Tequila probably conjures up images of that debaucherous night in college when you took one too many shots of a nasty-tasting variety of this often maligned liquor. But at the proper establishment, like Esperanza Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, tasting tequila can be a true delight.
Tequila is distilled liquor made from blue agave grown in or near the vicinity of Tequila, Mexico. The word “shot” belittles the high quality of the many premium varieties. True tequila drinkers sip the liquor “neat” to appreciate the flavor.
Top tequilas are no laughing matter. The world’s most expensive tequila, Ultra Premium Tequila Ley .925 Pasión Azteca, sells for $225,000. Barrique de Ponciano Porfido, which sells for a comparatively paltry $2,000, utilizes gas chromatography to further distill the liquor and is aged in two separate casks before being packaged into hand blown glass.
Tasting tequila isn’t so different from tasting wine in that it relies heavily on the senses of sight and smell as well as taste. However, the much higher alcohol content means that the technique is quite different. Try employing these tips and experience tequila in a whole new way:
POUR: First of all, forget the shot glass. There are tequila-specific glasses that look a bit like a champagne flute that are ideal but, assuming these aren’t around, tequila should be served in a snifter and filled with just 1.5 oz.
LOOK: Depending on the variety, tequila varies wildly in color. Tilt the glass away from you and hold the glass up to a white background. You’re looking for how bright and saturated the color is for most tequilas. With Blancos, you’re checking for clarity.
SMELL: Tequila actually has three different bouquets. Tilt the glass toward you and take your first sniff about an inch away from the glass. Here you’ll smell the lighter notes like floral, herbal or spice. The midsection is where you’ll find the dominant notes and deeper in the glass you’ll find the heavier notes characteristic of tequila as a category.
SAVOR: The first sip should be very small. Maybe even just touch your tongue to the tequila. This is to adapt your palette to the alcohol content. Hold the second sip in your mouth for several seconds taking note of the flavors. Swirl the third sip inside your mouth to release more of the flavor and feel the texture of the tequila. Finally, note the lingering flavors on the finish.
It’s recommended to try no more than three at a time since your powers of observation begin to weaken but, hey, you’re on vacation! Salud!
For tips on tequila tastings or other educational pursuits at Esperanza Resort, contact the concierge via email at concierge@esperanzaresort.com. For more information about Timbers Resorts, contact us via email at info@timbersresorts.com or by phone, 888.366.6641.