What do Tequila and Real Estate have in common? Location, location, location!
So like any avid tequila drinker, we’re sure you know by now that tequila can only come from certain regions of Mexico, and that it is made from the blue weber agave. I mean, come on, those are the basics right? Now, if you can’t remember all the states where tequila is produced, that’s cool too, because the majority of all tequilas are made in the state of Jalisco. However, did you also know that certain regions within the state of Jalisco can also affect how a tequila tastes and finishes? It’s true! Just like a bourbon and whiskey fan will swear the limestone in KY affects the taste of the Bourbon vs a Whiskey, so too can the lowlands and the highlands of Jalisco also affect the way a tequila tastes and presents itself! So, without further ado, let’s get to the facts!
Highlands, or Lowlands?
The Mexican state of Jalisco is an interesting place to say the least. Yes, the actual town of Tequila is there, and yes that is also where the vast majority of the world’s tequilas are made, but there’s far more to it than that! The topography of Jalisco is quite diverse, and depending on where you’re growing your blue weber agaves, it can affect the taste of the tequila made from said plants. For example, the highlands of Jalisco as the name implies have a higher elevation, which in turn means the agaves from that portion of the state are going to be larger and sweeter, producing more sugar content and thus, a sweeter aftertaste. The lowlands however, where our favorite Señor Rio grows its blue agaves, has a soil that is more volcanic in nature. This in turn has given what many of our fans and first timers have identified as something of a spicy, peppery finish.
So is it just Jalisco, or can my tequila come from elsewhere?
We get this question all the time. While the vast majority of tequilas do in fact come from Jalisco, Mexican regulations state that 5 states are authorized to manufacture tequila. Aside from Jalisco, the others are Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit, or Tamaulipas. Now, important to note, they still *must* be made with the blue agave to be tequilas, that fact will never change within these 5 states. Also important to note, just like the highlands and lowlands of Jalisco can affect the nature of the agaves and thus the flavor as well, these remaining states will also produce tequilas with distinctive qualities. For example, the tequila from Guanajuato has been considered by many to have an earthy, vegetal essence to it. Now, at Señor Rio we stay in our lane, and pretty much drink mostly our own tequila, I mean, come on can you blame us?? But, that being said, if you want to go ahead and branch out from time to time, don’t worry we won’t tell!
Happy hunting!
So, now that you’re armed with additional knowledge of what makes certain tequilas unique, along with that ever present thirst, go get some! We encourage all our drinkers to try different types of tequila and compare them to Señor Rio. If anything, we think you’ll come back with not just a more sophisticated palate, but an even greater appreciation for how Señor Rio tastes neat, or in a cocktail! So happy hunting, and salud!
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