Tequila

The soul of Mexico: Purchase top quality tequila online at Heinemann

The reputation tequila has in this country as a party beverage is certainly not without basis – but it really doesn't do justice to the national Mexican beverage. A good tequila is a highly aromatic spirit full of complex flavors that fully develop during an elaborate production method. Discover the complexity of this unmistakable Mexican specialty: At Heinemann you will find tequila from world-famous brands such as Patron and others. Conveniently order high quality spirits online from our selection of products up to 180 days prior to your departure date and have your order delivered on a date of your choosing.

A Mexican original: How is first-class tequila made? 

Tequila belongs to the class of agave brandies, referred to as "mezcal". It is distilled exclusively in the region outside the city of Tequila, in the Mexican state of Jalisco, and only from a certain type of agave, the blue agave. It takes close to eight years for the blue agave to blossom for the first time. Its fleshy interior cannot be harvested until then, when it is used in the complex production of tequila. 

• Steam cooking: The heart of the agave is cooked for up to 36 hours until it is soft and it must then cool for up to 48 hours. It is then crushed and watered down.
• Pressing: The mixture is pressed and the agave juice is collected. Depending on the quality of the tequila, the pure juice is processed further, or raw sugar is added prior to further processing.
• Fermenting: Yeast is added and the agave juice is left to ferment for several days, during which time the sugar converts to alcohol.
• Distilling: The fermented agave juice (5-7% alcohol volume) is then distilled twice, until what is left is a fully clear tequila (blanco). 

The clear tequila blanco does not develop its characteristic golden-yellow color until it has matured in wooden oak barrels. 

Quality characteristics: How can you recognize a good tequila? 

Tequila is available in two quality categories – the mixto, which must contain a minimum sugar content of 51% from the agave, and the tequila from 100% agave. Another taste and quality criterion is the degree of maturity, which is broken down into five classes: 

• Silver/blanco: clear, is filled immediately after the distillation process
• Gold/oro: golden yellow, a blend of blanco and añejo
• Aged/reposado: matured in an oak barrel for a minimum of two months
• Extra-aged/añejo: matured for at least a year 
• Ultra-aged/extra-añejo: matured for at least three years

Today, tequila is one of the most popular spirits around the world, but only very few know the various kinds and qualities available. At Heinemann, you will find an excellent selection of Mexican tequila, which delights both connoisseurs and newcomers alike.

Purchase top quality tequila at Heinemann and savor it

It is best to enjoy a top quality aged tequila in its purest form. For example, savor the intense agave taste of Patron Tequila Añejo matured in an oak barrel. Patron Tequila Silver with its slight citrus notes is exactly the right choice when preparing legendary drink specialties such as tequila sunrise, margarita or sangria.

Be inspired by the selection of top quality tequila at Heinemann – and make sure to check out our monthly specials in the Heinemann shop: There, you can purchase tequila and other high quality spirits, fine foods and more online at significantly reduced prices.