Tequila is a spirit made from the blue agave, a plant native to Mexico. Most tequila is produced in the city of Tequila and in Jalisco, Mexico. To make tequila, the hard kernel of the blue agave, called "piña," is harvested, roasted and ground. The resulting juice is then fermented and distilled twice. There are several types of tequila, which differ in their production process, as well as in taste and aroma. Tequila is often used in cocktails, but is also enjoyed neat. Drinking tequila is also an important part of Mexican culture and tradition.
There are several types of tequila, which differ in their production process, as well as in taste and aroma. The best known types of tequila are Blanco, Reposado, Anejo and Extra Anejo. Blanco, also known as "Silver" or "Plata", is the unaged tequila that is bottled directly after distillation. It has a clear color and a fresh, spicy taste that is characteristic of pure, unadulterated agave flavor. Reposado tequila is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 2 months and a maximum of 1 year and has a golden color and velvety flavor. Anejo tequila is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 3 years and has a dark color and intense flavor. Extra Anejo is the longest aged tequila, aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 3 years, and has a rich, complex flavor with notes of wood, caramel and chocolate.