Agave & Regional Spirits
The useful basics: what the categories mean, what separates them, and which clues help predict flavor.
Four clues matter most.
Use these before assuming that age, price, rarity, or a familiar brand will tell the whole story.
The plant
Tequila uses Blue Weber agave. Mezcal and raicilla can use multiple agaves. Bacanora traditionally centers on agave angustifolia. Sotol is made from Dasylirion, commonly called desert spoon—not agave.
The place
Climate, elevation, water, soil, and local practice all matter. Protected names define permitted production areas, but a region alone does not guarantee a flavor.
The producer
Fermentation choices, equipment, cuts, proofing, and blending often reveal more than the category name. Look for the actual producer, distillery, village, or batch.
The process
Cooking, milling, fermentation, still type, resting, filtration, and oak can all shift aroma, texture, and balance.
The categories at a glance.
These are starting points, not promises. Every category contains a wide range of styles.
Now choose by flavor.
Move from categories to the drinking experience you want.
Choosing Your Bottle