"Olmeca" (tequila): photo, reviews, composition. How to distinguish a fake?

"Olmeca" is tequila, which is rightly recognized as one of the best spirits in the world. Many experts consider it worthy of the highest praise, and for Mexicans it is a real subject of national pride.

A bit of history

The first mention of tequila occurs many centuries ago. According to myths, in the territory of modern Mexico, even before the appearance of the ancient Incas and Aztecs, the Olmec tribes once lived. It was then that people learned to make a blue agave drink, which became known as honey water. They say that this infusion was very much liked by the supreme gods, and they forbade disclosing the secret of its making to foreigners. Many years have passed since then, and now Olmeca (tequila) has become not only an attribute of any local holiday, but also a real business card of Mexico.

In general, blue agave is a fairly popular plant in North America. From it in the old days they extracted fibers, which then were used to make paper, clothing and other household items. As a result of this treatment, a large amount of juice was usually allocated. The locals learned by way of fermentation to prepare a drink from it, which was called "pulque". In fact, he became the progenitor of the future tequila.

Subtlety of technology

"Olmeca" (tequila) has become such as everyone knows it now, only towards the end of the 19th century. By that time, people had learned a lot of secrets about the rules of making alcoholic beverages. In particular, they understood what distillation is. Entire plantations of blue agave were planted in the north of the state of Jalisco. It turns out that for the normal growth of this lily it is necessary such an arid land. Not far from these places is a small town of Tequila, whose name gave the name to the new drink. The process of manufacturing this product begins in the field. Here, within eight years, the plants reach the required degree of maturity. Then the workers harvest fleshy fruits, chopping them off the root and freeing them from long fleshy leaves. For some time, the product is stored in special stores, and then goes to special stone stoves for cooking. At this stage, the starch contained in the pulp is converted into sugar under the influence of high temperature. The resulting mass is squeezed out on industrial presses. After that, it enters the vats for fermentation, where the sugar turns into alcohol. Yeast and distilled water are added here. The fermented mass goes to a double distillation, which takes place in special vacuum apparatuses. Now the finished product enters the special storage, where the right time is maintained.

Product Classification

Tequila according to Mexican standards is divided into two categories:

1. A product produced only from agave. It refers to premium drinks.
2. Drink, in the production of which by 49 percent were used the sugar of other plants.

As you know, any strong alcoholic beverage is characterized by its endurance. "Olmeca" (tequila) also depending on this indicator is divided into 4 types:

1. Blanco, Plata and Silver. The drink is bottled directly after its production or within a month thereafter. Such tequila is called "white" or "silver".
2. Joven or Gold. The drink is also considered young, but different colors are used to give it color, taste and aroma.
3. Reposado. The product is considered "rested", as it is in oak barrels for three to twelve months. During this time, it takes on a certain color.
4. Anejo. This tequila is considered "old" or "seasoned". She is waiting for her time from three to ten years. However, after the seventh year in it there can be a small characteristic bitterness.

Usually the manufacturer tries to specify all these characteristics on the label, so that the buyer has a complete idea of the product. In addition, the "Olmec" has three lines of taste:

1. Olmeca - simple or single.
2. Olmeca Altos.
3. Olmeca Tezon.

Each of them can be manufactured in accordance with one of four known types.

Unbiased opinion

Studying the opinions of customers, we can conclude that many like the tequila Olmec. The reviews of most of them relate to the unusual taste qualities of the drink. Take, for example, Olmeca Blanco.

It is an ideally clear liquid with a light, slightly perceptible aroma of agave. Pleasant sweetness makes the product tender and soft. Particularly pleased with the fact that it completely lacks any aromas or flavors of fusel oils. But still it can not be compared with Olmeca Gold. The pale golden product exudes a fruity aroma of grapefruit around it with a light haze. Rich taste is supplemented with tart pepper and honey sweetness. As a rule, the strength of this drink is 38 percent, but those who tried it say that it does not feel at all. After 2-3 glasses in the head there is a pleasant dope, but the hangover will not be, if not to sort out with the amount. But there are those who prefer Olmeca Anejo. Basically, they are connoisseurs of tequila, who appreciate the qualities inherent in any product with a long exposure.

Composition of the product

Particular attention deserves the composition of tequila Olmec. First, you need to pay attention that the product looks more like moonshine.

From Russian vodka, it is distinguished by the presence of esters and various higher alcohols. Most of them can be isolated ethyl acetate. In the liter of the finished product it contains about 50 mg. It would seem nothing special. But it is worth remembering that this chemical compound is nothing but a solvent, which, by the way, is also known as food additive Е1504. It is clear that it is not recommended to use such a drink in large quantities. Hangovers in this case will be difficult to avoid. Do not forget about fusel oils. But in the matured tequila they are much less. The reason is that the wooden walls of oak barrels absorb these components, cleaning not only the chemical composition, but also the taste of the product itself. Do not also discount the fact that all these ingredients have a negative effect on the human liver. This should always be remembered before making a final decision about the choice of a drink.

The price of pleasure

How much is the "Olmec" tequila worth? A photo can sometimes give an answer to this question.

Considering the goods on the counter, it is necessary to understand that a drink like Blanco or Silver will be cheaper than the rest. The reason is that this is a young product. It is bottled immediately after manufacture, and then immediately sent for sale. A bottle of this Mexican beverage with a capacity of 0.7 liters in Russian stores will cost about 1500 rubles. Tequila type Gold will cost customers a little more, although it is also an unrestrained product. Here the question is in technology. The fact is that at the last stage of production, food colors are introduced into the composition to give the drink a golden color. In part this also affects its taste. For such a bottle it will be necessary to pay about 2000 rubles. Those who want to know the taste of this seasoned tequila, it is worth buying a drink type Anejo. However, in this case the purchase price will be not less than 3000 rubles. But connoisseurs say with confidence that the product is really worth the money.

Significant differences

People often try to buy certain products, following fashion or public opinion. This enables clandestine producers to sell their goods. Its cost is usually much lower than the natural product, but many buyers in pursuit of cheapness agree to such conditions. Sometimes it turns into the most unexpected consequences.

First, the quality and organoleptic characteristics of counterfeit products do not correspond to the natural product. It turns out that a man tried, but did not recognize the real taste of the drink. Then why buy it at all? Secondly, unknown technology and suspicious production conditions can lead to the fact that the product will prove to be completely unsafe for health. So what exactly does the Olmec tequila really represent? How to distinguish this product from a fake? To determine the authenticity, there are three main features:

1. The surface of the bottle in places where there are no drawings must be roughened.
2. The top of the screw cap, on the contrary, should be smooth.
3. Under the shoulders of the bottle is a pattern in the form of a curved line, between the bends of which are two small circles. For counterfeits, there is one medium-sized oval instead.

Knowing all these subtleties, you can easily avoid deception.

Personal control

Many buyers do not even guess that, for example, a fake tequila "Olmec" can meet them at any time. Therefore, one must always be on the alert and remember all existing rules.

First you need to carefully consider the bottle itself. It must have a rectangular shape and a corresponding volume. Then you need to check the presence of engraving in the form of a corrugated pattern in the upper part above the label. Some experts say that this is not just an ornament, but real hieroglyphics of the times of the ancient Olmecs. They say that these symbols partly affect the taste of the beverage itself. After that, you need to check the cork, and then carefully look at the price. Sometimes you can find a bottle of tequila on sale, next to which there is a price tag of 400 rubles. It is clear that there is no question of any Mexican drink in this case. You can not even transfer money in vain, as this will be a hundred percent forgery. If the drink has undergone a comprehensive check, then you can safely spread the amount that the seller requests. But it's better to do it in a specialized store after all.