Tequila

Azul 17 About Tequila

With over 100 selections. We have assembled the most extensive collection of tequila in Howard County, many of which come from small, artisan distillers. These Tequilas represent what we think are the finest available made from 100% Blue Agave. All high-quality and premium Tequilas fall into this category, meaning that they are comprised entirely of spirits from the Blue Tequilana Weber Agave plant.

Not all tequilas are the same. Some Tequila called Mixtos use only 51% Tequila with sugar and water added. Although some people use Mixtos for their margaritas (aka head splitting hangovers), we only use Tequilas made from 100% Blue Agave. These Tequilas are the finest that Jalisco, Mexico has to offer.

Producing quality Tequila is a labor of love. Azul Agave plants are harvested after being in the fields for eight to twelve years. The long spear-like leaves are then cut off leaving the large, fleshy cores which have the look of enormous pineapples. They are called "Piñas" and they can range in size and weight, weighing anywhere from 80lbs up to 300lbs. The Piña cores are then slow roasted or steamed slowly and pressed to release a juice know as aguamiel (honey water). The aguamiel is then fermented and double distilled.

Aging Tequila provides different flavors, BlancoTequila, which is un-aged, shows the agave in its natural state with flavors of smoke, herb, chamomile and white pepper. Reposado Tequila, (actual translation, meaning rested) is aged anywhere from two months to one year in oak which gives a mix of vanilla and agave flavors. Añejo Tequila, is aged a minimum of three years. The result of this oak aging is a smooth spirit with strong vanilla and spice flavors. Extra Añejo, is a new category. It is simply an añejo that has been aged for more than three years.

All of our Margaritas and specialty cocktails are made with only fresh hand squeezed juices to produce a truly superior product. You are welcome to use any of our Tequilas for your Margarita, although we do recommend using either Blanco or Reposado for the ultimate margarita. We also offer a variety of Tequilas within our collection which is best to be savored as "sipping Tequila". To get you started and introduce yourself to some new agave nectars we recommend sampling one of our Tequila flights. Our servers will be happy to help you select the perfect Tequila to meet your preference.

Myths about Tequila

Tequilas and Mezcal are made from a cactus.

Cactus plants grow in the desert and are of a different genus than the agave. There is no known liquor obtained from the cactus.

Mezcal contains mescaline.

Neither Mezcal nor Tequila contains any mescaline or alkaloids. However, Peyote (a variety of cactus) contains mescaline, an alkaloid that produce hallucinations.

The worm is part of the Tequila or Mezcal process.

This is a nice legend, but not true at all! The worm is placed in some Mezcal as a marketing gig. However the maguey grows worms that are a delicacy in Mexico fetching astronomical prices at luxury restaurants. The best known varieties are "Gusanos de Maguey" and "chinicules".

Tequila has medicinal properties.

Maybe there is not scientific evidence; however, if you drink a "caballito" every day, it will make you a happier person! Some say Tequila is a natural pick me up.

How to Drink Tequila

Tequila is a fine and complex liquor and as such it must be sipped slowly. It should be served at room temperature and traditionally it is served in a "caballito", a 2 oz glass made exclusively for this purpose. The famous Riediel Glass Company from Austria has introduced a 6 ¾ oz Tequila glass. This company was the first to recognize the effect of the shape of a glass on perception and drinking pleasure of wines and alcoholic beverages. We believe in this theory and it is one of the reasons why Azul 17 introduced the 5oz "caballote" for Blancos and Reposados. The "caballote" is our favorite Tequila glass. However, we recommend snifters for Añejos and Reservas in order to be able to fully appreciate their aromas.

Blancos and Reposados will be accompanied by our home made "Sangrita", salt and lime. The tequila shot with salt in one hand and a bite of lime is a Hollywood creation that a lot of people are accustomed to. Some people put some lime juice in their tequila or bite the lime before sipping, or some mix it with sparkling water. Our only recommendation is to have fun discovering which Tequilas you like best and enjoy! There is no wrong way to drink, sip, or gulp your Tequila. After all, life is a matter of taste. ¡SALUD!

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