Tequila tour . . .

Something we did when we were in Mexico was to go on a tour of a Blue Agave plantation and Tequila distillery. Yes, yes, we ultimately went because we knew there would be samples in the end, ha . . so now we have that out of the way! It was actually really interesting to see it from plant to bottle. We first stopped at the plantation where workers were harvesting the agave plants that are used to make Tequila. It was HELL hot outside and these guys were busting their butts cutting these plants down, no fancy water bottles, no breaks and not much shade at all. No wonder they want to cross the border and find better jobs. Our farm field workers have it way easy compared to these guys. It takes 4 of these plants to produce 1 fifth of Tequila.

After the plant is cooked down, the juice is drained into the tanks for the distilling process. Hubby got to have a sample directly from the tank. At this point the tequila is only at 25% alcohol content, he said it tasted pretty strong (not smooth). Then after that process it is moved to tanks for aging, where the alcohol content increases and the smoothness of the tequila comes through.

The reason Blue Agave tequila is so smooth is there are no additives. The additives (sugars, etc) are what cause your basic awful hangover, headaches, etc. SO, if I learned anything on this "educational" trip it is Jose Cuervo is crap, and only buy Blue Agave tequila, drink it straight and you'll be just fine . ha! We brought home a fifth and said it will be opened for a special occasion . . now hubby asks me frequently "Can we have a special occasion now so we can crack the tequila?". . "No, not yet", I say, but the day will come ;), then look out!