Tequila is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from the blue agave plant, primarily in the area surrounding the city of Tequila, 65 km (40 mi) northwest of Guadalajara, and in the highlands (Los Altos) of the western Mexican state of Jalisco. Agave tequila grows differently depending on the climate. Blue agaves grown in the highlands Los Altos region are larger in size and take between seven and ten years to mature; Lowland agaves take between six and eight years to mature. Agaves harvested in the highlands tend to be sweeter and crisp, while lowland agaves produce a more herbal flavor.