Tequila Town
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Coming Into Its Own
Once strictly the provenance of frat parties and Mexican food restaurants, tequila has started to become quite the tastemaker's drink lately -- and how convenient for us tastemakers that Mexico, the only authentic tequila-producing country, is right over the border.
Up Next: Going for spirit -
Going for Spirit
If you're a true aficionado, you could very well plan an entire vacation around it. And in fact, that's just what we did! Caliente!
Up Next: Agave Galore -
Agave Galore
No tequila journey could be complete without a visit to the agave fields because that's where the spirit itself takes its first incarnation. Acres upon acres of serene, blue-gray plants, with broad leaves spiking toward the sun, while here and there a few jimadores (agave cutters) toil to harvest the mature agave.
Up Next: Jimadores -
Jimadores
Using a tool halfway between a spade and an ax, they carve down to the heart of each agave plant, shaping it till it resembles a giant pineapple (and is ergo nicknamed pina).
Up Next: Jalisco -
Jalisco
There are a few agave-growing regions in Mexico, but the main one is the state of Jalisco. In fact, the World Heritage Center recently designated just under 35,000 acres in Jalisco as a UNESCO World Heritage site, thereby recognizing tequila's significance to Mexican history and identity.
Up Next: The Heart of it All -
The Heart of It All
Three towns are situated within the UNESCO site, but the most high-profile one is the town of Tequila, nestled in the shadow of the 9,000-foot Tequila Volcano. It is the epicenter of tequila production.
Up Next: Educational Travel -
It's Educational Travel
Want to learn more? Then you can't miss the Museum of Tequila which houses the largest collection of tequila history, with artifacts on display, barrels representing all the major brands and tequila-themed art and photography.
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