Tequila 101: A Comprehensive Guide to Types and Varieties

Tequila is so much more than just a party drink. With its various types and complex aging process, tequila offers a wide range of flavors and nuances to discover. This definitive guide will walk you through the major varieties of tequila and how to distinguish them.

An Introduction to Tequila's Types

Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant in specific regions of Mexico. By law, tequila must contain at least 51% agave sugar. The four main types of tequila are Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo. Let's explore them in detail.

Tequila Blanco

Tequila Blanco, also called Silver or Plata tequila, is unaged clear tequila. It is bottled immediately after the distillation process.

Blanco tequila offers bright, pure agave flavors with notes of citrus and pepper. It has a smooth, crisp finish. This variety is excellent for cocktails like margaritas or sipped neat.

Key Takeaways on Tequila Blanco:

• Unaged clear tequila
• Pure agave taste with citrus and spice notes
• Smooth and crisp finish
• Great for cocktails and sipping

Tequila Reposado

Tequila Reposado, or Rested tequila, ages from 2 months up to 1 year in oak barrels. This mellows and enhances the flavors.

Reposado tequila takes on notes of vanilla, caramel, and spices from the barrel aging. It has a richer, warmer taste compared to Blanco. Sip Reposado tequila neat or on the rocks.

Key Takeaways on Tequila Reposado:

• Aged 2 months to 1 year in oak barrels
• Smoother and more complex than Blanco
• Flavors of vanilla, caramel, and spice
• Enjoy neat or on the rocks

Tequila Añejo

Tequila Añejo, or Old tequila, ages from 1 to 3 years in oak barrels. The extended aging gives it a deep golden hue and robust, layered flavors.

Añejo tequila often has notes of molasses, dried fruit, and honey with a smooth, velvety finish. Its complex yet subtle flavors are best savored neat in a snifter glass.

Key Takeaways on Tequila Añejo:

• Aged 1 to 3 years in oak barrels
• Golden color and robust, complex flavor
• Tastes of molasses, dried fruit, and honey
• Sip slowly neat to enjoy nuances

Tequila Extra Añejo

Tequila Extra Añejo, or Extra Old tequila, ages for over 3 years in oak barrels. This extended maturation gives it a very dark amber color and multi-layered flavors.

Extra Añejo tequila takes on rich notes of tobacco, dark chocolate, coffee, and exotic spices. It has an incredibly smooth, velvety finish. Sip this premium tequila neat like a fine cognac.

Key Takeaways on Tequila Extra Añejo:

• Aged over 3 years in oak barrels
• Dark amber color with multi-layered flavors
• Tastes of tobacco, chocolate, coffee, and spice
• Smooth, velvety finish - sip it neat

Now that you're acquainted with the major varieties, it's time to start tasting tequila's complex flavors! Shop our wide selection of tequila. ¡Salud!