Tequila has always been more than just a popular drink in the U.S.; it has been the people's choice, a main ingredient in festivities, and for many, a symbol of refinement. However, there are different grades of tequila. It's a common mistake to reach out for the cheapest or the most colorful bottle when faced with dozens of options on the liquor shelf. While doing this, a significant point can easily be missed. It is a fact that you should always check the label for 100% Agave.

It is not just a matter of putting the point on 100 percent agave tequila; rather, it is closely related to the qualities that go hand in hand with the spirit's authenticity and the nod given to the craft tradition of Mexico. Joining us on this blog is a journey through the history of tequila, exploring the differences it makes to taste and health, and the honor it pays to the true heritage of tequila-making by always choosing agave tequila.

The Roots of Tequila: A Quick History

The blue agave plant is the primary source of tequila. The production of the drink is very strictly regulated by law in Mexico to ensure its integrity, similar to the case of champagne in France. The only distilled spirits from blue agave cultivated in the designated areas of Mexico are those that can be legally referred to as tequila.

The making of traditional tequila is a skill that has been handed down from one generation to another, involving the process of harvesting mature agave piñas (the heart of the plant) by hand, slow cooking to convert the starches into sugars, and carefully fermenting and distilling the liquid.

What Does "100% Agave" Mean?

If a tequila jar is labeled as "100% Agave," it implies that the beverage is made solely from the agave plant's natural sugars. It is a guarantee of being true and clean.

On the other hand, those marked only "Tequila" or "Mixto" are made up of at least 51% of agave sugars, with the rest (49%) being derived from other sugars - normally cane sugar or corn syrup. The use of these additives is less expensive, and they can significantly alter the aroma and quality of the alcohol.

Taste and Quality: Pure Agave for Pure Flavor

One of the most compelling reasons to choose 100 percent blue agave tequila is its superior flavor quality. As being solely from the blue agave, this tequila reveals the true, complex aspects of the plant — earthiness, sweetness, and fruitiness, as well as at times, spiciness that mirror the terroir where the agave was grown.

Mixto tequilas, conversely, are often characterized by a less pleasant flavor profile that is sometimes even harsh and artificial. The additional sugar in the mixture can mask the natural flavors, resulting in a simpler taste that is less appealing to fans.

If you desire to enjoy organic tequila straight or make a sophisticated cocktail, 100% agave is definitely the right choice. The lightness and decadence it brings to the drink make it a celebration-worthy drink, not just a way to use up.

Health Benefits and a Cleaner Drinking Experience

Without a doubt, 100% agave tequila is not just better to the palate but also to the body.

Mixto tequilas are made using different types of sugar and various additives, which are the main reasons for more intense hangovers or digestive problems in some people. The process of eliminating impurities and artificial components in mixtures is more difficult for the body, hence the unpleasant after-effects occur.

However, 100% agave tequila is regarded as one of the purest alcoholic beverages. It has fewer preservatives and contains natural sugars, which makes it less likely to give you a hangover and a spirit that your stomach will appreciate. Indeed, the majority of tequila fans claim that sipping pure agave tequila not only allows them to experience the best-tasting experience but also the least harsh aftermath.

How to Identify 100% Agave Tequila?

Knowing and recognizing authentic tequila is really important when purchasing: 

• Get the essential things clear first: A label that reads "100% Agave" is a straightforward indication of the product. After that, confirm the NOM Number, a unique identifier that indicates the distillery from which the tequila originates, helping you determine the brand's authenticity.
• Color and Transparency: The blanco or silver tequilas are colorless, while reposado and añejo tequilas exhibit a light gold or amber color, typical of wood aging. The 100% agave tequilas are pure and have a natural shade.
• Price Point: Quite often, very cheap bottles are mixto tequilas or of lower quality, but this is not always the case.
• If You Have the Opportunity, Taste It: While tasting, determine if the tequila has several layers of flavor and is smooth, rather than being sharp or overly sweet.

Elevate Your Experience: Enjoying 100% Agave Tequila.

Drinking 100 weber blue agave tequila is a whole sensory experience.

• Neat or Slowly Sipped: To expose its complex aromas and flavors, take a sip of it neat at room temperature.
• Traditional Mixes: Use it to make margaritas, palomas, or tequila sunrises and give your cocktail the honest taste that takes you one step further.
• Combination: Pair it with Mexican food (tacos, ceviche, or spicy dishes) to bring out flavors you may not have even suspected.

If you genuinely want to make a statement about your sense of style and quality, or if you're going to pamper yourself, then nothing can do this better than a high-quality 100% agave tequila.

Common Misconceptions About Tequila

Still, misconceptions over tequila have not disappeared, and in fact, the choice of 100% agave tequila might be the best way to clear the following ones:

• Tequila is often perceived as a party drink, but authentic 100% agave tequila is a spirit to be enjoyed, just like good whiskey or rum.
• All tequilas are the same: Differences in production and ingredients lead to very different flavors and qualities.
  
  Related Article: Why Tequila Is One of the Most Unique Spirits

Conclusion

Agave is also about green farming, being part of the change for a cleaner and more pleasurable drinking experience, and it is also about recognizing a heritage that has been around for centuries.

Next time you are at the liquor store and picking a bottle of tequila, why not take a look at the label and choose 100% pure agave tequila?

Therefore, take your bottle from the pantry, relish the exquisite taste, and raise a glass to the real source of tequila - pristine, original, and perpetually 100% agave.