Introduction
The term ‘premium’ says a lot about a product with the sticker attached next to them. They can be summarized into three terms: high cost, better quality, better experience. In short, premium products are for those who wish to have the best among average ones. Similarly, almost all alcoholic beverages have their premium counterparts which are more in demand among enthusiasts. The way we consume a premium drink is always different than the way we consume an average drink, and the same goes for the best Blanco tequilas and the best premium tequilas.
Premium in Brand or Drink?
When we talk about ‘premium tequila’, two things can be inferred. Either the bottle of tequila is a regular bottle of high-quality tequila made by a premium brand, such as premium Blanco tequila or premium reposado tequila. Or the bottle of tequila is a premium-grade tequila that has been aged for years, putting it an entirely different categorization of premium tequila.
No matter what, one thing is for sure; premium tequilas aim to provide an exclusive experience, a far cry from the regular blackout tequila shots that tequila have come to be associated with. By introducing premium tequilas, tequila companies are trying to change the general perception of tequila and showing the public how tequila can also be a tamed and classy drink if its premium variants are given a try.
Why is Premium Tequila A Big Deal?
Premium alcohols and spirits have been around for a long time. The more aged a drink is, the more premium they are called; however, it also depends on the quality of manufacture. Then why exactly is premium tequila a big deal?
Unlike most other alcoholic drinks and spirits sold around the world, tequila takes the unique factor because of strict laws regarding its production. You see, it is illegal to produce or manufacture tequila anywhere outside Mexico, and the production is allowed only in a select few areas of Mexico where blue agave is naturally grown in abundance. This means although tequilas have that exclusive factor, premium tequilas that are distilled in Mexico and imported to other parts of the world are more exclusive than premium scotch or gin that can be made virtually anywhere in the world.
Add to the fact that premium tequila is in short supply all around the world, because the process of growing blue agave plants for tequila production is a long process that takes 5+ years. This means premium tequilas are one of the most exclusive drinks you can lay your hands on.
Premium is All Right, But What of Its Taste?
No matter how much premium tequilas are promoted, it will all fall flat on the face of the taste doesn’t match the premium factor of the tequila. The taste of regular tequila is hard and cannot be possibly sipped, so premium tequilas got to have a distinct taste and drinking experience than their inexpensive counterparts. They need to be smooth and luxurious, and a person needs to be able to sip and consume them slowly, for no one gulps down an expensive, premium drink in one go.
Keeping up with the demands of premium drinks, premium tequilas are usually aged from 1 year to 3 years or even more, depending on what kind of tequila is being made. Blanco tequilas can be aged for up to 1 year, Añejo tequilas can be aged from 1 to 3 years, and Extra Añejo tequilas need to be aged for at least 3 years with no outward limit. The method of aging, barrel used to age and added components lend premium tequilas their unique tastes.
The typical premium tequila tastes based on its type. For example, premium Blanco tequila will taste slightly bitter, but less bitter than regular inexpensive tequilas. For a more luxurious experience, one can go for Añejo and Extra Añejo tequilas that are aged in oak barrels which lend them a rich and aromatic taste along with a brilliant woody brown color reminiscent of premium whiskeys. Each brand and production houses that deal with premium tequilas add their subtle enhancements that differentiate their tequilas from other tequila brands. Most of these are 100% agave tequilas, so you don’t have to doubt the pureness of those premium tequila brands.
Using Premium Tequilas for Cooking
Wine has been famously associated with cooking exquisite dishes, but tequilas are not far behind when it comes to their applications in cooking. Many top Mexican chefs and restaurants use Blanco and reposado tequilas to cook various specialty dishes with a hint of Mexican accents. The fact that tequilas are becoming popular as a cooking ingredient has even made waves across the USA, so much that many top Michelin-starred chefs are starting to use premium tequilas as an essential ingredient to make specific dishes.
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