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Agave
By: Jim Meador
Welcome to our online Agave showroom! Here is a representative example of the complete production process, which includes the wide variety of high quality styles and flavors from affordable prices to higher end spectrum. Take your time choosing from the incredible selection of Agave products at any of your local stores. The Consejo Regulador del Tequila has reported over 1300 registered brands from over 150 producers, and over 118.9 million liters of 100% pure Agave Tequila has been produced, of which 77.9 million liters were exported.
If you're not already familiar with the Tequila making process, please take a moment to review some of the main steps that most distilleries consistently use to produce Agave products in the Mexican state of Jalisco. Then go to the store and purchase a bottle, or more, make sure the label says “100% Blue Agave”, "Tequila 100% de agave" or "Tequila 100% puro de agave", start drinking and get drunk!
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Agave tequilana
| Tequila
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Plantae
Division or Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Asparagales
Family: Agavaceae
Genus: Agave
Species: Agave Tequilana
A. Blue Weber (Frédéric Albert Constantin Weber)
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| The distinction in the method of production is that Tequila must specifically use only 100% Blue Weber Agave.
Produced primarily in in the rich and sandy soil of Jalisco, Mexico at altitudes of 1,500 meters, Tequila is the product of Blue Weber Agave plant, which matures into a giant, spiky plant, anywhere from 6-12 years and can weigh around 90-195/lbs.
Agave are one-time use plants: the massive heart, or piña, is cut out for processing. After, they’re steam-cooked to prepare the starches in the piña to extract the sap (agave juice).
This is traditionally done by slowly roasting the piñas in above ground clay ovens typically for 2-3 days and then crushing them to release the juices. Newer methods, such as Steaming the piñas in large Autoclaves (pressure cookers) takes about 12-18 hours. A rolling mill is then used to crush them.
The crushed mash is called mosto, which is fermented in large wooden or stainless-steel vats typically for 3-5 days and distilled into Tequila. Most quality Tequila is distilled twice in copper pot-stills, in some cases three.
The major flavor distinction with 100% Agave Tequila is the base ingredient, which is more vegetal than grain spirits and often more complex. Because there are a limited number of distilleries in Jalisco, many Tequila producers share the same distilling space.
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Silver ("Plata" or "Blanco" - white) - Is clear and typically un-aged, where the true bold flavors and the full intensity of the Agave are present, as well as the impressions of the natural sweetness - is the Blue Agave spirit in its purest form. It can be bottled directly after distillation or stored in stainless steel tanks or neutral oak barrels to settle for up to 4 weeks. Platinum is aged for up to 2 months to provide a "Suave" or smoother spirit.
Reposado ("Rested or Aged") Is the first stage of "rested and aged" Tequila. This spirit takes on a golden hue and the taste becomes a smoother balance between the Agave and wood flavors. Aged in wood barrels or storage tanks between a minimum of 2 months and 11 months, with the most common being American or French oak. Some are aged in used whiskey, cognac, or wine barrels, and will inherit their unique flavors.
Añejo ("Aged", “Vintage” or "Extra-Aged”) After aging for at least 1 year (but less than 3 years), Tequila can then be classified as an "Añejo". The distillers are required to age Añejo in barrels that do not exceed 600 liters. This aging process darkens the Tequila to an Amber color, and the flavor can become smoother, richer, and more complex.
Extra Añejo (“Ultra Aged”) Distillers must age the spirit in barrels or containers with a maximum capacity of 600 liters, for more than 3 years. After the aging process, the alcohol content must be diluted by adding distilled water. With this extended amount of aging, the Tequila becomes much darker, more of a Mahogany color, are extremely smooth, and so rich that it can become difficult to distinguish it as tequila from other quality aged spirits. This new classification was established in March of 2006.
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Mixto (Gold) - Contains a minimum 51% Blue Agave and uses both fructose and glucose sugars making up the remainder - caramel color, oak extract flavoring, glycerin are also allowed. As of January 6, 2006, Mixto Tequila can now be bottled outside of the Tequila territory, including other countries.
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Nine States are Legally Recognized to Produce Mezcal.
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Five States are Legally Permitted to Produce Tequila.
The Designated Tequila Region was Established in December of 1974
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Mezcal (Mescal) - Made from Any type of Agave plant native to Mexico - Means "oven-cooked agave", which is cooked or rather smoked, over hot rocks in holes dug in the ground called a pit oven, for 3-5 day, and sometimes longer. This is largely responsible for mezcal’s signature strong smoky flavor.
Many use an open fermentation to develop bacteria that produces a variety of natural flavors. Most Mezcal is made in a pot, column, or copper stills (the most common) though clay and wood are also traditional in some areas, and still used today.
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Agave Spirits - Beyond Tequila and Mezcal
Agave spirits have been made all throughout Mexico for centuries. However, only a handful of states possess a "Denominacion de Origen" (D.O.) to legally produce tequila and mezcal by name. Agave spirits made outside of those designated states are essentially mezcal, they just can’t be labeled as such. Many simply call them "Agave Spirits", while others have different names with their own D.O.
Racilla - Many different species of Agaves are used to produce including A. angustifolia, A. maximiliana, A. inaequidens and A. rhodacanta.
Bacanora - Made from Agave Pacifica, the state of Sonora - which was illegal until 1992.
Pulque - Naturally fermented raw sap, made from the Maguey plant - Agave americana. It has the color of milk, somewhat viscous consistency and a sour yeast-like taste.
Sotol - A distilled spirit made from Dasylirion wheeleri, an Agave relative, commonly known as 'Desert Spoon'.
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www.crt.org.mx
| CRT (the Consejo Regulador del Tequila)
The Tequila Regulatory Council is the regulating body that ensures the NOM standards are being upheld, as Noted by the CRT Stamp on the bottles label, which is - Only for Tequila.
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NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana)
The NOM applies to all processes and activities related to the supply of agave, production, bottling, marketing, information and business practices, establishes the technical specifications and legal requirements of Tequila.
Tequila must be produced using Weber Blue Agave Tequilana (which is a native of Jalisco, Mexico), grown in the federal states and municipalities indicated in accordance with the current General Declaration of Protection of the Appellation of Origin of Tequila.
All authentic, regulated Tequilas will have a NOM identifier on the bottle. The number after NOM is the distillery number, assigned by the government, depicting which distillery the tequila was produced in.
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| As you can see I prefer Silvers, or Platas, as my main source of enjoying Agave products. Silver, is usually bottled straight from the still and not aged. This prodcuces the true Agave flaver. They do not need to be mixed in a drink, served cold with ice or chilled.
The 6 shown here, are your basic good quality Tequilas, in no particular order. They are reasonably priced and most stores have all of these brands. You can't go wrong with any of these Tequilas. As with anything, everyone has their own personal preferences.
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| An interview with Tequila Aficionado, M@, to see what some of experts think about tequila.
How long have you been a connoisseur of tequila?
M@: Since last August [2006]. (Maybe about 60 bottles ago.)
Why do you prefer tequila?
M@: Whiskey and Scotches are harsh. Vodka, Gin & Rum all need to be mixed with something to even be drinkable. And you have to drink way to many beers. Plus all of those leave you dehydrated and hung over in the morning. But Tequila goes down smooth. It needs no mixers or chasers. You don't have to chill it. The only thing you really get is salt and lime. And, that ritual was probably born more out of festivity than objection to the flavor.
What kind of tequila do you prefer?
M@: I like Silvers the best, but Añejo will do in a pinch. If you see me drinking a Reposado, it's because that's all they had.
Do you have a favorite brand?
M@: Patron (when times are good) 1800 (Anytime)
Are there any noticeable changes in tequila today, from when you first began enjoying it?
M@: When I first started enjoying Tequila, there was only Jose Cuervo. Or if you wanted to get real fancy, 1800 Reposado. Today, there are endless varieties of varying quality. It's almost reached the level of the micro-brewed beers in the 1990's. There are increasing numbers of high end Tequilas hitting the market. Small, start up facilities, with hopes that their product will catch on. This is good for the sake of variety. But, it makes bars think they can charge $8 for a small glass of cactus juice.
Tell me an interesting or funny story about tequila.
M@: No matter how many times I wake up naked on the front lawn, I don't have to pay for it for the next couple days with a hangover that would kill a horse.
What advise would you give to a new consumer of tequila?
M@: 1800 is the best buy, But get the Patron if you can afford it.
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National Tequila Day!
Tuesday July 24, 2018
National Tequila Day is a holiday celebrated every year on July 24. This holiday is dedicated to recognizing Tequila, the distilled alcoholic beverage made from Blue Agave.
The origins of National Tequila Day are not well understood; however, it appears that National Tequila Day began to emerge around the late 1990s according to Mack and M@.
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Don't Forget!! Tuesday April 20, 2021!
Yes! Its's that time of the year once again! 420 is here! Last year was 4-20-2020! That historic date will Never happen again - until April:20, 20020!! Well what does that have to do with this year?? Absolutely nothing!!
So what does it all mean? It means grab your freiends, family, bong, papers, vapes and pipes! Don't just do something, stand there!
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Cannabis and Hemp, is an indigenous flowering plant from Central and South Asia, which includes 3 species.
This versatile plant which can grow just about anywhere on our planet, and is possibly one of the earliest plants to be cultivated for its industrial use for fibers, as a food source, for medicinal purposes, and possibly for its psychoactive properties since 10,000 BCE.
It is also used in many cultures for religious and recreational purposes throughout our history.
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Dennis Robert Peron
April 8, 1945 - January 27, 2018
Activist and Businessman - USAF
| Cannabis / Hemp
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Cannabaceae
Genus: Cannabis
Species: C. sativa, c. Indica, c. ruderalis
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States in the nation that have Legalized Recreational Cannabis Use and Sales Include: Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont and Washington!
Sates that allow Medicinal Cannabis Use Include: Arkansas, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Louisiana (limited) Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont and West Virginia!
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Just Say Know
By: Teresa Hanna Canon-Dine
For many reasons, most of which are obsolete, the possession and use of cannabis is against Federal law. How can this natural occurring plant and beautiful flower be illegal? Aside from its recreational properties, there is growing facts regarding Cannabis’ medical efficiency.
Cannabinol (CBN), is a cannabinoid found in cannabis. It forms when THC has been exposed to oxygen and heat. Understanding cannabinoids such as; THC, THC-A, CBD, CBD-A and CBN, and how they all work differently inside our endocannabinoid system, you can choose which is right for your specific medicinal condition.
It is a non-narcotic analgesic (pain-killer) and is 3 times stronger than aspirin. CBN helps to reduce inflammation, convulsions from epilepsy, insomnia, and nausea from cancer therapy. The California Pacific Medical Center reported that some Cannabidiols show promise for controlling the spread of metastatic breast cancer, which is important to me. Breast milk contains substances similar to marihuana, which is good.
In addition to treatment for ADD, ADHD, Alzheimer’s Glaucoma, PMS, new research reports reductions in concussion symptoms and head trauma effects. Cannabis has also been shown to help alleviate tension headaches and migraines, as a muscle relaxer and reduces neurological impairment.
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Maui Wowie - Sativa
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Lifesaver - Indica
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www.norml.org
| The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws is a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC - Founded in 1970 by Keith Stroup, whose mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to legalize the responsible use of marijuana by adults, and to serve as an advocate for consumers to assure they have access to high quality marijuana that is safe, convenient and affordable.
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www.hightimes.com
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High Times Magazine - Founded in 1974 by Tom Forçade is the preeminent source for cannabis information committed to connecting people with the most relevant and timely information to inform their worldview and help them take a serious look at the health benefits, business opportunities and rich culture of cannabis.
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www.oaksterdamuniversity.com
| Oaksterdam University is America’s first cannabis college, founded by Richard Lee in 2007 in Oakland, CA. OU is a dynamic, diverse, and responsive academic institute dedicated to educating the global cannabis community and industry. With a cannabis hands-on training facility, OU has been a forerunner in providing the highest quality and most comprehensive training available to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead and succeed.
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www.thecannabisindustry.org
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The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) is a non-profit organization based in the District of Columbia. It is the largest cannabis trade association in the U.S., representing state-sanctioned cannabis-related businesses at the federal level. Its mission is "to promote the growth of a responsible and legitimate cannabis industry and work for a favorable social, economic and legal environment for that industry in the United States." The organization was founded in late 2010 by Aaron Smith and Steve Fox.
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It's All Stems, Seeds and Leaves
By: Teresa Hanna Canon-Dine
This topic continues to Spark the debate - Which is the best platform for enjoying your servings? The top 3 being Joints, Pipes and Bongs. Which of course has many sub categories for each of these formats, and all the other “stuff” individuals use (such as Vape pens), but we will not get into that right now.
So, you can take huge hits with a bong, and some say that the water helps with the smoke. Not the best for sharing, usually requires a setting up process and is harder to clean.
Joints are great for groups, but they constantly burn using up a lot of the THC – and sometimes the run. However, you can roll them as big or small as desired. Joints also travel well and they are easily disposable.
Pipes are in the middle: Good for sharing, not much wasted THC, you can take big hits, they are concealable, travel well and inexpensive.
So, in the end, which is best method?
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| Have you ever made a Pingles can bong? Or ridicules “gravity bong” with a 2-liter bottle? Have you ever drank hash smoke from a pint glass? Apple pipe?
Do you have a safety pin on your keychain? Which is better – rolled tin foil or a can?
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Hemp for Victory
Is a black-and-white United States government short film made during World War II and was released in 1942, explaining the uses of hemp, and encouraging farmers to grow as much as possible!
During World War II, the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 was lifted briefly to allow for hemp fiber production for the U.S. Navy. The documentary was produced by the United States Department of Agriculture.
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| Reefer Madness
Is a 1936 anti-Cannabis propaganda film financed by a church group. The film was intended to be shown to parents as a morality tale attempting to teach them about the dangers of cannabis use. It was originally titled as Tell Your Children, but also released as; The Burning Question, Dope Addict, Doped Youth, and Love Madness.
The movie revolves around the melodramatic events that ensue when high school students are lured by pushers to try marijuana. From a hit and run accident, to manslaughter, suicide, attempted rape, hallucinations, jail and descent into madness – is all due to marijuana use and addiction!
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