American Latino Magazine All Female Entrepreneur Issue | Page 10

you will be able to tell which profile would meet your expectations. This method of evaluating each tequila brand will help you decide which tequila brands have those characteristics and qualities that you are looking for and what price you are willing to pay. If you would like to collect the package (bottles) and are willing to pay the price for the bottle, top and package, all these elements will drive the price up. Myth 6: All tequilas are the same. Independently we should consider that tequila comes in two categories: The 100% agave tequilas which include Silvers, Reposados, Añejos and Extra-Añejos, and the mixtos, which are only 51% agave. There will always be some brands that are better than others, especially the newer Artisanal brands which have a better quality of production. It is of major importance to declare that the norm (the stock from which tequila is made and its processes) have been and should always be the same for all brands. However, the care and methods with which each process is carried out by the particular distillery are of vital importance to the quality of the final product. Myth 7: Tequila and Mezcal are the same. claves. Mezcal is still being cooked in rustic stone ovens in the ground and the piñas (center cores) and leaves are themselves cooked by wood fire, a burn that produces the peculiar taste of a smoked spirit, a characteristic that is carried on in the end product In the case of the production of mezcal a good section of the agave leaves are left on the piña and when the piñas are cooked they produce that rich smoked flavor. In contrast the tequila agave leaves are cut close to the piña and cooked by means of steam that give tequila its particular taste and flavor. Another characteristic that should be mentioned is that mezcal is usually only distilled once while tequila is distilled twice to eliminate the heads and tails of the distillation process and produce a better quality product. This can be compared to the production of the finest cognacs, whiskeys and brandys of the world. Some mescal distillers are already employing the double distillation method for their products, as mezcals gain a foothold in the spirits industry. Myth 8: Tequila should always be drunk with lime and salt. As a tradition for tequilas that have a strong burn like those in the Blanco category it was the norm to use a lime and salt or a sangrita (made from orange juice, chile, tomato juice salt and flavorings) to “chase” the aftertaste but, this has since changed. Good tequilas like reposados, añejos and extra-añejos would be appreciated better if they are enjoyed in small sips, appreciating the flavors little by little. Highly recommended are the special glasses designed for this particular spirit so that all the aromas and characteristics of a fine tequila can be appreciated. Myth 9: Tequila should be drunk in the glass called “Caballito”. The narrow glass called “Caballito” has a lot of traditionalism with regards to the drinking of tequila, consequently it will be very difficult for the consumer to substitute it with other glass designs. However it is important to take into account that to really appreciate the aromas and characteristics of a fine tequila one has to use a special glass design to give you the advantage of appreciating the visual and olfatic qualities of a fine tequila. 290 Maple Court, Suite 158 Ventura, CA 93003 En Español: [phone] The World’s Top Rated ORGANIC TEQUILA USDA Certified 100% Organic Gold Medal Winner 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition www.T equilaAlquimia.com WEV is a non-pro?t organization that provides business training programs and support to entrepreneurs at every stage of their business. Since 1991 our mission has been to create an equitable and just society through the economic empowerment of women (and men). [phone] Tequila and Mezcal have their particular differences which are By Christine Female Ordained Of?ciant reflected in their final product. Hablo Español For example: in the production of tequila only one type of aga• Traditional/Civil Ceremony ve is used to produce tequila • Renewal of Vows and it is the Tequilana Weber of the blue variety that has to • Baby Dedications be cultivated in the “Denomi• Commitment Ceremony nacion de Origen del Tequila” (Denomination of Origin). On the other hand mezcal is and can be produced from different varieties of agave, from other regions of Mexico. Tequila is cooked by the use of steam in 805-947-6460 conventional ovens or auto10 AMERICAN LATINO MAGAZINE • BRINGING PEOPLE, BUSINESS AND CULTURE TOGETHER Weddings “My commitment is to provide you with a memorable ceremony to last a life time.” Do You Need Help With? Weight Loss Cholesterol Type 2 Diabetes High Blood Pressure The FAST weight-loss plan that WORKS! 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