Maybe it is an age old question or maybe it is something that is only discussed amongst my “bon vivant” friends. Have you ever asked yourself which comes first… “being mad for tequila” or “tequila making you mad”?
This is where you have to understand the nuances of language. (Coming from Portugal, who am I to preach about the English language?) In the Queen’s English, the word “mad” generally means “overcome with desire, eagerness, enthusiasm”. Or that the person you are referring to is behaving with “mentally ill tendencies”. In the President’s English, the word can mean “upset, cross and angry”.
So, we need to know what we are asking. Personally, I can vouch for having witnessed tequila bestowing ALL the above effects on my friends… and I will even admit to a few lunatic indiscretions myself.
Generally, I would say one feels less inhibited than usual when imbibing tequila… and that can often lead to a massive “enthusiasm” to try more of the liquid delight. This is often followed by behavior that – at best – can be described as amusing, and – at worst – as astonishing. Then (and here I am definitely speaking from personal experience) one wakes up “upset” the following morning as one cannot quite remember what happened the night before, why your wallet / article of clothing / car / keys/ shoes seem to be missing, or, in another simply terrible scenario… how you got to be where you woke up!
Living in Nayarit, the state where tequila originates, I have many friends who are tequila aficionados. They will, quite literally, go mad for a sip of a rare anejo, take the greatest pleasure in tasting a young, raw, fresh-from-the-distiller blanco or wax lyrical about the caramel undertones of a fine reposado.
According to www.tequila.net, there are 3 major classifications of tequila with a variety of sub-classifications. Every Mexican has his favourite and will defend it to the end. This is a country where tequila is sipped – not chugged. It is savoured, discussed and debated just as the French may do with a great Cognac – the merits of the tequila, the house that produced it, and, not-to-be-forgotten, the quality of the sangrita accompanying it.
This is not to say tequila does not impart the same insane effects and tendencies in our locals. There is many a street corner in Mexico where you may debate the question and come politely to the conclusion that it is, indeed, a very powerful liquor.
Now, if your interest has been piqued by my tequila ramblings and you would like to understand just what makes this agave extract so tantalizing, perhaps you should take a trip to the source and see for yourselves. If you are looking for a fantastic day out – or even an overnight excursion – what better place to really get to grips with this liquid lunacy than the home of the tequila drink itself… the town of Tequila, one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos. It’s about a 3-hour drive from Punta Mita through the most beautiful countryside of jungle, volcanic rock formations, mountain tops and fields of dusty blue agave plants.
Our wonderful concierge service (info@puntamita-rentals.com) is on hand to plan a trip for you. Just call and have them arrange a full itinerary with private tequila tastings, factory visits, restaurant recommendations and transportation. They can even reserve a fantastic suite at the sensational new, super comfy, Solar de las Animas Hotel for you.
Bon vivant, gastronome and all-around great guy – Miguel Neves de Carvalho brings you the best of what Punta Mita and the surrounding area have to offer. His passions include polo, horse riding, rugby, cigars and most recently … golf.
Miguel lives in Punta Mita with his youngest son, his fiancée, Lisa, and his two dogs “Tanqueray” and “Tonica”.
He started Punta Mita-Rentals in 2012.
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Photography by Kemi Vernon. See more of her work at www.kemivernonphotography.com