Tequila Tasting in Jalisco

What to Expect

The town of Tequila sits in a valley of blue agave fields about an hour northwest of Guadalajara in Jalisco state. This landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape, and it is here that Mexico's most iconic spirit has been produced for centuries. A tequila tasting tour typically includes visiting agave fields, touring a distillery to see the production process, and tasting several varieties of tequila.

The Tequila Process

Understanding how tequila is made enhances the tasting experience:

1. Harvest -- Jimadores (agave farmers) use a specialized tool called a coa to harvest mature blue agave plants, which take 7-10 years to reach maturity. They trim the leaves to reveal the pina (core), which can weigh 40-90 kg.
2. Cooking -- Pinas are slow-cooked in brick ovens (traditional) or autoclaves (industrial) to convert starches to sugars
3. Crushing and fermentation -- The cooked agave is crushed, the juice extracted, and yeast is added for fermentation
4. Distillation -- The fermented liquid is distilled, typically twice, in copper or stainless steel stills
5. Aging -- Blanco (silver) is unaged; reposado is aged 2-12 months; anejo is aged 1-3 years; extra anejo is aged over 3 years

Distilleries to Visit

• Jose Cuervo (La Rojena) -- The oldest active distillery in Latin America, operating since 1758. Offers multiple tour options from basic to premium tastings.
• Casa Herradura -- Located in Amatitan (near Tequila town), producing tequila since 1870. Tours include the hacienda and gardens.
• Casa Sauza -- Another historic producer in Tequila town with informative tours
• Small-batch producers -- For a more intimate experience, several smaller distilleries offer artisanal tours with personalized tastings

How to Get There

• Jose Cuervo Express -- A tourist train from Guadalajara to Tequila, operating on weekends. Includes tequila tastings on board, live entertainment, and a distillery tour. Book in advance.
• Day tour from Guadalajara -- Many operators run day tours including transport, distillery visits, and tastings (approximately 800-2,000 MXN per person)
• Self-drive -- About 1 hour from Guadalajara via Highway 15D. This allows you to visit smaller producers at your own pace.

Tasting Tips

• Sip, don't shoot -- Quality tequila is meant to be sipped, like fine whiskey. Swirl, nose, and taste.
• Try all categories -- Compare blanco, reposado, and anejo to understand how aging changes the flavor
• Ask about 100% agave -- The best tequilas are labeled "100% agave." Mixto tequilas contain only 51% agave and are lower quality.
• Pace yourself -- Tastings add up. Use the spittoons if available, and eat between tastings.

Cost

• Jose Cuervo Express -- Approximately 2,000-4,000 MXN per person depending on class
• Distillery tours -- From 300-1,500 MXN per person depending on the producer and tasting level
• Day tours from Guadalajara -- 800-2,500 MXN per person including transport

Plan Your Visit

A tequila tasting is a highlight of any trip to the Guadalajara area and features in the Food Lovers Mexico 7-Day itinerary.