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Different Types of Tequila: Best Complete Guide (2024 Updated)

different types of tequila

Last Updated on March 29, 2024 by Lydia Martin

All types of tequila come from the blue agave plant, but you may have noticed that they do not taste the same. 

But what are the different types of tequila, and how do you distinguish one from the other? We’ve got the answer here. 

6 Types of Tequila

6. Blanco 

Don Julio Blanco

Also Known As: Silver, Plata, or White 

Age Statement: Up to two months in a stainless-steel tank

Average Price: around $12 to $36

Tasting Notes:

  • Palate: Raw vegetal agave taste, citrus, black pepper, and some natural sweetness from agave
  • Nose: Citrusy and grassy herbal notes
  • Color: Crystalline or silvery clear
  • Finish: It finishes long with little sweetness but more herbaceous character, crispness, and spice

How To Enjoy It:

The tequila Blanco like Patron Silver works best in famous Margarita drinks. Blanco is unaged tequila distilled from the blue weber agave plant.

Because of its lack of aging, tequila Blanco holds prominent citrusy flavor, agave sweetness, and pepper flavors, which are great for mixed drinks.

But you can also enjoy brands such as Don Julio Blanco tequilas by sipping it neat or on the rocks if you want to chill it a bit.

5. Reposado (Aged)

1800 Reposado

Also Known As: Aged or Rested 

Age Statement: Between 2-12 months in American or European oak barrels

Average Price: around $29 to $99

Tasting Notes: 

  • Palate: Present agave sweetness, vanilla, cinnamon, and citrusy flavors.
  • Nose: Bold aroma of agave and oak, vanilla and caramel.
  • Color: Yellowish pale maple or subtle gold hue.
  • Finish: The finish is medium-long, smooth, and warm with a kick of zest.

How To Enjoy It:

You can enjoy a reposado tequila by taking a shot or sipping it neat. You might indulge in the sweeter and spicier aromatics of this tequila-aged agave spirit.

A reposado tequila deserves to be called aged tequila, as it matures in oak for at least two months.

Aged tequilas like reposados can also be versatile in cocktails. Since it is not overly mature like the Añejo, reposado tequilas can create dynamic and flavorful Margaritas.

4. Joven (Gold)

Camino Real Tequila

Also Known As: Gold or Oro

Age Statement: Unaged or matured for fewer than two months

Average Price: roughly $20 to $360

Tasting Notes:

  • Palate: Earthy agave flavor, sweet hints of apple and citrus.
  • Nose: Notes of sweet agave, spice, and subtle fruity aroma.
  • Color: Light yellow or gold
  • Finish: It has a long finish with lingering spice.

How To Enjoy It:

A Joven or gold tequila made from 100% agave is often good for shots. Some Joven or gold tequila is typically a mixto tequila. A mixto has sugars and other additives, artificial flavoring, and caramel coloring to give it a smoother taste, making it good for shots.

Joven tequila suits bold, mixed beverages like the Mexican Mule, which is a combination of tequila, lime juice, beer, and agave syrup. 

Read: Recommended Additive-Free Tequilas

3. Añejo (Extra Aged)

Patron Anejo Tequila with Glass

Also Known As: Extra Aged or Vintage

Age Statement: 1 to 3 years in an oak barrel

Average Price: around $20 to $94

Tasting Notes:

  • Palate: Has creamy caramel base, vanilla, and peppery hints.
  • Nose: Cooked agave, floral aromas, and notes of baking spices like vanilla.
  • Color: Medium or pale amber color.
  • Finish: Creamy with woody notes and refined with a lingering peppery bite and floral aroma.

How To Enjoy It:

Añejo tequila shines best when drunk straight and on the rocks so that you can taste the rich tones of its flavor.

Since Añejo is an extra-aged tequila, it has a more complex flavor and even darker color. The aging process imparted the natural color of these aged tequilas.

This smooth tequila is great on its own but not so much in a Margarita. However, this can also be enjoyed in recipes as an alternative base spirit in the place of whiskey.

Read: Popular Anejo Tequilas For Sipping

2. Extra Añejo (Ultra Aged)

Adictivo Tequila

Also Known As: Ultra Aged

Age Statement: More than three years

Average Price: roughly $125 to $250

Tasting Notes:

  • Palate: Spicy oak flavor, caramel, and sweet fruit hints
  • Nose: Dark chocolate, toasted oak, caramel, and spices
  • Color: Deep amber or copper
  • Finish: Have a long, refined finish

How To Enjoy It:

The well-aged Extra Añejo tequilas are made to be consumed on their own, either neat or over ice.

Blending this extra añejo tequila into cocktails might ruin the tasting experience, so mixing Extra Añejo tequila with other drinks is not recommended.

1. Cristalino 

Ronrico Anejo Claro

Also Known As: Añejo Claro 

Age Statement: 18 months in American and French oak barrels

Average Price: around $69 to $85

Tasting Notes:

  • Palate: Sweet, crisp agave is balanced by oak, vanilla, caramel, and apple hints
  • Nose: A mix of milk chocolate, mellow woods, apples, cinnamon, and vanilla notes
  • Color: Clear
  • Finish: Medium-length finish of sweet cream, peppery and fresh cut grass

How To Enjoy It:

Cristalinos are tequilas that are best served neat or poured over a single large ice cube. You can expect delightful toasted oak, vanilla, and intriguing flavor profiles with this premium clear tequila.

The Cristalino is a great sipping tequila that needs no other ingredients. 

Read: What’s A Top-Shelf Tequila?

Is Mezcal A Tequila Type?

No. Mezcal is not a tequila type. But both tequila and mezcal come from agave plants. Although tequila and mezcal are made from agave spirits, that is where the similarities end. It is because they are produced and distilled differently. [1]

Mezcal is made from more than 30 varieties of the agave plant and is considered the Americas’ oldest distilled spirit.

In comparison, tequilas are mostly made from the agave tequilana or blue agave plant. That’s why all tequilas are mezcals, but not all mezcals are tequilas. But is mezcal stronger than tequila?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the 5 classes of tequila?

Tequila is classified into several categories based on factors such as production methods, aging processes, and ingredients. While there are variations in terminology and regulations among different tequila-producing regions, the five primary classes of tequila commonly recognized are:

Blanco (Silver or Plata): Also known as silver or plata, Blanco tequila is typically unaged or aged for a short period, often less than two months. It is characterized by its clear appearance and crisp, vibrant flavor profile, with notes of agave and citrus.

Reposado: Reposado tequila is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months but less than a year. During this time, it develops a smoother, more complex flavor profile with hints of oak, vanilla, and caramel, while retaining the distinctive characteristics of agave.

Añejo: Añejo tequila undergoes longer aging in oak barrels, typically for a minimum of one year but less than three years. This extended aging process imparts rich, nuanced flavors of wood, spice, and dried fruit, resulting in a smooth and sophisticated tequila with a deep amber hue.

Extra Añejo (Ultra Aged): Introduced in 2006, Extra Añejo tequila represents the highest category of aging, requiring a minimum aging period of three years in oak barrels. This extended aging process results in a remarkably smooth and complex tequila with deep, luxurious flavors reminiscent of fine aged spirits such as whiskey or brandy.

Joven (Gold or Oro): Joven tequila, also known as gold or oro, is a blended tequila that combines unaged Blanco tequila with aged Reposado or Añejo tequila. It may also include additives such as caramel coloring or flavorings to achieve its golden hue. Joven tequila typically offers a balance of the vibrant agave flavors found in Blanco tequila with the smoothness and complexity of aged varieties.

What are the top 5 tequilas?

The perception of the “top” tequilas can vary greatly depending on individual preferences, expert opinions, and market trends. However, some tequila brands consistently receive high praise and recognition for their quality, craftsmanship, and flavor profiles. While the specific rankings may differ among enthusiasts and experts, five renowned tequila brands that are often celebrated for their excellence include:

Patrón: Known for its premium quality and distinctive bottle design, Patrón offers a range of tequilas, including Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo varieties.

Don Julio: Don Julio is esteemed for its artisanal approach to tequila production, offering a selection of high-quality Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo tequilas crafted from carefully selected agave plants.

Casamigos: Co-founded by actor George Clooney, Casamigos has gained popularity for its smooth and approachable tequilas, available in Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo expressions.

Herradura: With a legacy dating back to 1870, Herradura is renowned for its traditional production methods and premium tequilas, including Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo offerings.

Fortaleza: Produced at the historic La Fortaleza distillery in Mexico, Fortaleza tequila is revered for its artisanal craftsmanship and rich, authentic flavors, available in Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo varieties.

These tequila brands represent just a few examples of the many exceptional options available to enthusiasts, and preferences may vary depending on individual tastes and experiences.

What are the 4 grades of tequila?

Tequila is commonly classified into four primary grades or categories based on its aging process and characteristics:
Blanco (Silver or Plata): Blanco tequila is unaged or aged for a short period, typically less than two months. It is characterized by its clear appearance and vibrant flavor profile, showcasing the natural essence of agave with notes of citrus and pepper.

Reposado: Reposado tequila is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months but less than a year. This aging process imparts a smoother, more complex flavor profile with subtle notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel, while retaining the distinctive characteristics of agave.

Añejo: Añejo tequila undergoes longer aging in oak barrels, typically for a minimum of one year but less than three years. This extended aging period results in a rich, nuanced flavor profile with pronounced notes of wood, spice, and dried fruit, creating a smooth and sophisticated tequila with a deep amber hue.

Extra Añejo (Ultra Aged): Introduced in 2006, Extra Añejo tequila represents the highest category of aging, requiring a minimum aging period of three years in oak barrels. This prolonged aging process results in an exceptionally smooth and complex tequila with deep, luxurious flavors reminiscent of fine aged spirits such as whiskey or brandy.

These four grades of tequila offer a spectrum of flavors and characteristics to suit different preferences and occasions, from crisp and vibrant Blanco tequilas to rich and indulgent Extra Añejos.

Which tequila is the smoothest?

The smoothness of tequila can vary depending on factors such as the aging process, quality of ingredients, and individual taste preferences. However, Añejo and Extra Añejo tequilas are generally considered to be the smoothest due to their extended aging periods in oak barrels.

Añejo tequila, aged for a minimum of one year but less than three years, tends to have a smoother and more refined flavor profile compared to Blanco and Reposado tequilas. It develops rich and complex flavors of wood, spice, and dried fruit, resulting in a velvety smooth texture and a lingering finish.

Extra Añejo tequila, introduced in 2006, represents the highest category of aging, requiring a minimum aging period of three years in oak barrels. This prolonged aging process results in an exceptionally smooth and luxurious tequila with deep, complex flavors reminiscent of fine aged spirits such as whiskey or brandy.

Ultimately, the smoothest tequila is subjective and may vary depending on individual preferences and experiences. It’s recommended to explore different types and brands of tequila to find the one that best suits your taste.

What are the 3 types of tequila?

Tequila, renowned for its rich heritage and diverse flavor profiles, is typically categorized into three main types:

Blanco (Silver or Plata): Blanco tequila, often referred to as silver or plata, is celebrated for its unadulterated essence. This type of tequila is bottled immediately after distillation or aged for a short duration, typically less than two months. As a result, Blanco tequila retains the pure, unaged flavors of the blue agave plant, delivering a vibrant and crisp taste with notes of citrus, pepper, and the distinctive sweetness of agave. Its clear appearance makes it a versatile choice for mixing in cocktails or enjoying neat.

Reposado: Reposado, translating to “rested” in Spanish, signifies a tequila that has been aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months, but less than a year. During this resting period, the tequila undergoes a transformative journey as it absorbs the subtle nuances of the barrel, imparting a mellow complexity to its flavor profile. Reposado tequila exhibits a harmonious balance of agave sweetness and oak-derived notes, such as vanilla, caramel, and spice. Its smooth and rounded character makes it an excellent choice for sipping on its own or elevating cocktails with added depth and richness.

Añejo: Añejo tequila represents the pinnacle of aged tequila, revered for its exceptional refinement and depth of flavor. This category requires the tequila to be aged in oak barrels for a minimum of one year, but less than three years. During this extended maturation period, the tequila undergoes significant development, acquiring a rich amber hue and complex layers of flavor. Añejo tequila boasts luxurious notes of oak, toasted nuts, dried fruit, and baking spices, intricately woven with the underlying sweetness of agave. Its velvety texture and lingering finish make it a prized choice for savoring neat or as the star ingredient in premium cocktails.

These three distinct types of tequila offer enthusiasts a diverse range of taste experiences, from the vibrant and youthful Blanco to the refined elegance of Añejo, each showcasing the unparalleled craftsmanship and heritage of Mexico’s beloved spirit.

Is Jose Cuervo real tequila?

Yes, Jose Cuervo is a respected and longstanding tequila brand that has been producing authentic Mexican tequila for generations. Founded in 1758, Jose Cuervo is one of the oldest and most prominent tequila distilleries in the world, with a rich history rooted in the town of Tequila, Jalisco. The brand’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and traditional production methods has earned it a reputation as a leading producer of genuine tequila.

Jose Cuervo offers a diverse range of tequila expressions, including Blanco (Silver), Reposado, Añejo, and specialty bottlings, each crafted with care and expertise. The brand’s tequilas are made from 100% blue agave harvested from the nutrient-rich soils of Jalisco, ensuring the authenticity and purity of the final product. Whether enjoyed straight, mixed into cocktails, or savored in culinary creations, Jose Cuervo tequila exemplifies the essence of Mexican culture and tradition.

What is the most luxurious tequila?

When it comes to luxury in the realm of tequila, one name often resonates prominently: Clase Azul Ultra. This exquisite tequila epitomizes opulence, boasting unparalleled craftsmanship and a presentation that exudes sophistication.

Crafted from 100% blue agave, Clase Azul Ultra undergoes an aging process that spans an impressive five years in oak barrels. This extended maturation period allows the tequila to develop a depth of flavor and complexity that is truly remarkable. Each sip of Clase Azul Ultra reveals layers of rich, nuanced notes, including hints of caramel, vanilla, and oak, intertwined with the natural sweetness of agave.

However, it’s not just the liquid inside the bottle that sets Clase Azul Ultra apart—it’s also the extraordinary vessel it is housed in. The tequila is meticulously bottled in a handcrafted ceramic decanter, adorned with lavish accents of 24-karat gold and sterling silver. The decanter itself is a work of art, meticulously designed to reflect the elegance and refinement of the tequila it contains.

From its velvety texture to its lingering finish, Clase Azul Ultra embodies luxury in every aspect of its presentation. It is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the artisans behind its creation, as well as a celebration of the rich heritage and tradition of tequila craftsmanship.

Final Verdict: Different Types of Tequila

The different types of tequila are a good fit whatever your mood is. Each type is versatile and can be enjoyed individually, as a shot, or for sipping.

You can also mix and combine it with other drinks to make famous cocktails, such as Margaritas. 

So, whether it’s aged or not, smooth or strong, the best-tasting tequila will always be the one that will suit your taste preference.

References:

  1. What’s the Difference Between Tequila and Mezcal?
  2. What’s the Difference Between Gold and Silver Tequilas—And Which Should I Drink?
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