A Beginner’s Guide to
A Beginner’s Guide to
Are you new to tequila? Maybe you aren’t, but the extent of your knowledge is a blended margarita and a ranch water from your college days. If this sounds like you, keep on reading; we are here to help break it down! On the contrary, if you are a tequila connoisseur, this guide will remind you why (our) tequila is SUPERIOR!
Number JUAN Tequila’s Founders, Ron White and Alex Reymundo, are passionate about great-tasting tequila. With a variety of award-winning tequilas, we are more than qualified to tell you everything you need to know, so you can be an expert, too! Let’s dive into it:
What is Tequila?
Tequila is a spirit made from the Weber blue agave plant. The alcohol content varies, but Number JUAN’s tequilas have a 40% alcohol volume. Only five Mexican regions produce real, authentic tequila, including:
- Jalisco
- Guanajuato
- Nayarit
- Tamaulipas
- Michoacán
Depending on the production process and added ingredients, the color can fluctuate. Tequila is an excellent sipping drink to enjoy on its own, and many people enjoy mixing it into refreshing cocktails.
How is Tequila Made?
Behind every glass of delicious tequila is a complex, well-thought-out production process. Here are the steps we use to create Number JUAN Tequila:
1 — Harvest the fully-matured agave by hand in Jalisco, Mexico.
2 — Bake the agave core, otherwise known as the piña, in traditional stone ovens.
3 — Extract the agave juice by shredding the piña.
4 — Ferment the agave juice by adding yeast.
5 — Distill the fermented juice using natural spring water from the great Volcano Tequila. If we are making Number JUAN Tequila Blanco, we stop here. The last step is to enjoy a smooth glass of award-winning tequila.
6 — When making Number JUAN Tequila Reposado or Extra Añejo, we now begin the aging process using French and American oak barrels. We age our reposado for nine months and our extra añejo for three and a half years before bottling and selling the tequila.
We pride ourselves on the integrity of our tequila and never depend on diffusers or additives during the production process. You will experience the heart of Mexico in every sip because we never sacrifice excellent taste and quality for mass production.
How is Tequila Made?
Behind every glass of delicious tequila is a complex, well-thought-out production process. Here are the steps we use to create Number JUAN Tequila:
1 — Harvest the fully-matured agave by hand in Jalisco, Mexico.
2 — Bake the agave core, otherwise known as the piña, in traditional stone ovens.
3 — Extract the agave juice by shredding the piña.
4 — Ferment the agave juice by adding yeast.
5 — Distill the fermented juice using natural spring water from the great Volcano Tequila. If we are making Number JUAN Tequila Blanco, we stop here. The last step is to enjoy a smooth glass of award-winning tequila.
6 — When making Number JUAN Tequila Reposado or Extra Añejo, we now begin the aging process using French and American oak barrels. We age our reposado for nine months and our extra añejo for three and a half years before bottling and selling the tequila.
We pride ourselves on the integrity of our tequila and never depend on diffusers or additives during the production process. You will experience the heart of Mexico in every sip because we never sacrifice excellent taste and quality for mass production.
What Makes a Tequila “Good”?
Do you remember your first sip of tequila? If you had a poor experience, it’s likely you tried a glass of the “cheap stuff” and not a high-quality, expertly-crafted tequila. What’s the difference, you ask? Let’s break down what separates a “good” tequila from a “bad” one.
1 — Make sure you choose a bottle of tequila that uses 100% Blue Agave. Many brands will attempt to cut costs using cheaper, more accessible agave alternatives, but Weber Blue Agave is a necessity for any authentic bottle of tequila. Number JUAN uses the finest, fully-matured blue agave and does not depend on a diffuser to speed up our production process. This expert attention to detail ensures every sip is smooth and bursts with natural flavors.
2 — Always try to steer clear of additives. Authentic tequila does not need added colors or enhanced flavors if it undergoes a proper distillation and aging process. Additional ingredients, such as “caramel coloring,” are a sign that the brand sacrificed the quality of its tequila for production speed. Number JUAN Tequila does not use additives, and our tequilas’ rich caramel colors naturally develop as it ages in oak barrels. The tequila absorbs the woody essence and slowly changes color over time.
3 — Jalisco, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Tamaulipas, and Michoacan are all known for their exceptional agave, and high-quality tequila brands are proud to promote their connection to these regions. If a brand does not advertise its production location or showcases an entirely different area, it is most likely not authentic tequila. Our Number JUAN Tequila bottles proudly promote the phrase “Hecho en Mexico,” which means “Made in Mexico,” to showcase that we use the finest agave to create a delicious, unmatched flavor in every sip.
4 — Lastly, customer feedback is one of the easiest ways to decipher a good tequila from a bad one. We always recommend researching tequila before investing in a bottle to learn more about the brand. If you see an array of positive reviews and they satisfy the above criteria, there is an excellent chance you are investing in a high-quality bottle of tequila you will love.
What is the Difference Between Tequila and Mezcal?
Many people often mistake mezcal for tequila, but the two are very different from one another. Here are all the similarities and differences you need to know:
| Mezcal | Tequila |
|---|---|
| Originates in Mexico and is most commonly produced in Oaxaca | Originates in Mexico and is most commonly produced in Jalisco |
| Not all mezcals are tequila | All tequilas are mezcal |
| Dozens of agave plants are acceptable to use during the production process | Must use the Weber Blue Agave during the production process |
| The piña is traditionally baked in in-ground pits | The piña is traditionally baked in stone ovens |
| Provides a smoky, earthy flavor, but this can depend on the agave, brand, and production process | Provides a sweet, smooth, oaky flavor, but this can depend on the brand and production process |
| You can enjoy a blanco version or allow the Mezcal to age in oak barrels over time | You can enjoy a blanco version or allow the Tequila to age in oak barrels over time |
The History of Tequila
Tequila, originally called pulque, originates in Mexico. Many historians believe Aztecs first introduced this traditional version of tequila around 200 AD. The Aztec people often drank pulque for ceremonial purposes and during celebrations. In fact, they even had two gods centered around their love for pulque—Mayahuel and Patecatl.
Once the Spanish Conquistadors reached Mexico, they began drinking tequila as a substitute for brandy. In the 1600s, tequila dispersed throughout trading channels. In the 1700s, the commercial production of tequila was in full-swing.
Over the years, we have refined the ingredients and fermentation process to make the drink more palatable to our modern preferences. However, we always take the time to appreciate its rich history and origins. While the distillation and production process has changed drastically, we still thank the Aztecs for their original, traditional contributions that made tequila into the delicious drink it is today.
The History of Tequila
Tequila, originally called pulque, originates in Mexico. Many historians believe Aztecs first introduced this traditional version of tequila around 200 AD. The Aztec people often drank pulque for ceremonial purposes and during celebrations. In fact, they even had two gods centered around their love for pulque—Mayahuel and Patecatl.
Once the Spanish Conquistadors reached Mexico, they began drinking tequila as a substitute for brandy. In the 1600s, tequila dispersed throughout trading channels. In the 1700s, the commercial production of tequila was in full-swing.
Over the years, we have refined the ingredients and fermentation process to make the drink more palatable to our modern preferences. However, we always take the time to appreciate its rich history and origins. While the distillation and production process has changed drastically, we still thank the Aztecs for their original, traditional contributions that made tequila into the delicious drink it is today.
What is Tequila Blanco?
Tequila blanco, often referred to as silver or white, is tequila in its purest, most standard form. It has a clear appearance and does not undergo a long aging timeline. The simple production process lets the flavor of the blue agave truly shine through, making it a delicious option for tequila lovers who do not prefer any additional bells and whistles.
What is Tequila Reposado?
Tequila reposado has a light, golden color. And unlike tequila blanco, tequila reposado undergoes a long-term aging process inside wooden barrels. The type of barrel is different for each brand, and the choice of barrel changes the flavor. When making tequila reposado, it must absorb the barrel flavors anywhere from two months to a year. Often praised for its rich aroma and unique taste, tequila reposado provides the perfect balance of sweet and earthy flavors.
What is Tequila Reposado?
Tequila reposado has a light, golden color. And unlike tequila blanco, tequila reposado undergoes a long-term aging process inside wooden barrels. The type of barrel is different for each brand, and the choice of barrel changes the flavor. When making tequila reposado, it must absorb the barrel flavors anywhere from two months to a year. Often praised for its rich aroma and unique taste, tequila reposado provides the perfect balance of sweet and earthy flavors.
What is Tequila Extra Añejo?
Tequila extra añejo undergoes an aging process that lasts at least three years. It offers the boldest, most complex flavor profile. While you can still taste the agave backing, the barrel adds a generous dose of bold, vanilla notes to every bottle. This style is one of the best options for those who enjoy sipping tequila on the rocks.
Popular Tequila Mixers & Cocktails
Any one of our Number JUAN Tequilas makes a great addition to mixed drinks. Drinks with fruity, punchy flavors mix perfectly with tequila because they complement its natural agave backing. Grapefruit, lime, and pineapple are all excellent flavor combinations.
Sweet, fruity drinks are great, but what if you want something more savory? We recommend mixing up a Bloody Maria! It is just like a Bloody Mary but uses tequila instead of vodka. For more cocktail recommendations, check out our Number JUAN Tequila cocktail recipes. With tequila this good, the mixing options are truly endless!
PLEASE DO NOT SHARE WITH ANYONE UNDER THE LEGAL PURCHASE AGE FOR ALCOHOL. DRINK RESPONSIBLY.