A Field Guide to Tequila: What It Is, Where Its From, and How to Taste It

For the tequila curious and the tequila connoisseur alike, a complete, illustrated guide to one of the worlds most popular spirits Time to put away the shot glasstequila long ago left its spring break clichs in the dust. Today, it is not just a sophisticated global phenomenon but is poised to surpass vodka to become the number one spirit in the U.S. by sales. Which means theres no better time for A Field Guide to Tequila, the new bible on this popular spirit. Whether youre already an aficionado who likes to slow-sip an artisanal extra-aejo or a margarita lover curious about your favorite drink and what makes it special, A Field Guide to Tequila takes you step by step into everything that makes tequila tequila, from how it came about, to how its made, to how to select, taste, and serve it. Beginning with the origin of every bottle of tequilathe unique blue agave (which is actually much closer, biologically, to a lily than a cactus)its all here: The life cycle of the blue agave and the complex process of turning it into liquor (hint: Theres harvesting, steaming, roasting, andstill in use in one legendary distilleryworking mules). The five classes of tequila, including the unfortunate myth of blancos inferiority. How to read a tequila label. The seventeen tequila producers to know and brands you need to explore, from giants of the industry like Patrn and Jos Cuervo to traditionalists, artisans, and innovators, including Tapato, Siete Leguas, Ocho, G4, and Cava de Oro. The real deal with so many celebrity tequila brands, a phenomenon that started with Bing Crosby. How to set up a tequila tasting. A complete guide to tequila tourism, including dos and donts for visiting the town of Tequila, best times to go, essential stops, and a glossary of Spanish. Oh, and a recipe for a best-ever margarita, plus three other classic tequila cocktails, including the Rolling Stones favorite, the tequila sunrise. With its striking visuals and appealing package, A Field Guide to Tequila is a go-to reference that felicitously also feels like a real gift bookand vice versa.