Tequila 101
YOUR FIRST-CLASS TEQUILA EXPERIENCE
AÑEJO IS HOME TO CANADA’S LARGEST SELECTION OF TEQUILA AND AGAVE SPIRITS.
We're experts in all things tequila, and love sharing the rich stories and heritage of the Mexican state of Jalisco. Our greatest joy is creating personalized tasting experiences for new and seasoned tequila drinkers.
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Let us lead the way off the beaten path into a world of exotic agave spirits: learn, discover, and enjoy a phenomenon that can only be delivered by your Añejo tequila experts.
WHY TEQUILA
Tequila is an important part of the history of Mexico and an enduring symbol of the rich culture and unique identity of the Mexican people. Mexico offers a rich assortment of distillates & agave spirits, but tequila and the people who produce it are what stole our hearts.
Throughout the process of curating our world class tequila selection we have been fortunate enough to visit countless distilleries and create lifelong friendships. Tequila has truly changed our lives and we are proud to say
HECHO EN MÉXICO
Tequila can only be made in Mexico. There are 180 municipalities in 5 different states that make up the recognized denomination of origin. The vast majority is produced in the state of Jalisco with production centered around the famous valley of tequila or the highlands to the east of Guadalajara.
THE BLUE AGAVE
Agave tequilana (blue agave) is the heart of tequila. Although commonly mistaken for a cactus, it is a member of a plant family more closely related to asparagus & lily.
THE PIÑA
The core of a harvested blue agave is called the “piña” due to its resemblance to a pineapple. The plant is slowly roasted and pressed for the juices within its heart, which is extracted to start the exciting journey of becoming tequila. The key to quality tequila is harvesting the piña once it has matured to its highest sugar content.
FERMENTATION
After being extracted from the plant, the sugar juice, or “honey water” must enter the fermentation process in which yeast is introduced to create alcohol. This complex biochemical process results in ethanol, carbon dioxide and other fun by-products that help you dance and kiss strangers.
DISTILLING
This final process allows the fermented juice to finally become what it has been waiting for its whole life - tequila!
AGING & BOTTLING
By law, all bottling of 100% de agave tequila must occur in mexico. With over 2000 unique brands currently on the market, the competition is fierce to create iconic brand symbols and many bottles are commonly collected as works of art.
BLANCO
Bottle it right away to create tequila blanco. Best for margaritas & agave forward cocktails.
REPOSADO
Age it in an oak barrel for up to 364 days to produce spicy tequila reposado.
AÑEJO
Let that barrel ride for 1-3 years and enjoy a smooth and complex tequila añejo for sipping.
EXTRA AÑEJO
Aged at least 3 years. This results in the rare and exclusive tequila extra añejo.