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WSET ® Level 2 Spirits > Tequila and Mezcal > Flashcards

Tequila and Mezcal Flashcards

To discover the basics of the agave based spirits and the various styles made from them.

1
Q

Agave spirits come almost exclusively from…

A

Mexico - most important are Tequila and Mezcal

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2
Q

What are the carbohydrates used to produce alcohol that are stored in the heart of the Agave plant?

A

Inulin

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3
Q

When is the harvest time for Agave?

A

Agave are harvested at peak maturity, just before they are ready to flower, and when they have the most inulin.

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4
Q

What are the common flavors of Agave?

A

Pepper, vegetable and bell pepper

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5
Q

What is the pina?

A

The central core of the Agave plant, and the part that is harvested for making distillate.

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6
Q

What are the two methods of cooking agave?

A

In Tequila, the pina are slowly steamed in brick ovens, while in Mezcal the pina are often roasted in stone lined pits.

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7
Q

Why is the pina crushed after cooking?

A

The pina are crushed to release their juices, and to leave behind the fibrous material of the pina.

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8
Q

What type of milling machine is currently used in Tequila?

A

Mechanical

Traditionally, a large stone wheel was used to crush the pina.

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9
Q

Why is Agave heated?

A

Agave is heated to convert the inulin into sugar.

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10
Q

What plant is used for all tequila production?

A

Blue Agave

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11
Q

Why would fibers from the Pina be added during fermentation?

A

Fibers can be added to enhance agave flavors.

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12
Q

What type of still is used for top-quality Tequila or Mezcal?

A

Top quality tequila or mezcal is double distilled in pot stills in order to maximize agave flavors.

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13
Q

Why are some agave spirits collected at low strengths?

A

This is done in order to capture as much flavor as possible - can be 60% or lower.

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14
Q

What will be characteristics of agave matured for a short period of time in oak?

A

It will display greater smoothness and flavor complexity.

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15
Q

How does oak affect Agave flavors?

A

Oak can overwhelm them if left too long.

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16
Q

Where does gold tequila get its color?

A

All of its color comes from caramel coloring.

17
Q

What is the additive added to gold tequila that gives it its color and other characteristics that mimic the effects of maturation?

A

Abocado

18
Q

What is Mezcal?

A

The umbrella name for all Agave-based spirits in Mexico, as well as one of the geographical indications for Agave spirit.

19
Q

What is Tequila?

A

Also a geographical indicator for Agave spirit, and a region dominated by a lot of larger brands.

20
Q

What is the significance of having “Mezcal” on the label?

A

It can only refer to the geographical indication, not the spirit.

21
Q

What is Agave tequilana Weber var. azul?

A

Commonly known as Blue Agave, it is the only variety of agave that can be used for Tequila.

22
Q

What is the most important state for growing Agave for Tequila?

A

Jalisco

This is where the blue agave originated.

23
Q

How long does it take for a blue agave plant to mature?

A

Typically between 7-10 years

24
Q

What are the flavors associated with Blue Agave grown at altitude?

A

Fruitier flavors

25
Q

What are some of the ways the better Tequilas are produced?

A
  • Using Agave cooked slowly in brick ovens
  • Fermented with agave fibers
  • Double distilled in pot stills
  • Collected a particularly low strengths
26
Q

What is the most important state for Mezcal production?

A

Oaxaca

27
Q

What is Espadin?

A

Espadin is a variety of Agave most commonly used in Mezcal production in Oaxaca.

28
Q

Roasting pinas adds…

A

A smoky flavor

29
Q

What are three factors for the best Mezcal?

A
  1. The roasting process
  2. Using fibers in the ferment
  3. Distillation in simple pot stills to low strength
30
Q

What is required for Artisinal Mezcal?

A
  • Producer can use only roasting pits and brick ovens
  • there are limits on mechanized mills
  • fermented to include fibers
  • use of direct fire, metal or clay pots
31
Q

What are the requirements for Ancestral Mezcal?

A

The requirements are the same as Artisinal with the following exceptions:

  • only roasting pits allowed
  • no mechanized milling
  • required to use agave fibers during ferment and distillation
  • the stills must be direct fire clay stills
32
Q

What does 100% Agave mean on the label?

A

This indicates that all fermentable sugars are from Agave.

33
Q

What is the minimum aging for Reposado Tequila?

A

Two months in oak

34
Q

What is the minimum aging for Anejo Tequila?

A

One year in oak barrels

35
Q

What is the minimum aging for Extra Anejo?

A

Three years in oak barrels

36
Q

What is the minimum aging for Reposado Mezcal?

A

Two months in oak

37
Q

What is the minimum aging for Anejo Mezcal?

A

One year in oak barrels

38
Q

What is the term for a farmer who harvests agave plants?

A

Jimador

WSET ® Level 2 Spirits (13 decks)

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