[tx_eggman]

Increased US demand for "high-end" tequila is jacking up the prices. Tequila is made from distilled sap from hearts (piñas) of the agave or maguey plant. This plant is actually related to the lily and amaryllis (it has its own genus, Agave). There are 136 species of agave in Mexico, of which the blue agave - agave tequilana weber azul - is the only one allowed for use in tequila production. It takes 8-10 years for the piñas to mature ... so the supply of the raw material is lagging behind a sharp rise in demand here in the US.,/p>

The problem most people have with tequila is that they have only experienced mixto tequila (not 100% agave). Mexican law requires that in order to be called tequila it need only be 51% agave - the rest is typically corn liquor. Bad hangover material. 100% agave, consumed straight, will not give you a hangover. My particular favorite is El Tesoro de Don Felipe Paradiso, It's a five-year-old anejo, a blend of El Tesoro silver and anejo tequilas. The blend is aged further in A. de Fussigny Cognac barrels. Expensive but as pleasurable to sip as a fine single malt scotch.

[A. Pole]

My particular favorite is El Tesoro de Don Felipe Paradiso, It's a five-year-old anejo, a blend of El Tesoro silver and anejo tequilas.

How do you drink it?

[KCmark]

Heradura Repisado. Smoooth.

[NautiNurse]

I enjoy Cabo Wabo Reposado. Very smooth sipping...with a slight peppery aftertone. Keep the bottle in the 'fridge, use appertif glass.

[DBrow]

Mexican law requires that in order to be called tequila it need only be 51% agave

You are right, I had not considered that. The more expensive T's are 100% and states so on the bottle.

We should feel no outrage, though, if the Mexicans wish to produce and bottle their own in their own country.

[Atlas Sneezed]

My particular favorite is El Tesoro de Don Felipe Paradiso

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I adore their Anejo. Unfortunately, what could be found for $25 a few years back is now $50.

[Question_Assumptions]

Aren't the lily and amaryllis poisonous? I know they can kill cats. Is the agave not poisonous or is the poison removed?