When most Americans think of tequila, it brings them back to their college days – and unfortunately too often the memories tend to surround bad headaches or even worse. The truth is that tequila is much more of a complex distilled beverage than most of us realize. It is a spirit that is made from the blue agave plant, which takes 8 to 10 years to mature, and can only be harvested once. The leaves of the plant are stripped away, leaving a core that can weighs on average between 40 and 70 pounds and can sometimes grow to 200 pounds. To become a tequila connoisseur, pour approximately one ounce of tequila in a brandy snifter. Hold the snifter at the base (not the bowl), raise to eye level to determine color. Swirl the tequila gently to the left for about one minute. Note if the tequila clings to the side of the glass and falls slowly to form a “string of pearls” effect Take a small sip of the tequila, keep between your lips and tip of your tongue for 10 seconds before swishing the tequila