Tequila, the oldest distilled spirit in North America, has always been the center of every special family gathering in Mexico, making it a culinary delight for any celebration. With more people consuming this legendary drink in the United States than any other country, tequila doesn't mean gulping it down with lime and salt. Instead, it can be enjoyed with everything from juicy sirloin to sweet caramel cheesecake! Like a fine bourbon, tequila can awaken your taste buds and quench your thirst, making it the ideal drink to savor any time of the day. However, only experts know the secrets to drinking it properly.
Fortunately, the art of tasting tequila is a lot easier than you think, especially when René Valdez, U.S. Brand Manager for Tequila Herradura, shares some tips that pros have long guarded, until now. Tequila Herradura, the Mexican brand that's harvested 100% blue agave plants since 1870, wants patrons to appreciate this often ignored art. Like wine tastings, drinking tequila should involve class and good times. While many restaurants serve different variations of tequilas to satisfy all budgets, enjoying the pure essence of agave can be experienced right from home. We're revealing the secrets to drinking tequila like a pro, so sit back, invite some friends, and get ready to liven up your spirit!
Tequila Tasting Rule #1: Choose Appropriate Glassware
To best enjoy the aroma, taste, color, body, and intensity of tequila, serve approximately 1oz of the spirit in a snifter glass. A snifter is a short-stemmed glass with a wide bottom that narrows slightly at the top. The wide bottom helps evaporate the tequila aroma, while the narrowness helps keep it in the glass for ultimate enjoyment.
Tequila Tasting Rule #2: Notice Hues
Look at the color of the tequila in the glass-preferably against a white background or held up to a light. Swirl and notice the legs or tears spiraling down the glass. This can tell you a lot about its character. More rested tequilas will show more body.
Tequila Tasting Rule #3: Inhale Aroma
A first quick whiff will give you floral notes. Then a deep sniff from the center will reveal a different bouquet. This is a sneak preview of the taste-as much of what you taste corresponds to what you smell.
Tequila Tasting Rule #3: Sip Drink Carefully
Take a small sip of the tequila first to get used to the alcohol taste. Then, take a second sip and keep it in your mouth. Breathe in through your mouth and exhale through your nose to perceive the aromas. Swirl the third sip inside your mouth and you'll experience more of the taste. Notice both the flavor of the spirit, as well as how it feels in your mouth. Think of flavor cues (e.g., fruity, spicy) and texture descriptions (e.g., smooth, oily).
Tequila Tasting Rule #3: Savor and Enjoy
Enjoy and assess the flavor that lingers after swallowing the tequila. Some finish crisp and dry, others long and sweet. Don't forget to raise your glass and make a toast to life and friends. Let the crisp sound of the glasses clinking complete this sensorial experience.
Tequila Tasting Rule #4: Take Some Notes
If you're learning how to drink tequila properly for the first time, make sure you write down your thoughts on color, nose, body, and finish. This will help you better understand different types of tequila. Once you've gone through this process with every expression, add a splash of water to each glass to see how it changes your perceptions.
Don't forget to have a drink on us!
