Very few spirits have been able to alter the public’s perception in the way that premium tequila over the last two decades. Previously thought of as a drink that was associated with rush shots and shaky mornings, tequila has seen an astonishing transformation and has become among the top admired and scholarly categories of spirits. At the heart of this shift in the culture is a brand that serious drinkers re-visit repeatedly. Don Julio Tequila is a good example of what has changed as a brand based upon the perseverance of farmers distillation techniques, as well as an approach that put quality over quantity at a time that was not the standard of the industry.
What Makes Premium Tequila Worth Understanding
To understand why certain Tequilas are able to garner the respect and affection they enjoy it is important to comprehend the distinction between authentically crafted varieties from mass-produced ones. The authentic tequilas must be made using blue agave. It is a succulent plant that requires between seven and ten years fully mature before it is harvested. This alone requires an amount of commitment to agriculture that is unmatched in the other spirits categories.
When the harvest is complete, the pinasthe firm, pineapple-shaped centers that are part of the agave plantare slowly cooked to convert its starches into sugars that can be fermented. The resulting liquid is distillated, and based on the style, it could be stored within oak barrels a period of months or years before bottling. Blanco expressions are usually not aged and are appreciated because of their raw agave flavor The reposado and the anejo styles create layers of caramel, vanilla and dried fruit from the time in oak. Each step of the process provides the chance to honor or degrade the essence of the material. This is why the philosophy of the producer matters just as technique.
Agave, Terroir, and the Art of Slow Craftsmanship
A number of intriguing discussions happening in tequila currently is about terroirthe notion that the place and way in which agave is produced affects the flavor of the final spirit in significant ways. A agave that is grown in the mountains, at higher elevations in cooler temperatures produces tequilas that have the sweeter, more floral flavor. Lowland agave, when exposed to warmer temperatures and volcanic soils, usually produces something earthier and more herbaceous. This is important to fans in the same manner the grape variety and the vineyard area are crucial to those who drink wine.
Don Julio Tequila has been for a long time associated with the cultivation of agave in highlands and its agricultural source is thought to be the most important characteristic of its taste and can’t be duplicated by distillation or ageing by itself. The rising interest around the world in the agave’s provenance is an overall maturation of the category and more people are asking not just about the drink they’re drinking, but the origins of it and the process of making it.
How to Drink, Pair, and Explore Tequila With Intention
The issue of how to experience the best tequila is constantly evolving as the category is increasingly sought-after by an increasingly discerning consumer. For a long time even the best expressions were put to cocktails, palomas, margaritas and tequila dawns being the most popular — which although delicious, could make it difficult to appreciate the true essence of a quality spirit. More and more bartenders and fans recommend drinking aged spirits in a glass or with a tiny portion of still water similar to how one would drink a high-quality whisky, or an aged rum.
This method allows the full flavor spectrum that agave is cooked sweetness, oak influence citrus zest, pepper and dried herbs to shine without interference from mixers. Food pairing is a different avenue to explore. Its natural acidity as well as vegetal flavor of tequila make it an extremely versatile partner to a range of dishes, from grilling seafood and salads dressed with citrus to the slow cooking of meat and dark chocolate. Anyone who is building a home collection of spirits or wanting to gain a deeper understanding of the best spirits made from agave it is worth taking the time to look into Don Julio Tequila through its many expressionsblanco, reposado and anejo — is an extremely organized and enjoyable introductions to the category that is available today.
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