Known for its distinct flavor and cultural significance, tequila is a spirit that is deeply rooted in Mexican heritage. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in Mexican-owned tequila brands and the difference between them and non-Mexican-owned tequila.
This post explores the world of tequila, highlights some of the top Mexican-owned tequila brands, and discusses the disparities between Mexican-owned and non-Mexican-owned tequila.
Table of Contents
What Is Tequila?
Tequila is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from the blue agave plant, primarily found in the region surrounding the city of Tequila in the Mexican state of Jalisco.
To be considered authentic tequila, it must be produced using at least 51% blue agave. The production process involves harvesting the agave plants, extracting the juice, fermenting it, and then distilling it to create the final product.
Tequila can range in flavor profiles, from the earthy and herbal notes of blanco tequila to the smoother and oak-aged flavors of reposado and añejo tequila.
Top Mexican-Owned Tequila Brands
1. Jose Cuervo
Jose Cuervo is one of the oldest and most well-known tequila brands in Mexico. It was founded in 1795 and is still owned by the Cuervo family.
2. Herradura
Casa Herradura is a tequila producer based in Jalisco, Mexico. The company was founded in 1870 and is currently owned by the Mexican beverage conglomerate, Grupo Industrial Herradura.
3. Patrón
Patrón is a premium tequila brand that was founded in 1989 by Francisco Javier (Javier) Martínez.
In 2018, Patrón was acquired by Bacardi Limited, a family-owned spirits company based in Bermuda, but the brand retains its Mexican heritage.
4. Don Julio
Don Julio is a tequila brand founded by Don Julio González-Frausto Estrada in 1942.
The brand is now owned by Diageo, a multinational alcoholic beverages company, but the tequila is still produced in Mexico.
5. Casa Noble
Casa Noble is a boutique tequila producer located in Jalisco, Mexico. It was founded by Jose “Pepe” Hermosillo in 1997 and remains family-owned.
6. El Tesoro
El Tesoro is a tequila brand produced by La Alteña distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. It was founded by the Camarena family in 1937 and is still owned by them.
7. Tequila Ocho
Tequila Ocho is a premium tequila brand founded in 2008 by Carlos Camarena and Tomas Estes.
It is produced at the Camarena family’s distillery, La Alteña, and is known for its vintage-specific approach.
8. Milagro
Milagro is a tequila brand founded by Daniel Schneeweiss and Moy Guindi in 1997.
The brand is known for its modern and innovative approach to tequila production and is currently owned by Gruppo Campari.
Is Tequila Only Produced In Mexico?
Yes, tequila is exclusively produced in Mexico. In fact, Mexico has strict regulations in place to ensure the authenticity and quality of tequila.
The Denomination of Origin (DO) for tequila dictates that it can only be made in certain regions of Mexico, primarily in the state of Jalisco and limited areas of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas.
The unique climate and soil conditions in these regions contribute to the distinctive flavors and characteristics found in tequila.
What Is The Process For Making Mexican-Owned Tequila?
Step 1: Harvesting
Tequila is made from the blue agave plant, which takes an average of 8-12 years to reach maturity.
The mature agave plants are harvested by jimadores, skilled laborers who remove the leaves to reveal the agave’s heart, also known as the piña.
Step 2. Cooking
The piñas are then cooked in ovens, traditionally made of stone or masonry, to convert the plant’s starches into fermentable sugars. The cooking method significantly influences the tequila’s flavor profile.
Step 3. Grinding and extracting juices
After cooking, the softened piñas are crushed to extract their juices. Traditionally, this process involved the use of a tahona, a large stone wheel pulled by a horse or mule. Nowadays, more efficient mechanical shredders are often employed.
Step 4. Fermentation
The extracted juice, known as aguamiel, is then fermented using yeast.
The natural sugars in the juice are converted into alcohol during this stage, resulting in a low-alcohol liquid called mosto.
Step 5. Distillation
The mosto is distilled twice in copper stills to produce tequila. The first distillation creates a liquid called ordinario, and the second distillation refines it into either silver (blanco), rested (reposado), or aged (añejo) tequila, depending on the desired style.
Step 6. Maturation (optional)
If producing reposado or añejo tequila, the distilled spirit is aged in oak barrels for a specific period, allowing it to acquire additional flavors and complexities.
Step 7. Bottling
Finally, the tequila is bottled, often by Mexican-owned distilleries, ready to be enjoyed by tequila enthusiasts around the world.
Where Can I Buy Mexican-Owned Tequila?
Mexican-owned tequila is widely available both in Mexico and internationally. You can find it in liquor stores, specialty tequila shops, and even online platforms dedicated to spirits.
Many Mexican-owned brands have expanded their distribution networks to reach a global market, making it easier than ever to purchase authentic tequila.
When buying tequila, make sure that the bottle has the official “100% Agave” designation to ensure its quality and adherence to the strict production standards.
Summary
In conclusion, tequila is a beloved Mexican spirit, exclusively produced in designated regions of Mexico. Mexican-owned tequila goes through a meticulous manufacturing process that involves harvesting, cooking, fermenting, distilling, and, optionally, maturing the spirit.
To purchase Mexican-owned tequila, we recommend exploring local liquor stores, specialty shops, or online platforms that offer a wide selection of authentic tequilas.
Tequila Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup tequila
- 2 tablespoon grenadine
- ice cubes
- orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- Add ice cubes to a large glass.
- Add the orange juice, then the tequila.
- Add grenadine.
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