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Hennessy Pure White Congnac
Tequila Guide
Top Winter Cocktails
Holiday Gift Guide
Learn About Pino Noir Wine
What To Know About Tawny Port
Cristal Champagne: The Luxury Wine for Special Occasions
The One, The Only: Opus One Wine
Cabernet Sauvignon: Unraveling the Bold Flavors, History, and Best Pairings of This Classic Wine
Exploring the World of Sparkling Wines: Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, and Beyond
The Rise Of The Canned Margarita Cocktails
All About Stateside Vodka and Stateside Cocktails
Spirits 101: Everything You Need to Know
The Ultimate Wine Guide
Learn About 818 Tequila
All About DeLeón Tequila
The Best Cheap Tequilas
Hornitos Tequila
Interested in Angel’s Envy?
Top Whiskey Selections
Everything About Smirnoff Vodka
Everything You Need to Know About Non-Alcoholic Wine
The Art of Pairing Gin with Food: Enhancing Your Dining Experience
Learn About Sunny D Vodka Seltzer
Everything You Need to Know About Peanut Butter Whiskey
Best Rose and White Wine Pairings
Why Chicagoans Are Raising Their Glasses to Alcohol Delivery Services
All About Tequila + The Best Margarita Recipes
Travis Scott’s CACTI Agave Spiked Seltzer
The Rise of Online Wine Delivery Services in Chicago
Exploring Buttery Chardonnay: A Guide to the Velvety White Wine
The Benefits of Buying at an Online Beer Store in Chicago, IL
Goose Island Bourbon County Stout: The Ultimate Craft Beer Experience
Beer and Wine Delivery in Chicago, IL: Convenience at Your Doorstep
Discovering Ace Pineapple Cider: Everything You Need to Know
What is Organic Vodka?
Get to Know Clase Azul Tequila
Red or White: Which Type of Wine Is Right for Me?
The Growing Trend of Liquor Delivery in Chicago, IL
Discover BuzzBallz: Ready-to-Drink Cocktails That Combine Fun, Flavor, and Convenience
The Ultimate Beer Guide for Your Super Bowl Party
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Wine Store in Chicago, IL
The Benefits of Alcohol Delivery Service
Sipping Made Simple: Alcohol Delivery in Chicago, IL
Top Five Gin Drinks Perfect for Your Next Party
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Liquor Store in Downtown Chicago
Cheers to Convenience: Why Beer Delivery Service Is A Game Changer
Exploring the Finest Wine Delivery Services in Chicago, IL
Your One-Stop Guide to Buying Liquor in Chicago
Where to Buy Premium Vodka in Chicago
About Traditionally Made Tequila
Alcohol Delivery Service in Chicago, IL: Convenience Without Compromise
The Ultimate Guide to Beer Delivery in Chicago, IL
Discover the Best Wine and Spirits in Chicago, IL
Choose the Best Whiskey Store in Chicago, IL
Best Bourbon Whiskey in Chicago, IL
Grand Marnier: The Orange-Infused Cognac That Conquered Cocktails
Wine
By Style
Red
White
Rosé & Blush
Champagne & Sparkling
Dessert & Port
Other Wines
By Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Red Blends
Pinot Noir
Pinot Grigio
Rose
Malbec
Merlot
Syrah-Shiraz
By Country
France
Italy
Spain
Germany
Argentina
United States
New Zealand
Greece
Portugal
By Region
Bordeaux
Tuscany
Rioja
Burgundy
Napa Valley
Explore
New Arrivals
Staff Picks
On Sale
All Wine
Wine Brands
Spirits
By Type
Vodka
Bourbon
Whiskey
Tequila
Mezcal
Rum
Gin
Brandy
Liqueur
Sake
By Country
United States
France
Ireland
Japan
Italy
Mexico
Explore
New Arrivals
Staff Picks
On Sale
All Spirits
Spirits Brands
Beer
By Type
IPA
Hard Seltzer
Ale
Lager
Pilsner
Stout
Explore
New Arrivals
Staff Picks
Domestic Beers
On Sale
All Beer
Mixers/Food/Ice
Mixers
Chips/Snacks
Chips
Crackers
Cheese
ICE
Accessories
Party Planning
Gift Bags
Supplies
Glassware
Barware
ICE
Store Info
Store Info
Location & Hours
Notifications
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
My Account
Order History
Blog
Hennessy Pure White Congnac
Tequila Guide
Top Winter Cocktails
Holiday Gift Guide
Learn About Pino Noir Wine
What To Know About Tawny Port
Cristal Champagne: The Luxury Wine for Special Occasions
The One, The Only: Opus One Wine
Cabernet Sauvignon: Unraveling the Bold Flavors, History, and Best Pairings of This Classic Wine
Exploring the World of Sparkling Wines: Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, and Beyond
The Rise Of The Canned Margarita Cocktails
All About Stateside Vodka and Stateside Cocktails
Spirits 101: Everything You Need to Know
The Ultimate Wine Guide
Learn About 818 Tequila
All About DeLeón Tequila
The Best Cheap Tequilas
Hornitos Tequila
Interested in Angel’s Envy?
Top Whiskey Selections
Everything About Smirnoff Vodka
Everything You Need to Know About Non-Alcoholic Wine
The Art of Pairing Gin with Food: Enhancing Your Dining Experience
Learn About Sunny D Vodka Seltzer
Everything You Need to Know About Peanut Butter Whiskey
Best Rose and White Wine Pairings
Why Chicagoans Are Raising Their Glasses to Alcohol Delivery Services
All About Tequila + The Best Margarita Recipes
Travis Scott’s CACTI Agave Spiked Seltzer
The Rise of Online Wine Delivery Services in Chicago
Exploring Buttery Chardonnay: A Guide to the Velvety White Wine
The Benefits of Buying at an Online Beer Store in Chicago, IL
Goose Island Bourbon County Stout: The Ultimate Craft Beer Experience
Beer and Wine Delivery in Chicago, IL: Convenience at Your Doorstep
Discovering Ace Pineapple Cider: Everything You Need to Know
What is Organic Vodka?
Get to Know Clase Azul Tequila
Red or White: Which Type of Wine Is Right for Me?
The Growing Trend of Liquor Delivery in Chicago, IL
Discover BuzzBallz: Ready-to-Drink Cocktails That Combine Fun, Flavor, and Convenience
The Ultimate Beer Guide for Your Super Bowl Party
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Wine Store in Chicago, IL
The Benefits of Alcohol Delivery Service
Sipping Made Simple: Alcohol Delivery in Chicago, IL
Top Five Gin Drinks Perfect for Your Next Party
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Liquor Store in Downtown Chicago
Cheers to Convenience: Why Beer Delivery Service Is A Game Changer
Exploring the Finest Wine Delivery Services in Chicago, IL
Your One-Stop Guide to Buying Liquor in Chicago
Where to Buy Premium Vodka in Chicago
About Traditionally Made Tequila
Alcohol Delivery Service in Chicago, IL: Convenience Without Compromise
The Ultimate Guide to Beer Delivery in Chicago, IL
Discover the Best Wine and Spirits in Chicago, IL
Choose the Best Whiskey Store in Chicago, IL
Best Bourbon Whiskey in Chicago, IL
Grand Marnier: The Orange-Infused Cognac That Conquered Cocktails
All About Tequila + The Best Margarita Recipes
What is tequila? Arguably, it’s the spirit of choice for those seeking a taste of Mexico in a glass. Learn all about it with Uncork It! located at
393 East Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60611.
It all began with the agave plant, sacred to the Aztecs, who fermented its sap into a drink called pulque. In the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors introduced distillation techniques to produce stronger spirits. Over time, this led to the creation of mezcal wine, which eventually evolved into tequila.
The Making of Tequila
Tequila production begins with the cultivation of the agave plant and culminates in the bottling of the finished spirit. While there are several species of agave, the most iconic and widely recognized variety for tequila is the Blue Weber agave (Agave tequilana Weber azul). Moreover, any product labeled “tequila” must use this type of agave, by law.
Prized for its high sugar content and unique flavor profile, the Blue Weber agave is known for its large size, robust leaves, and blue-green hue. Its cultivation is a labor-intensive process that requires patience and expertise. Farmers tend to the agave plants for several years to let them reach maturity before being harvested.
Once harvested, the piñas are transported to the distillery for processing. Traditional methods involve cooking the agave in large stone or brick ovens. The piñas are stacked in layers and slow-roasted for several days. This process caramelizes the sugars in the agave, imparting rich flavor to the final product. Some distilleries use more modern techniques that steam-cook the agave in a fraction of the time.
After cooking, the agave is crushed to extract its juices. Traditional methods use a tahona, a large stone wheel pulled by a horse or mule, to crush the cooked agave. In modern facilities, mechanical shredders or mills are often used to extract the juice.
The extracted agave juice is transferred to fermentation tanks. Yeast is added to the juice to initiate the fermentation process. As fermentation generates heat, some distilleries employ open-air tanks to allow wild yeast from the environment to contribute to the tequila's flavor profile.
After fermentation, the liquid is distilled to increase its alcohol content and purify its flavors. Tequila is typically distilled twice in copper pot stills, although some high-quality tequilas undergo a third distillation for extra refinement.
Depending on the desired style of tequila, the spirit may be aged in oak barrels. Once the aging process is complete, the tequila is filtered, blended (if necessary), and bottled. Each bottle of tequila is labeled with information about its production, including the type of tequila, the distillery, and the NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana) number, which certifies that the tequila meets regulatory standards.
Types of Tequila: Categories and Classifications
Blanco (Silver):
Also known as silver or white tequila, blanco tequila is clear and unaged, meaning it is bottled shortly after distillation. It showcases the purest expression of the agave plant, with crisp, vegetal flavors and a hint of sweetness. It is often used in cocktails like margaritas and palomas, where its fresh agave flavors shine through.
Reposado (Rested):
Reposado tequila is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months but less than a year, imparting subtle oak flavors, along with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. The agave character remains present, albeit mellowed by the aging process. Enjoyed neat or on the rocks, reposado tequila is also a popular choice for cocktails where a hint of oak and complexity is desired.
Añejo (Aged):
Añejo tequila is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of one year but less than three years. The extended aging results in a smoother, more complex spirit with pronounced oak, caramel, and spice notes. The agave flavors are further subdued, giving way to the barrel's influence. It is best enjoyed neat or in premium cocktails, where the depth of its flavor and sophistication can be appreciated.
Extra Añejo (Extra Aged):
Extra añejo tequila is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. This results in a deeply aged and refined spirit and rich, nuanced flavors reminiscent of fine whiskey or cognac, with prominent oak, dark chocolate, and dried fruit notes. Sipped slowly and savored neat, extra añejo tequila is a premium offering prized by connoisseurs for its complexity and depth.
Product Recommendations
Arette Tequila
Arette Tequila Blanco is crafted from 100% Blue Weber agave in Tequila, Jalisco. It features crisp notes of agave, citrus, and pepper, ideal for sipping neat or cocktails.
ABV 38%
Buy Now
Casa Dragones Tequila Anejo Barrel Blend
Casa Dragones Barrel Blend is a 100% Blue Agave Añejo tequila aged in new French Oak and new American Oak. It has aromas of fresh floral, pear, figs, and almonds; tastes of macadamia, nutmeg, and blackberry; and a long, rounded finish with notes of cacao and spicy black pepper.
ABV 40%
Buy Now
1800 Ultimate Margarita Pineapple RTD
1800® The Ultimate Margarita Pineapple has a sweet, creamy pineapple flavor complemented by bright orange notes. It concludes with brown sugar, agave, and a blend of citrus flavors.
ABV 9.95%
Buy Now
Jose Cuervo Classic Lime Margarita RTD
This beverage features an aroma of bright zest and pressed lime peel, accented by undertones of orange and agave. The flavor starts with tart lime peel, quickly fading into creamy lemon and agave, with a finish of tequila and sweet oranges.
ABV 9.95%
Buy Now
Tequila in Celebration: A Cultural Icon
Deeply ingrained in Mexican culture, tequila is a symbol of celebration, camaraderie, and tradition. It adds warmth and conviviality to special occasions like Dia de los Muertos and Cinco de Mayo. During Dia de los Muertos, families offer shots of tequila at gravesites as a tribute to the departed. It's believed that the spirits of the deceased return to the earthly realm to join the living during Dia de los Muertos, and sharing tequila is a way to welcome and honor them. Tequila also flows freely during Cinco de Mayo celebrations, with revelers enjoying margaritas, tequila shots, and other tequila-based cocktails in lively gatherings.
How to Taste and Enjoy Tequila
First, use a tulip-shaped glass, such as a Glencairn glass or a copita, to concentrate the aromas and allow for easy swirling. Alternatively, a small wine glass or narrow-mouthed tumbler can also work well. Pour a small amount into your glass, filling it no more than halfway to allow for swirling without spilling. Hold the glass up to the light and observe the color and clarity of the tequila. Note any variations in hue, from clear (blanco) to golden (reposado) to amber (añejo and extra añejo).
Gently swirl the tequila in the glass to release its aromas. Bring the glass to your nose and take a series of short sniffs to capture the full range of scents. Notice the aromatic complexity of the tequila, which may include notes of agave, citrus, floral, herbal, spice, vanilla, caramel, oak, and pepper. Take a small sip and let it coat your entire palate. Hold the tequila in your mouth for a few seconds to fully experience its flavors and textures. Then, move it around your mouth to different areas of the palate, paying attention to how the flavors evolve and interact with each other.
Got Tequila? Make Margaritas
One of the best ways to introduce a total beginner to tequila is to try it in a cocktail like a margarita. Here are recipes that you can try that highlight the flavor of the tequila without overwhelming the senses:
Classic Margarita
Ingredients:
2 oz Arette tequila
1 oz fresh lime juice
3/4 oz orange liqueur (such as triple sec or Cointreau)
1/2 oz agave syrup (adjust to taste)
Salt (for rimming, optional)
Lime wedge (for garnish)
Instructions:
Begin by preparing your glass. If desired, rim the glass with salt
Combine the tequila, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, and agave syrup. Shake.
Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass, and garnish.
Spicy Margarita
Ingredients
:
2 oz Casa Dragones tequila
1 oz fresh lime juice
3/4 oz orange liqueur (triple sec or Cointreau)
2-3 slices of jalapeño or 1 slice of habanero
Salt (for rimming, optional)
Lime wedge and chili slice (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a shaker, muddle the jalapeño or habanero slices to release their spice
Add the tequila, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, and agave syrup to the shaker.
Shake for about 15-20 seconds to chill the mixture. Strain and harnish.
Stock Up on Tequila Today
Armed with all this information, are you ready to find your next favorite bottle? Head over to Uncork It! at
393 East Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60611
, call them at (312) 321-9400, or visit
https://uncorkitchicago.com/
for more product recommendations!