Jump to:
Tequila is a Mexican distilled beverage made from the blue agave plant. It is produced in the area surrounding the city of Tequila in Mexico. Mexican law states that tequila may only be produced in certain areas. These areas include Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacan, Tamaulipas and Nayarit.
Tequila must also have an alcohol content ranging between 35% and 55%.
The red mineral-rich soils in this area are ideal for growing blue agave and more than 300 million plants are harvested annually.
The region consists of two areas. The valley and the highlands. Tequila produced from Agave grown in the valley has a more herbaceous flavor and fragrance, while the tequila produced in the highlands is larger and sweeter in taste.
Indians were the first to ferment the agave plant. This dates to 250 – 300 AD. They used it in ceremonies and called it Pulque.
During the 16th century, conquistadors from Spain started making tequila from the agave plant. Don Pedro Sanchez de Tagle was the first person to mass-produce tequila. His factory was based in Jalisco, Mexico.
The Cuervo family was the first to obtain a license to produce tequila commercially. In 1974 the term “tequila” was declared intellectual property of Mexico.
Aging Categories
- Anejo – This is when tequila is aged from one to three years in French or American oak barrels. The wood gives it a darker shade. Tequila, such as 1800 tequila, is made from pure blue agave. It is aged in wine barrels to ensure the best aroma and flavors.
- Extra Anejo – These tequilas are aged in barrels for more than three years. They are pricier and the colors are darker.
- Silver – Also known as white, Bianco, or platinum tequila. This tequila is distilled twice, but not aged for more than two months. It is distilled in either stainless-steel barrels or natural oak. Silver tequila is the best choice for cocktails such as Margarita because it does not overpower other spirits.
- Resposado – Resposado means rested. This tequila is aged for a minimum of 2 months and a maximum of one year in oak barrels. It has a darker shade than silver tequila. It has flavors of caramel, vanilla, and cinnamon.
A brief history of Milagro Tequila
Milagro Tequila is a relatively new brand of tequila on the market. It is the innovation of two young students. Daniel “Danny” Schneeweiss and Moises “Moy” Guindi Launched Milagro tequila in 1998.
Their vision was to create a tequila that reflected the vibrant, bright, artistic lifestyle of Mexico City. They wanted to create a modern tequila using age-old traditional methods.
They employed Pedro Juarex as their Master Distiller. Juarex is one of the most distinguished master distillers in Mexico.
He is a true expert in tequila production with a career spanning over 35 Years. For the first time, Juarex had the financial assistance to let his creativity roam free to create a 100% blue agave tequila that comprises the freshest agave taste and supreme smoothness.
It was bought by William Grant & Son in 2006 and is now distributed worldwide.
Milagro works with Mexican graffiti artists to create murals & marketing materials. Some of these projects have been displayed worldwide.
In September of 2018, Milagro tequila became the “official tequila” of the Sacramento Kings of the NBA. During the following month, it announced a partnership with the San Jose Sharks from the NHL.
Production of Milagro Tequila
The blue agave that is used to make Milagro tequila is grown in the Jalisco Highlands. The highlands are known for sunny days and colder evenings.
The soil in this area is very mineral-rich. This enables the agave to grow large and full of sweet sugar.
The agave is harvested in the traditional manner by Jimadors. It is harvested at the peak of ripeness to ensure the best flavor and taste.
Agave pinas are slow roasted for about 36 hours in traditional brick ovens. This brings out the freshness and flavor of the plant.
After the agave pines have been roasted, they are shredded and pressed. The juice is then placed in stainless steel tanks for 72 hours for fermentation to develop flavor and aroma. This is longer than most tequilas.
Milagro is double distilled using a pot and a column. The first distillation is done by using a traditional pot still. The second distillation is done using a column still. The result is a smooth flavorful tequila.
Milagro silver is unaged. Milagro Reposado & Anejo are aged in American oak battels. Reposado is aged for 2 – 4 months and Anejo for 12-14 months.
The select range is aged in American and French oak barrels. Milagro Select silver is mellowed for 45 days. Milagro Select Gold is rested for 4-6 months and Milagro Select Anejo is aged for 18-24 months.
Milagro products and pricing
|
Type |
Size |
Price |
|
Milagro Silver |
750ml |
$25.99 |
|
Milagro Reposado |
750ml |
$25.99 |
|
Milagro Anejo |
750ml |
$39.99 |
|
Milagro Select reserve Silver |
750ml |
$44.99 |
|
Milagro Select reserve Reposado |
750ml |
$45.99 |
|
Milagro Select reserve Anejo |
750ml |
$54.99 |
Milagro is a medium to high price Tequila.
Competitors’ products and pricing
|
Brand |
Price Range |
|
1800 Jalisco |
$15.99 – $40.99 |
|
Casamigos |
$39.99 – $54.99 |
|
Patron |
$21.99 – $499.99 |
|
Don Julio |
$19.99 – $419.99 |
|
Jose Cuervo |
$13.99 – $199.99 |
|
Avion |
$16.99 – $149.99 |
|
Deleon |
$27.99 – $699.99 |
|
Hornitos |
$12.99 – $43.99 |
|
Herradura |
$39.99 – $59.99 |
|
Cabo Wabo |
$38.99 – $44.99 |
|
Corralejo |
$29.99 – $49.99 |
How to drink Tequila
Tequila is a very versatile beverage and can be enjoyed in many ways.
Traditionally in Mexico, tequila is consumed with Sangrita. Sangrita means “little blood” in Spanish. It is called this because of the color of the liquid. The one-shot glass contains tequila and the other one sangrita. Take turns in sipping the tequila and sangrita.
You can make sangrita by mixing 1 cup of fresh orange juice, 1 cup of tomato juice 1oz of lime juice, 1 tsp of Grenadine, and a dash of tobacco.
You can also sip tequila. Do it like the professionals by pouring your tequila into a tequila or sniffer glass. Raise your glass and admire the color of the tequila.
Swirl your tequila and look for the “string of pearls” effect. Take a small sip and swirl the tequila in your mouth for about ten seconds. Swallow and repeat. This method is ideal for Anejo tequilas.
Tequila can also be enjoyed as a shot with salt and lemon or lime. This dates to 1924. Originally it was first lemon or lime, then tequila, and then salt. These days you do it by moisturizing the skin between your thumb and index finger.
Pour some salt into the moistened hand. Lick the salt on your hand and follow it with the tequila shot. Then suck on the lime or lemon wedge.
Tequila is also a great addition to any cocktail. Just to mention a few, there are Margaritas, Tequila martinis, Tequila sunrise, and Bloody Mary.
