Agave azul (Blue agave/Tequilana Weber), most commonly known as the tequila agave, grows and is used to make spirits across various regions of Mexico, not just in Tequila and not just in Jalisco. At the risk of being controversial, it is part of the Angustifolia species, like a brother of espadin. Like all unique sub varieties, the blue agave has characteristics that make it unique, and shows differently depending on its terroir- including the climate and soil of where it is grown, as well as the human element of production it goes through. The qualities that made it favorable for tequila are shared by some other Angustifolias, such as relatively early ripening and high sugar content. I tend to find themes of high acid and grassy minerals as well.
It’s fun to hone in on the qualities of the agave itself and see how it is capable of expressing those qualities under different circumstances. But it is very important to remember that these few samples represent a tiny fraction of the pool, so at best, this will give one limited perspective of how this agave is being expressed across present day Mexico. This is a geeky and fun way to deepen our sense memory bank of what blue agave can be, but if you walk away feeling like an expert in blue agave, you’ve done it wrong.
The Spirits
Cascahuin Blanco : Jalisco
Cascahuin Blanco is my go to all purpose good tequila. Made from high quality ripe blue agave, the flavor is pure and serves as a good benchmark of what blue agave tequila is supposed to taste like. If you have another good unaged tequila on hand, feel free to swap it in or add it to the lineup.
Caballito Cerrero Azul : Jalisco
Not tequila, but from within the denomination or origin of tequila is Caballito Cerrero– the untamable agave spirits brand that refuses to be put into a box. Think of this as dipping a toe into the pool of non tequila blue agave spirits, before jumping into the deep end.
Derrumbes Zacatecas : Zacatecas
This is a full on artisanal mezcal production, including tahona crushing and aging for 60 days in glass. The agave provenance and production are Hacienda de Guadalupe, Zacatecas.
La Luna Tequilana : Michoacan
Tequila also comes from Michoacan, but the region is better known for its mezcals. Made in an artisanal mezcal process from blue agave, this is mezcal Michoacano. In addition to their 100% blue agave production they feature blends with blue agave and other regional agaves- also worth tasting.
Del Maguey Azul : Oaxaca
Particularly interesting is tasting a traditionally made mezcal from Oaxaca from 100% agave azul. This expression comes from San Luis Del Rio, where Vida is also made. You could add a small taste of Vida for a fun comparison as well, to see the differences between the two Angustifolias from the same region.
The Pairings
Rather than creating one to one pairings, a more casual approach to the food element is appropriate here in order to keep the focus on the subtleties of the spirits and how they each express the blue agave differently or similarly. Follow a simple formula to create a tasty and balanced pairing board:
- One mild salty cheese; such as quesillo, feta, havarti
- One crunchy salty snack; such as toasted nuts/peanuts, popcorn, chapulines
- One sweet element; such as dates, chocolate, fresh fruit
- One carb; such as crackers, bread, totopos/tostadas
Of course feel free to embellish this a bit, perhaps adding in some chewy jerky or crunchy chicharon or creamy guacamole- but keep the flavors relatively straightforward and mild in complexity. The pairing bites are meant to cleanse the palate and fortify the body.
Notes
You can easily create a larger tasting by adding in another tequila or two. Bonus points for including Siembra Ancestral, which is a hybrid of traditional and modern vino de mezcal de tequila; or La Venenosa Azul which is a raicilla and offers an interesting comparison from within Jalisco. If you have access to other non tequila blue agave spirits, add them to the line up as well. For this kind of tasting I highly recommend keeping notes- over time you may amass a list of 10 or more (non tequila) blue agave spirits that will further deepen your understanding of the flavor and characteristics that make blue agave unique.
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