Tequila

Tequila
Three varieties of tequila
TypeDistilled beverage
Country of origin Mexico
Region of originJalisco
Introduced16th century
Alcohol by volume 38–55%
Proof (US)76–110°
ColourClear, brown or golden
FlavourSweet, fruity, earthy
IngredientsBlue agave
VariantsExcellia
Related productsMezcal, bacanora, raicilla, pulque
Blue agave fields near Tequila

Tequila (/təˈklə/; Spanish: [teˈkila] ) is a distilled beverage made from the blue agave plant, primarily in the area surrounding the city of Tequila 65 km (40 mi) northwest of Guadalajara, and in the Jaliscan Highlands (Los Altos de Jalisco) of the central western Mexican state of Jalisco.

The red volcanic soils in the region of Tequila are well suited for growing the blue agave, and more than 300 million plants are harvested there each year.[1] Agave grows differently depending on the region. Blue agaves grown in the highlands Los Altos region are larger and sweeter in aroma and taste. Agaves harvested in the valley region have a more herbaceous fragrance and flavor.[2] Due to its historical and cultural importance, the region near Tequila was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006, the Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila.

Mexican laws state that tequila can be produced only in the state of Jalisco and limited municipalities in the states of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas.[3] Tequila is recognized as a Mexican designation of origin product in more than 40 countries.[4] It was protected through NAFTA in Canada and the United States until July 2020,[5] through bilateral agreements with individual countries such as Japan and Israel,[5] and has been a protected designation of origin product in the European Union since 1997.[5]

Aside from its geographical distinction, tequila is differentiated from mezcal in that it is made only from blue agave and the beverages are prepared in different ways.[6] Tequila is commonly served neat in Mexico and as a shot with salt and lime around the world. Tequila must have between 35 and 55% alcohol content (70 and 110 U.S. proof).[7]

  1. ^ Ian Chadwick. "In Search of the Blue Agave: Jalisco State". Ianchadwick.com. Archived from the original on 2010-04-02. Retrieved 2010-12-25.
  2. ^ Jacinto, Rodolfo. "How Is Tequila Made". Tequilaknight.com. Archived from the original on 2011-10-18. Retrieved 2011-03-19.
  3. ^ "Geography: the Territory of the Appellation of Origin, or TDO". Consejo Regulador del Tequila. 26 June 2000. Archived from the original on 28 April 2012. Retrieved 25 May 2012.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference SRE was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ a b c "International Protection of the Tequila Designation of Origin". Consejo Regulador del Tequila. Archived from the original on 14 February 2015. Retrieved 8 January 2015.
  6. ^ "What's The Difference Between Mezcal & Tequila | Mestizo Market". Mestizo Mexican Market. 2020-11-23. Archived from the original on 2022-06-25. Retrieved 2022-08-02.
  7. ^ "Official Mexican Standard for Tequila". Archived from the original on 2013-10-30. Retrieved 2010-07-13.

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