How to Drink Tequila with Olmeca Altos
Drinking tequila is almost a ritual, and enjoying it the right way ensures a far more rewarding experience. From carefully selecting the tequila to appreciating its nuances, flavours, and aromas, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to fully savour this iconic drink, deeply rooted in the culture and essence of Mexico.
Guide: How to properly drink tequila
The selection of tequila:
Choosing a high-quality bottle of tequila is essential. The finest tequilas are typically crafted from 100% pure agave and aged in oak barrels, which impart a smoother, more complex flavour. Look for bottles labelled “100% agave” to ensure you’re getting the very best. We invite you to explore Olmeca Altos’ exquisite selection of tequilas.
- Tequila Blanco: Also known as “silver,” this tequila is fresh and pure, making it ideal for cocktails like margaritas. Its flavour emphasises the agave.
- Tequila Reposado: Aged in oak barrels for several months, it boasts a smoother flavour with hints of vanilla and caramel.
- Tequila Añejo: This variety offers a more complex and robust flavour, featuring notes of wood, chocolate, and nuts.
Choosing the right glass:
Selecting the appropriate glass is essential for fully appreciating tequila. Glassware is designed to concentrate aromas and enable a more precise tasting experience. Olmeca Altos offers a carefully curated range of glasses that elevate the enjoyment of each tequila variety, taking your experience to the next level.
Concentrates the aromas: Tequila glasses are typically smaller with a narrower rim, which helps to concentrate the aromas. This allows you to better detect the aromatic notes, an essential part of appreciating the flavour.
Facilitates tasting: Glasses specifically designed for tequila are shaped to encourage small sips, making it easier to savour the drink and preventing overly quick consumption. This ensures you can fully enjoy each sip.
Highlights the flavor: The glass shape influences how the tequila interacts with different parts of your mouth, allowing the flavours to develop optimally on your palate.
The ideal temperature:
When serving and enjoying tequila, the temperature can be adjusted based on personal preference and the type of tequila, but the following general recommendations apply:
- Tequila Blanco: Serve at a temperature of 0–5°C (32–41°F) or slightly chilled. This enhances the fresh flavours and crisp agave notes characteristic of this tequila.
- Tequila Reposado and Añejo: Best served at room temperature or slightly chilled, around 20°C (68°F). These more complex tequilas benefit from being tasted at a warmer temperature, which allows their aromas and flavours to be released more effectively.
Contemplate tequila:
Pour a moderate amount of tequila into the glass. Hold it carefully, avoiding warming the liquid with the heat of your hands. Observe its colour and clarity; aged tequilas often display golden hues, while blanco tequilas are more transparent. Tilt the glass slightly against a white or neutral background to better appreciate the colour and check for any sediment or suspended particles.
This initial visual inspection provides valuable clues about the quality and ageing process of the tequila. The presence of suspended particles may indicate less meticulous production or inadequate filtration.
Appreciate aroma, sip and savor:
Tequila aromas can vary from fruity and floral notes to hints of vanilla and wood, depending on its type. Take your time to identify and appreciate these aromatic subtleties. Begin with a small sip, letting the tequila coat your palate. Savour each sip, moving it around your mouth to explore the diverse range of flavours, which may include citrus, spices, cooked agave, and more.
Why Olmeca Altos?
By following the steps to enjoy tequila properly, we uncover that it is far more than just a spirit. Tequila offers a sensory journey that connects us to the land and history of Mexico. It is a drink that transcends cultural and geographic boundaries, serving as an authentic expression of Mexico’s passion for craftsmanship and tradition.
So, the next time you hold a glass of tequila, remember the tips from Olmeca Altos. Here’s to the art of savouring tequila!
