September 1, 2022
Whether as shots, in a cocktail, or for sipping, tequila is one of the most popular liquors in the world. Universally associated with having a good time, the spirit is without a doubt a catalyst for great conversations and creating memories. America’s love for tequila has skyrocketed in the last two decades — according to the U.S. Distilled Spirits Council, imports of tequila have grown 92 percent since 2002 — with an average growth rate of 5.6 percent per year. And while we drink plenty of tequila, few of us really know much about the world’s greatest spirit. Read on to learn interesting facts about the famous drink, how it’s made, and find the best organic tequila brands to try.
History of Tequila
Tequila is a distilled beverage made from blue agave plants. Its origin dates back to the Aztec civilization around 1000 B.C. in what is now northern Mexico. Natives fermented sap of the agave plant into an alcoholic beverage called pulque which was the color of milk with a sour taste highly regarded in Aztec culture. In the 1500’s, the arrival of the Spanish marked the beginning of a distillation process of pulque which set the path for making what we know today as tequila. Marquis of Altamira (a Spanish nobleman) built the first large-scale distillery in Tequila, Jalisco.
How is Tequila Made?
In the same way that Champagne, cognac and some fine wines come from specific French regions, authentic tequila must be produced in one of five authorized states: Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, Tamaulipas, and the largest producer, Jalisco, which is also known as tequila valley.
To be classified as tequila, either made in small batches or larger ones, a spirit must be made from a minimum of 51 percent blue weber agave distillate. Premium tequila is made from 100 percent blue agave while tequilas with lesser percentages also known as “mixtos” might contain additives like molasses, corn syrup, or other sugars in place of agave nectar. Good tequila will have a varied taste profile that is distinctive yet pleasant in terms of flavor.
Blue agave plants are a native succulent plant with long spiky leaves. They can reach over 6 feet in height and can take anywhere between 8 and 14 years to harvest. The agave hearts, also known as the piñas, are cut out, cooked, ground down, and fermented to make tequila.
5 TYPES OF TEQUILA
There are five different types of tequila: blanco, reposado, añejo, joven and extra añejo which are distinguished by the length of the aging process, known as aged expressions.
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Tequila Blanco: Also known as silver tequila, this expression is only aged for up to two months and is bottled within 60 days of distillation. The best blanco tequilas will typically taste sweeter and more refreshing, with a smooth, silky finish.
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Tequila Reposado: Tequila reposado is aged in American or European oak barrels for at least two months and up to a year. It has a smooth, even finish and is less harsh on the tongue.
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Tequila Añejo: Tequila añejo is aged in American or French oak barrels for at least a year. The oak wood gives the tequila a distinctive flavor and golden amber color.
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Extra Añejo: Extra añejo tequila means the spirit must be aged for more than three years, typically in oak barrels.
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Joven: Joven tequila is blends of unaged and aged tequilas. It is usually colored with caramel, syrups, or other additives.
What is Organic Tequila?
You may already be eating organic, but are you drinking organic too? Not all tequila you see on the shelves is made the same. Agave grown with conventional methods might have been exposed to pesticides and chemical fertilizers for at least a decade. Meanwhile, organic tequila is cultivated using sustainable farming practices. It is free from harmful chemicals and certified by the USDA and leaves the earth healthier for future generations.
BENEFITS OF ORGANIC TEQUILA
Similar to eating organic foods, there are some benefits to choosing organic tequila over conventional.
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Environmentally-friendly: The good thing about organic tequila production is that it’s more environmentally friendly since it avoids processes and materials that might harm the environment. Using organic farming methods boosts soil fertility, and consumes less energy by utilizing more renewable resources. It is also safer for wildlife in the area, as well as humans who live near farms.
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Avoids Health Risks: According to research, pesticide usage, even at low levels, has been linked to an increased risk of malignancies such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, and brain tumors. Chemical additives are avoided in organic blue agave farms, thus, consuming organic tequila will likely reduce your exposure to dangerous pesticides.
It’s also important to recognize that some smaller tequila brands might not have the time and money to go through the USDA organic certification process. If you see tequila that says something along the lines of “made with organically grown agave plants” this can mean they are using organic farming practices, but just have not paid for the third party certification. It’s a great choice to support the smaller brands that are using responsible farming practices too!
SOLENTO TEQUILA
Solento was on a mission to create some of the most unique expressions available on the market — and succeeded. The brand is an award-winning, USDA certified organic tequila range founded by tequila connoisseur and filmmaker Taylor Steel. The smooth organic blanco tequila has a robust roasted agave taste and perfectly balanced finish for sipping while the reposado tequila has slightly sweet notes of caramel and citrus from the 9 months it’s aged in American Oak Barrels. Solento’s añejo expression is aged for 18 months in American Oak barrels, resulting in notes of smooth buttery maple with an oaky finish. Their tequilas range from $50-$108.
We hope this guide helped you learn a bit more about tequila and find a organic tequila you love! Please sip responsibly.
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