Is Licor de Agave Tequila?
Licor de Agave, also known as Agavero, is a tequila-based liqueur that is made from a blend of 100% blue agave Tequila, specifically Reposado and Anejo varieties. It is then infused with the essence of the Damiana Flower, resulting in a unique and flavorful spirit.
To understand whether Licor de Agave is considered tequila, we need to delve into the production and classification of tequila itself. Tequila is a distilled spirit that must be made from the blue agave plant, specifically the Weber Blue variety, and produced in designated regions in Mexico, primarily in the state of Jalisco. It is protected by the Denomination of Origin, ensuring that only spirits produced in these regions can be labeled as tequila.
The production process of tequila involves harvesting the blue agave plant, cooking and crushing the agave to extract the juice, fermenting the juice, and then distilling it. The resulting spirit can be bottled as Blanco tequila or aged in oak barrels to produce Reposado or Anejo tequila, depending on the duration of aging.
Licor de Agave, on the other hand, takes this tequila base and infuses it with the essence of the Damiana Flower. The Damiana Flower is native to Mexico and has long been known for its aromatic and herbal qualities. The infusion of this flower lends a distinct and floral character to Licor de Agave, setting it apart from traditional tequila.
While Licor de Agave contains tequila as its base, it is important to note that it is a liqueur rather than a pure tequila. Liqueurs typically have a lower alcohol content and are sweetened and flavored to enhance the drinking experience. Licor de Agave falls into this category, as it is sweetened and infused with the Damiana Flower essence, creating a unique and complex flavor profile.
In terms of classification and labeling, Licor de Agave is not labeled or marketed as tequila. It is marketed as a tequila liqueur or simply an agave liqueur, highlighting its distinctive characteristics and differentiation from traditional tequila. This distinction is important to avoid confusion among consumers and to comply with the regulations set forth by the Denomination of Origin.
Licor de Agave is not considered tequila in the strict sense of the term. While it is made from a blend of tequila and infused with the essence of the Damiana Flower, it is a liqueur that falls into a different category. Its unique flavor and profile make it a popular choice for those seeking a more complex and aromatic alternative to traditional tequila.