Tequila life

(photo by DAMAN Magazine)

 

If you were to randomly ask someone to pair a food dish with tequila. The automatic responses would be tacos, enchiladas, etc… Basically the dishes many people consider Mexican food. What if I were to tell you that there are many other delicious dishes that pair well with tequila. Would you find tequila more interesting now? Like a fine red or white wine, the different styles of tequila pair beautifully with specific food dishes as well. Each style pairs well with different courses of a meal. For instance if you were serving a three-course meal, it would be wise to start with a blanco with an appetizer. Pair a reposado with the main course, and end the meal with an anejo with dessert. Here’s a great link to help give you more ideas to pair Tequila with food.

Here’s a good video to watch to get a better understanding of pairing food with tequila.

Also, if you don’t want to just serve a margarita with a meal. Here are some easy tequila drink recipes.

On the humorous side of life, watch this video for a good laugh.

I can’t believe the semester is almost at an end. These past few months have flown by, but my Fundamentals of Digital and Online Media class has taught me a lot. Digital media is on the rise, and up until the beginning of the semester. I never truly realized how huge of an industry it is. Using social media platforms has become apart of everyday life. A digital society is upon us, and learning how to use some of the many platforms involved in the industry has been a blast.

The tools that I found highly effective were- WordPress, Twitter and Pixlr. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Sublime Text. That platform was a challenge to use. With my blogs, I definitely wanted to put much more thought into them. The skills I learned with blogging, and editing will help me in the advertising field I am looking to enter into.

My Blog Post Stats

1.) Which was your most popular week, and how many views and visitors did you get that week?

-My most popular week was the week of Oct. 16th. There were  7 views and visitors.

2.) Which was your most popular post of the year? How many views did it get? Why do you think it was the most popular?

-My post popular post was “Mezcal vs Tequila.” The post was viewed six times. I believe it was viewed more than the others, because many people do not understand the differences of the two.

3.) In all of the Site Stats data, was anything surprising to you?

– No, I was just happy to have people viewing my posts.

4.) Do you have any Twitter, Facebook or other social media stats you want to share?

-Not at the moment.

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This isn’t my typical tequila post, but I wanted to share my Kentucky visit on part of the bourbon trail.

(Tequila: Silver, Reposado and Anejo)

Hello folks! I’m here once again to talk to you more in-depth about tequila. Today’s topic is the differences between a silver, reposado and anejo. If you have ever gone shopping for tequila, you’ll understand how hard it is to choose one. Especially when each company has their own styles under each label. In an industry that consists of over 90 brands, the decision can get overwhelming pretty easy. Now my recommendation is to start with brand knowledge and preference. There are a few brands that are popular amongst consumers, and if one of those is your go to brand. Que sera sera, but if you are interested in expanding your horizons. The best meothod to start with is, ask yourself, “do I prefer silver or gold?” Now if you don’t know which style of tequila you prefer…then I really can’t help you…just kidding, I totally can. When I am at a store selling to consumers who are unfamiliar with the differences between the three. I ask them, “Which do you prefer more, vodka or whiskey?” If they say “vodka” I refer them to a silver. Now if their choice is “whiskey.” I direct them towards a reposado, or anejo, depending on how long they like their whiskey aged. Preference is the key that piques consumer interest toward tequila.

(Above: shot of silver tequila)

Blanco (a.k.a Silver or Plata)

The first style in the tequila culture is always a blanco. Why? Because this is the purest out of the three. It is clear in color, untouch or aged. The ending of a process, but the beginning of the spirit. The flavors are a bold, and harsh at first taste. Due to this being the ending of the distilled agave. It typically takes an agave plant to mature between 8-12 years. The older the agave, the bolder the flavor after the double distillation. If you truly want to know what blue agave tastes like, this is the style to choose.

(A shot of reposado tequila)

 Reposado

Next in the trilogy is reposado which means “rested” in english. This product is aged for a small amount of time. Ever wonder why some tequila has a gold coloring to it compared to others. That is because, reposados have to be aged between 2-12 months in oak barrels. The barrels are what gives tequila that nice liquid gold color. Unlike whiskey aging, tequila doesn’t necessarily have to be aged in brand new oak barrels. This means, companies can use old pre used whiskey, scotch, or even wine barrels. To blend the flavors, and give an even more flavorful taste to the tequila.

(Arrogante Anejo Tequila)

  Anejo

Last but not least, we have anejo which means “aged.” Anejos are typically the most expensive, and flavorful of the three. Just like a reposado, anejos are aged as well. This time though they have to be aged between 1-4 years is oak barrels. The aging process helps to mellow out the bold agave taste, and instead bring fourth the blended flavors taken from the wood inside the barrels. Depending on the process, style and barrel. Anejos can range from very smooth and neat; to robust and smokey.

(Tequila Barrels)

Hopefully this post has given you some insight for your future purchase. As well as, a better understanding why there are three main styles. Until next time, cheers my friends!

Tequila and I are thick as thieves. We go hand in hand, two peas from the same pod… Okay maybe not exactly like that, but I do believe it is a part of my soul. It makes up who I am, and is apart of my Hispanic heritage. I have a profound respect for this beautiful spirit. The taste, style, craft and production all fascinate me. It takes creative, and innovative craftsmanship to make a well-rounded tequila. I love the taste of a beautifully produced tequila. I’m not going to lie it is an acquired taste. Once acquired though, it is a taste you fall in love with.

(Above photo: Myself selling Herradura Tequila)

Besides being a part-time student, I am also a part-time product specialist for different spirits. In other words that means I get to work with, and sell different types of liquor on the weekends. I am very knowledgeable in the origins of many spirits, but my primary focus is tequila. Hence the reason for this blog page. This position has actually helped me to build a pallet for tequila. I have come to understand why a silver, reposado, and anejo; tastes different from one another. Even though they are all tequila.

I personally enjoy a silver tequila better than a well aged reposado, or anejo. Only because, the silver ( a.k.a blanco) is the finished result after distillation. A distillery that can craft a smooth delicious blanco, can also craft a well blended reposado and anejo. The moment that fist drop hits my taste buds, my senses are ignited into a whirlwind of emotions. An untold story is revealed, and the passion held within the product is unearthed.

Just like scotch and whiskey, within the Hispanic culture, there are two products with similar qualities. Mezcal, and  tequila are two very similar products because they stem from a similar process. What makes them so different though? Well one reason is differences in agave, also the production styles are very different between the two. Out of the two mezcal is a very inquired tasted. Most generally tend to pick its cousin, due to tequila having a more favorable taste.

Tequila, and mezcal both come from the same culture, but their crafts differ from one another. One thing to know about tequila is; it is a product that was virtually created by the blending of two cultures. The native mexican tribes knew how to fermentate the agave, but it was the spanish influence, and knowledge of distillation. Which laid the foundation, and creation of the product we know today. Tequila can only be made in the Jalisco state with Blue Webber agave. Where as mezcal is predominately made in Oaxaca with any agave-based liquor. The process used to pick the agave plants is identical, but the process to cook the plant is very different for both. In tequila, the piña is cooked then the sugars are extracted from the plant. The mezcal process is more traditional. Ancient methods are used to cook, and extract the nectar from the plant. Due to the volcanic rocks used, mezcal will take on a smokier and bolder taste.

Two distinct products, with similar backgrounds, but created from the blend of two different cultures. Both are truly beautiful products, their crafts are passionate, and their presentation is classic. If you are ever given the chance to try both. I highly recommend that you do. Broaden your horizons, and journey into the craft of both.

Mezcal vs Tequila

It’s 2016, and we are living in a millennial society. What does this exactly mean? It means, out with the old, and in with the new. The dawn of the 20 something millennial is upon us. Whether you like it or not, they are the new consumers, as well as dictators; with new trends, styles and interests. With the take over of this new generation, what changes are being made in the alcohol industry, particularly tequila? This is actually good news for the tequila industry. The main interests have shifted from vodka, and gin; instead are now directed toward whiskey, and tequila.

Millennials are all about craft beers, but as more, and more of these consumers become hyper aware of Mexican style beers. The appeal toward tequila has risen over the past few years. Especially with the discovery of mixing a Mexican beer, and margarita together. Now don’t get me wrong. There are still a good amount of vodka and gin consumers out there, but interests have shifted, and a product that was once associated with bad hangovers. Now is gaining a favorable reputation. Bars directed toward signature craft cocktails, specifically made with tequila, are becoming a popular trend.

An interest in the culture of tequila has specifically risen. More brands within the tequila industry are pushing more of an awareness towards millennials. Just like a fine scotch or aged whiskey; An aged añejo can finally contend with both products. Tequila connoisseurs are spreading the word, and knowledge, building more of a following in the tequila craft. As this shift continues, this next generation will help give more popularity towards a product that has been around for centuries.

Tequila awareness

Are you someone who is curious about tequila, but has no idea where to start? No worries, there are plenty of great websites, and blogs to discover all about tequila. Recently on one of my google search escapades, I came across the website tastetequila.com. Whether you are looking for general information about tequila, or new interesting facts, this is the spot to locate all kinds of fun and interesting information. On this blog site, be prepared to learn anything and everything there is to know about tequila. Go on a journey through the culture, and history of this beautiful product, with tequila specialist Grover Sanschagrin.
When I first visited the blog, I was very impressed with the presentation, and organization of the site. There are several different categories to choose from. If you’re someone who enjoys learning through videos, they have a section for that. Need some direction on what to mix tequila with? No worries, there is an assortment of ideas, and methods to choose from, found in their Tequila Cocktails Recipes. They even have a wonderful tequila reviews section, complete with several reviews on popular well-known, and unknown tequila’s.

Taste Tequila, really engages their subscribers through many informative posts. This is a page that can truly expand your knowledge; give a new perspective towards a product with a beautiful culture, and society hidden within each sip. Another thing that really impressed me within this webpage was. You can become a blind taster, and learn the true differences between a blanco, respesando and añejo. Which I highly recommend for someone who is truly interested, and curious about tequila. Take the time to explore this page, you truly will not be disappointed with the information written.

When most consumers see the word “tequila,” they automatically associate the product with a bad memory or the famous quote, “one tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor.” What most naive consumers are unaware of is the history behind the product. Tequila is known to be a blend of two cultures. It is the combination of the prehistoric Mexican tribes and Spanish culture. The tribes knew how to ferminate the product, and the spanish taught them how to distill it. When both methods were combined tequila came into existence. Founded in the 17th century, tequila has been a byproduct of mexican culture for nearly 2000 years. It was during the mexican revolution that tequila became a symbol of national pride.

Tequila can only be made in the Jalisco state of Mexico. The reason being, the main ingredient Blue Webber agave. Can only be produced in the clay soil found in that state. It takes agave plants up to 10 years to grow, and mature enough to be used in the production of the tequila. The very first manufactured tequila brand dates back to 1880, and was produced by Jose Antonio Cuervo. Tequila is North Americas first distilled and commercially produced alcohol. There are three traditional blends of the product. The first is “Blanco” or silver. It is the final product after the distillation stage. Next comes the Reposado, which has been aged in white oak barrels for a period between 6-9 months. Aged tequilas are the products most connoisseurs enjoy to sip on. The sugars are extracted from the oak barrels, and then blended with the tequila, which gives a nice finish to the aged product. Last but not least is the Anejo, which is a tequila that has been aged for 3-6 years. Anejos tend to have a smokier and favorable finish to them, which draws the attention of many consumers. Tequila is by far a complex and wonderful product to study. There is a passionate artistic approach to the creation of the product, and I believe many consumers, and can learn to enjoy.

 

The Spirit of Tequila

Hello there! Welcome to my blog about a culture, tradition and passion, I love to discuss. In this blog my goal is to open your mind, and expand your knowledge as well as interest, in a product that is centuries old. before we get into the dicussion of my blog topic. Let me first introduce myself.

My name is Marissa Rosas. I’m 27 years old, from Austin, Texas. I’m also a junior at Texas State University, studying mass communication. I have always been a social butterfly, and earning a degree that allows me to expand my communication skills is very exciting as well. Growing up I was really into playing sports; softball in particular. I spent a good majority of my youth playing competitive softball. I had at one point I even fantasized about becoming a sports journalist. As time went by though, and through work experience, I discovered a passion for sales and public relations. For the past three years I have worked as a product specialist for many different brands of liquor. The products have ranged from vodka, tequila, whiskey and rum. My favorite spirit to work with though is tequila. I have a passion for learning about the product as well as educating consumers in the process and culture behind the product.

 

 

As you can already tell, the topic and main focus of my blog is about tequila. I truly dislike the image that consumers associate tequila with. Tequila isn’t a product that consumers should abuse. Hidden beneath the party image, there is a blend of cultures and tradition  that is centuries old. I want to engage my readers to open their minds about this spirit, as well as gain some knowledge that will give consumers a more favorable image towards the product.