As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with a detailed answer to your question about making tequila in Colorado. According to the regulations set by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), tequila must be distilled in Mexico. This means that legally, tequila cannot be produced in any other country, including Colorado.
One of the key requirements for tequila production is that it must be derived principally from agave Tequilana, also known as blue agave. This specific type of agave is primarily grown in the Tequila region of Mexico, where the climate and soil conditions are ideal for its cultivation. The agave plant takes several years to reach maturity before it can be harvested for tequila production. The unique combination of terroir and agave variety contributes to the distinct flavor and character of tequila.
Furthermore, tequila must be bottled at a minimum of 40 percent ABV (alcohol by volume) and 80 proof. These specifications ensure that the final product meets the established standards and maintains its authenticity as tequila.
While the production of tequila is limited to Mexico, there are distilleries and establishments outside of Mexico that produce agave-based spirits similar to tequila. These spirits are often referred to as “agave spirits” or “mezcal” to differentiate them from true tequila. Mezcal, in particular, is a distilled spirit made from different varieties of agave, including Espadín, Tobalá, and others, and is produced in various regions of Mexico.
In Colorado, there are distilleries that produce agave spirits inspired by tequila and mezcal. These distilleries may use locally sourced agave plants or import agave juice/nectar from Mexico to create their own unique interpretations of agave spirits. While these spirits may share some similarities with tequila, they cannot legally be called tequila due to the specific requirements outlined by the TTB.
Tequila production is limited to Mexico, and it must meet specific criteria regarding its origin, agave variety, and alcohol content. While agave spirits similar to tequila can be produced in other regions, such as Colorado, they cannot be labeled or marketed as tequila.