Tequila

[Tōtōchtin]

Tequila is made in Jalisco and it's frontiers from blue agave. Calling an agave sugar wash Tequila is offensive to Tapatio's.
We would not say we are making Bourbon down here using corn syrup as a base for a hooch.
We are a proud people who enjoy knowing we have the best type of booze, best type of music and the prettiest women in Mexico. Counterfeits can take a walk...
Tōtō

[SW_Shiner]

Does it matter at a hobby level? I see it as more of a way to make things easier to discuss. Agave = tequila, grain = whiskey, molasses = rum and fruit = brandy. Some people use syrups, some use the real thing. Some use DME or LME, malt or bottled enzymes. We all know that a lot of what we make can not be classed as this or that were it a commercial setting.

[jonnys_spirit]

You call it what you want in your own shed

In public, folks can refute anything.

Agave spirit is definitely a more accurate term for spirits made from agave syrup. Get a piña and process it in your shed the same way tequila is made and maybe you can call it tequila but technically it still isn’t tequila. As if we’re beholden to the law..

Cheers,
j

[Yonder]

“As if we’re beholden to the law.”

As if. How many have said they’re making bourbon when they don’t even live in the “right” state. Sorry, got no use for faux hurtz or “cultural appropriation.” Make what you like to drink and call it what you want. Apologies in advance. I really didn’t mean it. And I promise not to do it again.

[dondford]

Which is the "Right State" for Bourbon? Bourbon can (legally) be distilled in any State in the US; but not legally labeled as Bourbon if distilled outside the US.

[Tōtōchtin]

It's a pride thing for the people and a money thing for the producers. There is a lot of counterfeit Tequila being made. We fought China over it and kept them out of WTO for over 18 months until they buckled. Then our cartel sent over blue agave and traded that for chemicals so they can make enough crap . (Edited out illegal subject)So now we have counterfeit Tequila from other states and now China.

If the proper name doesn't matter I don't want to be corrected when I call a riser a column.
Tōtō

[jonnys_spirit]

I agree that it matters Tōtō. Particularly from a commercial perspective.

From a home distillers perspective i feel like it can be a little more loose and still be accurate - The history, geographical, regional, designation of origin, and similar types of legal construct are less important to a home distiller where ingredients and process can lead down a path to create spirits that are definitely more technically accurate examples of the intended spirit.

Ingredients and Process Matter

Bourbon is easier for me to produce at home and I feel like I can call it bourbon if I use at least 51% corn and at least age it on finger sized charred oak in glass for a year. If I age it for 9 months I might feel a little guilty but I’ll still call it bourbon.

Tequila on the other hand requires the Blue Agave Piña (I believe it needs the Piña?). Agave syrup is as close as I can get so far. I feel guilty about calling it tequila or mezcal. I know it will never be tequila or mezcal.

I make a range of Grand Marnier style liquers to use in my margarita’s and others but I don’t use Congac to make it. I use brandy and grappa (so called grappa). I don’t taste test it against Grand Marnier either and I don’t always use bitter oranges.

When I make agave spirit I am happy to purchase the Agave spirit from a vendor that imports it and am very happy that this is an available option. I’d buy buckets of Agave hearts if I could and roast/cook them in a pit. I don’t feel bad about thinking of it and using it like I would tequila or mezcal and using terpenes and smoke infusions to help me get there

Is it Tequila? Bourbon? Grappa? Meh. Yes and no.

When I buy a good commercial Japanese Single Malt it’s not Scotch but they can still make some damn good scotch too.

And a riser and a column are still not the same thing and never will be but you can call your riser a column in your shed if you like lol.

Cheers,
jonny

[Stonecutter]

Make what you like to drink and call it what you want. Apologies in advance. I really didn’t mean it. And I promise not to do it again.

+1
Differentiating between mashes and washes and the labeling of different types of equipment is strictly for clearing up confusion for members seeking and offering help. We all know what’s being inferred when members use the common names given to different spirits.
If a guy or gal in South Africa wants to call their all corn one and done a “single pot Scotch Bourbon” that’s up to them.
It’s the same dance with other spirits. I’m sure many a Frenchman has had his pride hurt hearing the word Cognac get kicked around. After all, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region is surely the most beautiful and rich in historical culture beyond all others even beyond the historic region of Champagne or the city of Thiers. However, making a commotion about it is only going to stoke the fires of some and roll the eyes of others.
Should we simply call it mescal? Probably. Does it matter in the slightest? No.

[Tōtōchtin]

Here is a lady who reps a good agave source.