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WORLD TEQUILA DAY

By Dapper Lounge · On July 22, 2017

When you think of Tequila, an imminent sense of party fever comes to mind. Getting your lime, salt and shot glass ready to throw back one of the most favourite ‘dancing juice’ tipples is a pastime of many. With World Tequila Day on July 24^th, the folks from Milagro, makers of the renownedly smooth 100% blue agave Tequila and world’s most awarded premium Tequila, share the Top 5 myth busters on this famous spirit.

To shed some detailed light on whether a good tequila should have a worm in the bottle, or if Tequila is only for shots, Lucia Rodriguez, Tequila expert and brand associate for Milagro gives the low down on how this tipple should be appreciated.

Myth #1: Tequila is cactus juice
The truth is… “No alcoholic drink originating from Mexico is actually made from cactus. Tequila is distilled from the Blue Weber Agave, which does look similar to a cactus with its sharp thorns, but tequila is actually closer to lilies than cactus. Just like Champagne or Cognac, tequila can only be made in a specific region: The Mexican state of Jalisco and some surrounding areas. The volcanic soil in this area is perfect for growing agave and it takes between 8-12 years to reach maturity before harvesting.”

Myth #2: If it is good tequila, there will be a worm in the bottle
The truth is… “There is literally no worm in any tequila that is bottled in Mexico, because this is not a local tradition. Some American brands of tequila will put a worm in the bottle as a marketing tactic to boost sales, but why this custom was started is not quite clear. One legend has it that the worm at the bottom of the bottle is a sign that the tequila is a high proof alcohol. It is believed that if the proof is high enough the worm will stay preserved. But truth be told, top-quality bottles tend not to include a worm, or any other creature for that matter!”

Myth #3: Tequila is only for shots
The Truth is… “Tequila in Mexico is often sipped and savoured! However, for many of us, our request for tequila at a bar or friend’s home are often met with a serve in a shot glass. Mexicans recommend treating the spirit as you would a single malt Scotch. A wine glass, Champagne flute or brandy snifter will allow it to open up. More recently, the famous Belgian glass maker Riedel introduced their own version of a tequila glass that is used in official tastings held by the Mexican Academy of Tequila Tasters.”

Myth #4: A shot of tequila should always be served with lime and salt
The truth is… “Although many people use a lime and salt with any type of tequila, it is really only needed if you are drinking a cheaper tequila. The lime and salt is actually used to mask the taste of the tequila, so if you’re drinking a high-quality tequila it’s advised not disguising the flavour with condiments (unless you’re sipping on a proper cocktail of course)!”

Myth #5: With time tequila loses its quality
The Truth is… “Once tequila is bottled – much like other distilled spirits – it doesn’t lose its quality or character. In fact, a sealed bottle of tequila can actually last for years. Once you open the bottle though you have about two months for oxidization and evaporation to reduce the quality of the tequila and ruin the agave profile.”

To find out more you can head to www.milagrotequila.com, and to pick up a fine bottle of Milagro you can find it at Dan Murphy’s with the range starting at $53.90 per bottle and up to $144.90 per bottle for the premium select barrel reserve.