How do you make tequila?

Answer 1

Tequila is made from the Blue Agave, a member of the lily family often mistaken for a cactus.

The plant requires 8-12 years before reaching maturity. The agave is then harvested for the "Pina", basically the base / core, which when the stalks are cut away looks like the base of a pineapple.

The Pina is cooked and juiced. The juices are then fermented and distilled twice.

You now have 100% Blue Agave Silver / Platinum or Plata tequila (All mean the same thing.)

Now from here, you can age it which some people like better (Although purists love Silver Tequila), or you can turn it into a Mixto which basically cheapens it.

If you age your tequila for 6-9 months in whiskey or brandy barrels you will create a Reposado Tequila (Reposado means "Rested.") This will give it some of the hue of the wood.

If you age your tequila for a year in whiskey or brandy barrels you will create a Anejo Tequila (Anejo means "Aged.") This will give it darker hues of the wood. Some of the more expensive boutique tequilas are aging in white oak, which gives less color to the tequila, but retains the benefits of the aging.

Now for Mixto Tequilas, only 51% Pure Agave is required, so companies take the 100% Blue Agave Tequila, and cut it with mezcals and other elements to make "White Tequila", worst of all is Gold tequila, which is 51% Agave White Tequila which then is colored with caramel color to give the illusion of aging and value.

If the tequila doesn't say 100% Agave on the bottle, it isn't.