting can be an exciting and enjoyable experience for you and your friends. 

One Tequila, two Tequila, three Tequila floor! Want to know more?

Tequila is a recognised Appellation of Origin Controlled area(AOC) and can only originate from an official delimited region which includes 181 municipalities in 5 Mexican States. That consists of the entire state of Jalisco and specific bordering areas of the surrounding states of Guanajuato, Michoacan and Nayarit and the small area in the state of Tamaulipas.

Its consists of 2 central regions, the “Tequilla valley” near the town of Tequila and the “highlands of Los Altos” close to Aranda’s. Whilst there are reasonably clear differences between these regions, most commercial tequilas draw from both areas, and as such, there are no distinctive regional tequila flavours.

Essentially Tequila is an agave spirit, a type of distilled beverage and one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in the world. It can only be produced using the blue Weber Agave species. It was first made in the 16th century, and its origins can be traced back to the city of Tequila, Mexico. It is a key ingredient in popular cocktails such as the Margarita, the Paloma, and the Tequila Sunrise. Although the alcohol content can vary, most tequilas are between 35%-55% ABV (alcohol by volume).

How to Taste Tequila

There isn’t one specific way to go about tasting Tequila as long as you can take in the different flavours, aromas, and physical traits of your drinks. Your guide for the day will explain in more detail.

How to drink Tequila

People around the world enjoy Tequila in a variety of ways. Some choose to drink it alongside other ingredients, while others prefer drinking Tequila on its own. Taste your Tequila by taking a small sip and letting it sit on the tongue for a couple of seconds, then below your tongue, then above, before swallowing. Coat the tongue in the complex flavours to get its truest taste.  

Types of Tequila

There are two classes of Tequila, A 100% Agave and a Mixto. All Tequilas that don’t state 100% are Mixtos. They contain a minimum of 51% Agave sugars. The varying barreling techniques, ageing times, and ingredients used in the production process result in each variety of Tequila which is as follows :

MIXTOS

Silver / Blanco /Plata

This type of Tequila is usually unaged and can be aged up to a maximum of 59 days in Oak or Holm Oak and can have added sugars and flavours. Typically Blancos are left in Stainless steel to oxidise before bottling.

Joven /Gold /Oro Blended

These tequilas mostly get their gold colour from flavouring agents and other additives such as caramel colour, natural oak extract, and sugar syrup. Sometimes, Joven tequila is made from a blend of Blanco and reposado or Anejo tequilas.

100% Agave

Blanco Silver or Plata tequila: This type is the least aged. Its clear colour derives from the fact that it is freshly distilled rather than being up through the ageing process, though some Blanco tequilas may still be aged for up to 59 days.

Reposado tequila: To be classified as reposado, a tequila must be aged in oak barrels for anywhere from 60 days to a year. The word means rested. This ageing process is responsible for its golden colour and can add hints of vanilla, nuts, or even coffee flavour to the drink. Many different casks are used in the maturation process, all adding to the unique taste.

Anejo tequila: To qualify as Anejo, a tequila must be barrel-aged for between one and three years. During this time, it begins to lose some of its agave characteristics. This results in a more prosperous and smoother drink compared to its counterparts.

Extra Anejo tequila: An extra Anejo tequila is aged for a minimum of three years. It must also be aged in a container with a maximum capacity of 600 litres. Its colour resembles that of whisky or brandy and features a smooth, complex taste.

Cristalino Are aged tequilas that are redistilled to remove the colour or charcoal filtered. 

Enjoy the vibe!

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