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Tequila

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Story

facts

Facts

history

History

faq

FAQs

VIP Bottles stock a great range of Mexican tequilas, from premium craft brands to the legendary Don Julio 1942.

Browse our range of Blanco, Reposado, Anejo and flavoured tequilas and tequila gifts from leading houses like Patron, Clase Azul, Cazcabel and The Rock's Teremana.

Each year, over 300 million agave plants are harvested and pressed to make this fine spirit. Tequila has a highly distinct taste which can be described as ‘mature’. It takes more than a decade for the agave plant to mature and reflect its soil and surroundings.

Tequila can be used as the base for several famous cocktails including the tequila sunrise and the classic margarita, though it is perhaps best known for getting the party started as a shot. Tequila shots traditionally come with salt and a slice of lime. The correct combination is salt, shot and lime.

The production of tequila is heavily regulated. Mexican law states that tequila can only be produced in the state of Jalisco and specific areas of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas.

There are five types of tequila:

Blanco

Also known as silver Tequila, Blanco is the youngest of the spirit types. It is usually not aged, or aged for a very short period.

Joven

Joven tequila is less well-known than other types of tequila. It simply blends unaged tequila with some aged tequila.

Reposado

Reposado tequila is aged in American or European oak barrels for between 2 months and a year. These tequilas have a matured smoky flavour and are stronger compared to Blanco expressions.

Anejo

Aged in American or European oak barrels for at least a year, Anejo Tequilas are best for sipping neat. These are an excellent alternative to brown spirits such as whisky.

Extra Anejo

Extra Anejo tequilas are aged for at least three years. They are rare and have strong sweet and spicy notes.
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  • The farmers who harvest the Agave plant for tequila are called Jimadors.
  • Tequila must be made from at least 51% Blue Agave.
  • It takes 8-12 years for Blue Agave to mature enough to produce tequila.
  • Tequila is only made from the heart of the Agave plant.
Tequila can trace its history back to the ancient Aztecs, who would create ‘pulque’, a ceremonial wine made from the fermented juice of the agave plant.

When the Spanish invaded Mexico in the early 14th century, they didn't much care for the taste of ‘pulque’ and so developed ways to improve it. They began to distil the fermented agave with mud to produce Vino de Mezcal. Interestingly, all Tequilas are Mezcals, but not all Mezcals are Tequilas.

Copper stills and improved distillation techniques were introduced to Mexico and the process refined. The first large scale distillery for tequila opened by Marquis of Altamira in the early 1600s in a small town called tequila.

In 1795, The Cuervo family became the first licensed manufacturers of tequila when they were given the rights to cultivate the land from the King of Spain. The Cuervo family’s brand, Jose Cuervo, was hugely popular and remains so to this day. In fact, it is the best-selling tequila brand in the world.
Why is Tequila called Tequila?

Tequila draws its name from the Mexican town of Tequila, where most of the production of the spirit takes place.

Does Tequila go off? Can Tequila go bad?

Even if left open, tequila doesn't spoil. However, we recommend a bottle is consumed within a year of opening.

What is a Tequila Slammer?

This is a tequila shot where the spirit is mixed with sparkling water or another carbonated mixer. The shot is ‘slammed’ before drinking, creating a bubbly tequila shot which is perfect at parties.

What can I mix with Tequila?

Tequila mixes well with fruit juices, especially tart grapefruit juice and orange juice. Tequila is often paired with ginger beer and soda water. Agave syrup will also help add sweetness to your tequila.

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