Discover the World of Tequila

For many, tequila is the perfect way to unwind after a long day, whether enjoyed as a shot, in a premium cocktail or sipped slowly. This iconic Mexican spirit is not just any other liquor, it is a rich blend of heritage, a true sense of authenticity, craftsmanship, and versatility.

Tequila is such a diverse type of liquor with different styles, allowing amazing possibilities for creativity and experimenting with unique flavour profiles in your classic cocktail. It is the best liquor base for the margarita, a trendy cocktail.

If you're looking for top-shelf tequila in Kenya, Drinks Zone offers a wide selection at the best prices. Popular brands available include Don Julio, Patron, Jose Cuervo, Olmeca, and Clase Azul.

What is Tequila?

Tequila is a renowned distilled liquor crafted from the blue agave plant. It is rich in history and was the most popular drink for salty cocktails. However, it has shifted from its reputation of salt-lined shots into a premier type of beverage to sip. This type of liquor is governed by stringent Mexican rules which must be followed. These laws are overseen by the Tequila Regulatory Council (TRC) to uphold Tequila quality and culture. The Mexican government cemented the ownership of the term "Tequila" by declaring it its intellectual property in 1974. It also approved the third Saturday of March as National Tequila Day from 2018. For liquor labelled as Tequila, must be;

Produced in specific Mexican states and bottled between 35% and 55% ABV. A high percentage is produced in Jalisco state and limited in the states of Guanajuato, Nayarit, Michoacán, and Tamaulipas.
It must contain at least 51% blue agave, with most premium tequilas containing 100% blue agave. There is no tequila where there is no agave.
It is distilled twice.

Most popular types of Tequila

Depending on the type of Tequila being sort it can be matured or not. Different Tequila producing companies have different maturation periods depending on the desired quality and variety being made. The maturation process and type of wood used greatly influences the final product colour. The Mexican government regulates ageing processes. Here are some of the most famous tequila styles you encounter at the liquor store near you.

Plata/Silver/Blanco Tequila; this is a clear tequila that is not aged. Distillation is usually the final process and provides the purest form.

Gold/Joven tequila; this tequila type is usually has added additives with its dark, golden hue coming from short oak ageing or caramel colouring. Most of the high-end gold tequilas are silver/Blanco blended with reposado.

Reposado (rested tequila); is rested in wood barrels usually, white oak for at least two months to one year, offering more complex and rich flavours.

Añejos (aged tequila) is usually aged in barrels previously used to rest reposados. Ageing lasts for at least one year to three years which imparts the añejo tequila more complex flavours and aromas with a dark, golden hue.

Extra añejo; this is aged in oak barrels for at least three years

How tequila is made?

Tequila is made from the core of the blue agave plant (piña). Great care is taken in crafting the best Tequila brands from the farm to the final product. Jimadors (Knowledge men) who can tell when the plant is ready to be harvested carry out the harvesting process. They use a special knife to carefully cut off the plant leaves, leaving the piña (the most succulent core of the plant). After harvest, the piñas are stacked into an oven and gradually cooked to break their complex fructans into straightforward fructoses. The baked piña is then crushed in a mill to extract the liquid sugar (agave juice). This juice is poured into large wooden or stainless steel vats, yeast is added and left for several days to ferment, resulting in a wort that is low in alcohol content. The wort is distilled in column and pot stills at least twice. A clear tequila is produced at this stage. If Blanco/sliver style is the desired result, it is bottled for release immediately. Aged styles, the distilled liquor is put into oak barrels to age. Ageing imparts the mellow flavour and amber colour.

Flavour and aromas

The region agaves are sourced (valley lands and highlands) have a great influence on the Tequila produced characteristics, and the differences in taste can be noticeable. Agaves from the highlands often offer sweeter and fruitier tasting tequila with sweet aromas. The plants from the valley region tend to have an earthy flavour and herbaceous fragrance. The oak barrel intensity and duration of the spirit rest in the oak also impacts the product flavours and aromas characters.

How to drink Tequila

How you drink it depends on a particular tequila brand and your taste preference. The best way to enjoy this premium Mexican spirit is the way you like it. If you like your preference taste, drink it! Whether you prefer it neat, shot in a Margarita, or with lime, it is a simple spirit to enjoy in many situations. If you like mixed drinks, a bottle of Blanco is perfect. Since it is unaged, it will mix the best batch of margaritas and other tequila cocktails. Aged categories are excellent to sip straight. Serve it at room temperature and if you like it chilled, only add one or two ice cubes so as not to dilute the aged flavour. Premium tequila brands are perfectly fine to sip to fully appreciate blue weber agave uniqueness.

After a busy day, happy hour is a way of winding down with your favourite tequila brand. Get this much-touted Mexican drink online and enjoy the most affordable tequila prices in Kenya and the fastest home delivery services. We have a wide range of these drinks and others in our quest to ensure you don’t miss your favourite brand. Dial us or visit our website to buy online and explore more drinks.

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