Celebrate More May 2024

SPIRITS

750 ML BOTTLES UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

TEQUILA TALK

by Robert Giles

In the past, Tequila’s reputation was synonymous with crazy nights, or days spent in the sand, listening to Jimmy Buffett. However, over the past 15 years the category has exploded and seen unprecedented growth. Currently, the spirit is dominated by brands that are celebrity-endorsed with production that in some instances exceeds over one million cases per year. In an effort to produce the quantity that meets the demand for those brands, there are production methods that are not in the traditional manner.

Before we continue, it is important to learn the simplicity of this unique spirit. First of all is the ingredient list. Like I said, it’s simple. Water, yeast, and most importantly, Blue Weber Agave are the three ingredients. To make exceptional Tequila, the agave needs to be in-ground for 7 - 10 years, this is to ensure that the carbohydrates are at their optimum level before the pressed juices ferment, prior to distillation. Also, carefully tended agave can grow to become over 150 lbs. Once the Agave is harvested, it is brought to the distillery and cooked, using one of a few methods. The most common is brick ovens. Autoclave and cooking in earthen pits are the other methods. After the agave is cooked, the carbohydrates have converted to sugars and then the agave is pressed. The pressed juices begin to ferment and becomes the low alcohol wort, that is then distilled, twice, to make the silver tequila. Silver (or blanco) tequilas can then be transferred to oak vessels, usually old Bourbon casks to mature for a period of time to become, Reposado, Añejo, or Extra Añejo. Aging the tequila in oak, softens some of the dominating flavors into a more smooth and complex spirit. Personally, I enjoy the stronger flavors in unaged tequila, however, sometimes an aged expression is nice to sip and savor for its rounded qualities.

The newest category of tequila is additive free tequilas. These tequilas are free of all flavor and color additives and are some of the purest representations of the

spirit. Often these tequilas will look more pale than other tequilas but they have just as much flavor as any tequila you have had before and come in a variety of price points. Whether having margaritas on the back porch, palomas at the beach, or just sipping on ice after a long day, tequila is the new fashionable drink that has been around for ages. If you ever feel too inundated with the choices, our staff will be more than happy to guide you to the perfect tequila for your evening. Cheers!

TEQUILA

EL MAYOR AÑEJO TEQUILA $29.98 $39.99 750 ml REPOSADO TEQUILA $26.98 $34.99 750 ml BLANCO TEQUILA $23.98 $31.99 750 ml

SHOP OUR FEATURED TEQUILA SELECTIONS

ALMA DE JAGUAR BLANCO TEQUILA $39.98 $49.99 750 ml REPOSADO TEQUILA $49.98 $61.99 750 ml

SCAN HERE!

8 | MAY 2024 | ColonialWineShop.com