25 October 2005
Guadalajara: Tequilaville
Day 28 - Monday 18th October 2005
I woke up around sunrise so I could visit the town of Tequila to have a look around the place that makes 60% of the worlds supply of the drink of the same name. After catching the bus (1hr 30mins) we arrived and I promply signed up for a tour of one of the factories that produces the drink en mass.
Tequila is made from the Blue Aguave plant, which when originally planted has a head around the size of an onion. Over a period of about 8 years it gradually grows until it is ready to be harvested and turned into Tequila. When it is harvested, it is about the size of, well, judge for yourself.
In order for Tequila to be produced, the head of the plant is first chopped into quarters and put into a giant steamer for 2-3 days. It is then shedded and juiced. The juice is left to ferment in giant tanks for another 2-3 days. The tanks in which it ferments vary dependant upon the facilities of the factory. The next stage is distillation, where the juice is boiled and the steam collected. It is the steam that, once cooled, becomes Tequila. Depending on which kind of Tequila they are making, they will either bottle it then and there, or allow it to mature in oak barrels for a period of upto 5 years.
Unfortunately for me I again mistimed my visit to the town, as during the month of October all the distilleries close down to cary out their annual maintenance. Thus none of the factories were actually producing anything. However it wasnt all bad news, as they still had just enough Tequila left over for me to have a test of the produce.
That concluded the tour, so after a quick lunch I caught the bus back to Guadalajara where I did a few things that needed to be done, and used the internet (cheapest yet at $8 Pesos for an hour).
I had a last walk around the city as I would be leaving the next day, and managed to have a half decent chat with some girls in a cafe. I think my Spanish is improving, but I am looking forward to taking a few classes in Guatemala next month. I hope that once I have done that I will be able to understand what people are saying, rather than just a few words and guessing the rest.
hola Roy
suena bien tu recorrido, vas a ir a chiapas? te sugiero que cheques bien el estado de los lugares que vas a visitar, el huracan stan dejo inundados muchos pueblos..
suerte
Posted by karina on: 25th October 2005 at 23:03 pm
Hi Royster
I will work out this site soon enough…Bear with me…
Sounds like you done good so far. Hope you have not got caught in all the Hurricane stuff going down. Didn’t win batsman of the year this year but there is always 2007. If you are still in the region or on your way round again we will all see you in St Lucia 2007 anyway.
I will keep tabs on you now I have hooked up so take it easy and will speak to you in between the ’slammers’….lime and Salt
Kee
Posted by Kee on: 25th October 2005 at 23:23 pm
Royster
Have you got photos linked up yet, be good to see the world…if it is at all possible…through your eyes!!
Kee
Posted by Kee on: 25th October 2005 at 23:29 pm
Kee: Hi mate, glad you are reading! Unlucky about the batsman award, keeping that left elbow up and it´ll come!
To see the pictures, where the click on the writing where it turns blue and up should pop a window with the pics in.
Posted by Roy on: 26th October 2005 at 00:36 am
Mr Jones,
Quality website old chap, I’ve just read a few of your recent entries….i.e. Tequila! I’ve learnt a few things today then. Glad to see you’re well and having a good time.
Keep posting your stories & pictures mate; it’s good to get an insight, even if it’s a little sickening for us in blighty!!
Ballsy
Posted by Ballsy on: 26th October 2005 at 13:12 pm