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No spirit has gained so much popularity over the last decade as much as tequila. Having been a permanent member at the parties, tequila has evolved tremendously. And we talk Tequila, George Timothy Clooney ‘Casamigos’ tequila has bagged the top position in the world’s most valuable spirits list.
Brand Finance, the research consultancy firm of Spirits Business, has released a report named Brand Finance Spirits 50 which has brought out a list of the world’s most valuable spirit brands along with the strongest spirit and according to the report, Clooney’s tequila brand which was launched in 2013, has been mentioned as the fastest growing spirit of the year 2022 and has almost tripled its brand value over the last year. Apart from Casamigos, Johnie Walker, Bacardi, and Jack Daniel’s Hennessey are some of the brands that were counted amongst the most valuable spirits.
In simple words, Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the agave plant which can only be produced in some particular regions of Mexico like Jalisco, Colima, Nayarit. There are several styles of tequila and specific regulations that distillers have to follow. Tequila is a global drink and mostly popular in Mexico and the U.S. Tequila was first produced in the 16th century near the city of Tequila, which was not on the official map until 1666. A fermented beverage from the agave plant known was consumed in pre-Columbian central Mexico. Tequila is made of distilled fermented juices of the Weber blue agave plant which is a member of the lily family. The Agave plant takes seven to ten years to get ready to be harvested. Depending on the style of tequila, it may rest briefly or for ages in barrels and also some tequila is filtered or blended.
According to the standards set by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT), an inter professional organization comprising all actors and production staff associated with the Tequila production, there are five types of tequila:
1. Blanco Tequila:
Also known as Silver tequila is a clear spirit. These tequilas are kept to rest for no more than 60 days in stainless steel or oak tanks. Generally, it's an all-purpose tequila for mixed drinks and shots.
2. Joven Tequila:
Commonly known as Gold tequila, it is a blend of white and aged tequilas. It sometimes includes any of the mellowing ingredients. It is one of the inexpensive tequilas that includes caramel or a similar additive which can be quite impressive.
3. Reposado Tequila:
Reposado tequilas are rested in oak casks for a minimum of two months to nine months. Many distilleries age their tequilas in used bourbon barrels, that adds a deep punch to the finished taste. These tequilas are enjoyable straight as well as in high-end cocktails.
4. Añejo Tequila:
Añejo tequila is aged, often stored in white French oak or bourbon barrels, for a minimum of one year to produce a dark, very robust spirit. Mostly they are aged between 18 months and three years. Usually, they are very smooth with a nice balance of agave and oak flavors.
5. Extra-Añejo Tequila:
This type of tequila has recently come into existence. Labeled as extra old these tequilas take over three years in barrels and can compete with some of the oldest whiskies.
Tequila is a very versatile drink which can be consumed in many ways. Aged tequilas are often sipped straight or on the rocks while Blanco tequilas are popularly used in tequila shots, drunk either straight with lemon or mixers. Margaritas are the most famous tequila cocktails followed by Sangrita, Tequila Sunrise, Tequini and there is a lot to explore.
