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STYLE
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ESCAPE
Sometimes understanding the mythology of tequila means visiting Guadalajara,
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SALUD
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La Buena Vida
Escape
From the heart of the Agave
Tequila travels through guadalajara and its
surroundings.
Text and photos Cristian Lazzari
Visiting tequila distilleries in the popular spirit’s
homeland is just one of the many draws Mexico has to offer. During
a trip to the historic city of Guadalajara one can visit the metropolitan
cathedral, which began construction in 1561, at the bequest of Spain’s
King Phillip II. Constructed with a mixture of baroque and neoclassical
styles it boasts Gothic and Moorish influences. Other places that
deserve a visit are the Government Palace, the Degollado Theater,
inaugurated in 1856 and the 18th century Cabañas Cultural
Institute, which was formerly an orphanage with 106 rooms.
As an alternative daytrip visit the neighboring town of Tlatepaque,
a nice place to buy handicrafts, discover its old streets surrounding
the town square, and linger over a drink or eat in the many appetizing
restaurants serving authentic regional and international foods.
The landscape of agave fields is unique in the world, declared by
the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In it, one can experience the
taste, tradition, life, customs and essence of a people that are
characterized by their hospitality and love for their land.
TEQUILA IN THE MAKING
According to Mexican legend tequila has a mystical origin. Once,
long ago, during a strong thunderstorm, lighting struck and split
open an agave plant cooking its starches into a thick honey. The
delighted natives drank it and began to use it in their sacred rituals
honoring the Aztec goddess Mayahuel, the symbol of the fertility
of the earth.
Nowadays tequila production is slightly more complex. It’s
produced exclusively from the blue agave tequila plant of the agave
tequilana species or Weber Tequilana Blue Agave native to the region.
The official designated area for the production of tequila, according
to the Declaration for the Protection of the Appellation of Origin
of Tequila (DOT, for its initials in Spanish), includes the entire
state of Jalisco and other specific areas within four states: Nayarit,
Tamaulipas, Michoacán and Guanajuato. According to the law,
these are the only areas where it is legal to produce tequila.
The agave reaches full maturity between eight to 12 years after
planting. During this time its pencas, or leaves, as well as its
large core, called piña, are removed and steamed in a pressure
cooker for approximately 12 hours. Through this process, the sap
of the agave, or maguey, is produced. Then, the unfermented juice
is extracted and fermented with yeasts for approximately 72 hours.
During this process, the released sugars turn into ethyl alcohol
and are then distilled in stainless steel or copper vats. And thus,
tequila is born.
These two varieties in turn, are divided in three categories: The
first is white or silver tequila that goes directly from distillation
to the bottle; the second is tequila reposado, it’s slightly
aged tequila that’s stored in oak barrels for a minimum of
two months; and the third kind is tequila añejo, which is
aged for at least a year and has a more intense flavor. None of
these are better quality than the other; they just have different
bouquets.
All of these production processes can be seen when visiting tequila
distilleries, some of which have guided tours offered in different
languages. Some are beacons for tourists, especially those in the
picturesque cities of Tequila and Guadalajara, the capital of the
state of Jalisco. Guadalajara offers a great variety of cultural
activities and rich historical heritage.
Make an Impression upon your return
Margarita
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 oz tequila
1/2 oz triple sec
dash of lemon or lime juice
3 oz. sour mix
lime wedge for garnish
salt to rim the glass (optional)
PREPARATION
Pour the ingredients into a shaker with ice cubes. Shake well. If
desired, salt the rim of a chilled margarita glass. Pour contents,
with ice, into the glass. Garnish with the lime wedge.
HAUTE HOTELS
Hotel Quinta Real
Av. México #2727,
Colonia Vallarta Norte
Guadalajara, Jalisco
(33) 3669-0600
www.quintareal.com
Hotel Holiday Inn Centro Histórico
Av. Juárez #211, Colonia Centro
Guadalajara, Jalisco
(33) 3560-1200
www.holidaycentrogdl.com
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