On to what you’re curious about: the tasting. First, we started by sampling raw agave, which is very similar to eating sugar cane: vegetal, sweet, and chewy, with a strong taste of molasses. (It’s apparently half fiber, 15% sugar, and 35% water, which explains the sweetness.)
While the most commonly consumed type of tequila in Mexico now is the Reposado, which is aged in oak for two months, Clayton implored us to not write off blancos, which are rare for unaged spirits with their subtlety. They’re a great way to get started in tequila tasting.
Now, here’s how to taste:
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First, make sure your glass is right for tequila tasting. It should be tall, with lots of room for air. Don’t agitate the tequila, but you can swirl it gently. A good tequila should have enough friction and body to stick to the glass, which is a sign of fermentation.
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Smell the tequila. Angle the glass so you can place your nose in it. Breathing through your mouth, take in the vapors, much like tasting wine. Start low in the glass and work your way up, so you can see how the vapors change: they should get more herbal.
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For the first sip, you’re clearing the palate. Take a tiny amount in your mouth and swirl it along your gums and palate. (It may look ridiculous, but that’s okay.)
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For the next sip, you’re tasting. Inhale, hold that breath, then take a sip, swirl it on your tongue a few times, then exhale. You should have less burn this time, and more of the taste.
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Repeat all the above steps for each tequila you try.
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Also: Never shoot tequila, which removes the ability to actually taste it.
Now you can apply all these skills yourself at the NW Tequila Fest. Remember: once you’re there, there’s no rush. This is one of the best times to ask the makers questions, and these are spirits to be savored. Still, it’s a good idea to make a game plan before you go. The agave list is already up on Facebook, and there will be buckets if you’d like to do a proper tasting. Since most likely your palate will become fatigued at 5-6 tastes, it’s a great way to enjoy a sunny day in Seattle. Just don’t ask for a shot.