Tequila
Currently a darling in the spirit world, tequila is famed for its earthy and smokey flavours. The worldwide love for this agave juice has further expanded in Hong Kong with the continuous launching of celebrity brands. Traditionally a Mexican national treasure, tequila can only be produced in one of the five Mexican states, including Michoacán, Jalisco, Nayarit, Guanajuato and Tamaulipas, and is required to be recognised by Mexico’s Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT), or Tequila Regulatory Council. Now, tequilas available on the market can be categorised into three main types: Blanco, reposado, and añejo—with two additional variations.
Tequila Blanco, also known as “silver” tequila sometimes, is an unaged tequila distilled from blue agave. For bottles labelled "100% blue agave", they are the key ingredients of a good Margarita. If you see a Blanco bottle labelled as Joven, it indicates a mix of aged tequilas with unaged ones.
Tequila Reposado is one that is aged in American or European oak barrels for at least two months and up to a year. Añejo, on the other hand, is one that has aged over a year. Sometimes you can even buy an extra Añejo that has been aged for 3 years. The longer a tequila is aged, the more suitable it is to be savoured neat. They also work amazingly as a base spirit for cocktail recipes, just like whiskeys.
Depending upon the region it is produced, tequilas can come in sweet, citrusy, mellowed sweetness or full of peppery spice with profound notes of oak and vanilla aromas - there is always a tequila bottle out there for every consumer to buy. Whether you are craving to sip and savour a neat shot of tequila or wish to make yourself an iconic Tequila Sunrise on a Friday night in, a bottle of tequila is all you need for the scene. Apart from that, tequila also offers various potential health benefits as a sub-product of agave juice, making it a popular drink choice among many in Hong Kong. Compared to other liquors, tequilas tend to contain less sugar and calories.
At Dram Good Stuff HK, you can buy internationally acclaimed tequilas for your enjoyment. An abundance of deluxe labels is available on our shelves to cater for all tequila tastes, including Don Julio,Patrón, Codigo, Jose Cuervo, Padre Azul and Revolucion. Explore the fascinating world of tequila with our wide range of tequilas in Hong Kong. If you’re interested in shopping for other spirits like Macallan whiskeys or even some champagne and white wine, we can easily combine your shipping to save on cost. Free delivery is available for online orders over $2,000.
FAQS
1. What is tequila made of?
Tequila is made from the blue agave plant, which is native to Mexico. The process of making tequila starts with the harvesting of ripe blue agaves, which are then sliced and crushed to extract their juice or 'must.' The must is then fermented in large tanks for a few days before being distilled twice. After distillation, many producers age their tequilas in white oak barrels for further flavour refinement. In order for something to be officially labelled as tequila, it must be made using at least 51% agave sugar. However, if you want to buy good tequila, the best way to ensure quality is to buy tequila that is 100% agave.
2. How do you drink tequila?
There are several ways to enjoy tequila, depending on the type of tequila you buy and your personal preferences. When drinking tequila straight, it's best served chilled or over ice cubes with a small slice of lime as a garnish. Across bars in Hong Kong, you can also commonly find tequila mixed into cocktail recipes such as Margaritas, Palomas, and Tequila Sunrises, which lends to an exciting and unique drinking experience.
3. How long does tequila last after opening?
Once opened, tequila should be consumed within 3-4 months for optimal taste but can generally last up to a year. Over time, the alcohol content and flavour will begin to dissipate and oxidise with exposure to air. To ensure that your bottle of tequila lasts as long as possible without degrading in quality, make sure you tightly seal the cap back on after every use and store it upright in a cool, dark place.
