WRRV Spirit Society: The Scoop About Tequila

WRRV Spirit Society! Did you celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a beer? Maybe a Margarita? Or did it go to the place of "shots!" for everyone and out came the Tequila? If  you got to this point, what kind of tequila did you choose? Did you know that there are different types of tequila? A few wise choices now will prevent those regretful mornings after.

Tequila is distilled spirit made from blue agave. The blue agave comes from Mexico, this is one of the many regional laws that Spirit Society Members will come to have a love hate relationship with. Tequila must be made in Mexico or is it's not from 100% Blue Agave.

Tequila is pretty much known (there are a few more but we will focus on the main commercial ones) in 4 levels. Misto, Blanco, Reposado and Anejo.

• Misto, this is product only legally has to be made from 51% Blue Agave. When you are at a store, look at the labels. Most will not go out of their way to say, "Hi, I am not 100% Tequila, but I taste good and will do the trick." Look for the works, 'Made with Blue Agave.' These Misto's are great for firing up a batch of margaritas, but use caution with these when doing shots.
• Blanco Tequila's are made with 100% Blue Agave and most will appear to be almost colorless. Depending on the one you purchase, there might be a little bit of aging involved at the distiller, but most are bottled with liquor coming right off the manufacturers still. These are really great for a mixed drink, a better Margarita or an occasional shot.
• Reposado Tequila's, again are made with 100% Blue Agave. These are more golden in color, but don't be confused by the word "GOLD." When you see the word 'gold' on a Tequila bottle, this refers to it's color, NOT to any aging process. Most of the less expensive brands use the word GOLD to mask their Misto tequilas. In the case of "gold" it is caramel coloring that has been added, which (in most cases) also equals some extra sugar in the final product. Back to Reposados, they have been "Rested" in wood, aged in a barrel, like a whiskey. Because of this "resting" they have developed a smoother flavor and "toasty-roasty" characteristics. Reposados are great to do shots with. Try them on the rocks with a squeeze of lime. Aged a minimum of two months, but less than one year. (Limited Margarita use approved, Cadillac Margarita).
• Anejo Tequilas, yes, you are on to me now, 100% Blue Agave. These beauties have a richer color and smokier flavor than the previous ones. These guys have been hanging out in a oak barrel, thinking dreamy thoughts. Ok, the dreamy thoughts cannot be scientifically proven, but that won't really hurt us here. Aged in the barrel for at least one year, but most do age longer. These bad boys are the sipping whiskey of the Tequila family. Put this into a margarita and we will need to have a long talk about the status of your Spirit Society Membership.