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

What it is

Clayton J. Szczech, a sociologist of Mexican alcoholic beverages and professional tequila tour guide, breaks down the history of tequila production from 1519 to today, how it’s regulated and defined, its sustainability, plus the five classes of tequila and other classifications so anyone from the curious to connoisseur understands what they’re buying (and enjoying!).

How it's made

Tequila is a Mexican liquor distilled from the fermented juice of the cooked blue agave plant. But what are these wonderous succulents? Discover how they are cultivated, harvested, and turned into tequila through the processes of hydrolysis, extraction, fermentation, distillation, aging, and bottling.

How to taste it

Learn about recommended brands and distilleries, how to choose, serve, and enjoy the flavors and aromas of tequila, and how to host a tequila tasting party. Recipes for tequila cocktails from the margarita to the batanga are included alongside their fascinating histories. And for the adventurous: advice on traveling to Mexico to drink tequila straight from the source.