Tequila vs Whiskey: What’s the Difference? (2023 Updated)
Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Lydia Martin
If you look at a bottle of tequila vs whiskey, you will assume that these are two similar drinks. The clear liquid from the blue agave plant looks the same as the un-aged spirit from rye, barley, and wheat. However, the similarity stops there as these two offer unique savors.
Let us learn more about their origin, how they are produced, and their complete comparison below.
Main Difference Between Whiskey & Tequila
While whiskey and tequila are the same when it comes to fermentation and distillation process, they are different in numerous ways.
Tequila uses the ripe fruit of the blue agave plant, while whiskies use grains. After fermented juices are gathered, tequila distilleries proceed to bottle tequila. Most tequila does not require a long aging process.
On the other hand, whiskey takes a while before they are produced. The distilled spirit is placed in charred oaks for a minimum of three years before whiskeys are bottled. There are varieties of whiskeys based on the savor and the length of time it was aged.
Let’s Take A Closer Look
Origin
Based on stories in Mexico, Tequila was produced as early as the Aztecs’ time. The Mexican Government is firm with its rules in the production of tequila.
Most tequila distilleries are in Mexico to avoid giving the liquor a bad reputation by altering its alcohol content and flavor. Mexico is also best considering the country grows the best blue agave.
Whiskeys, on the other hand, started in Scotland in 1494. Each bottle produced is unique to the country it came from. Each one has a different ingredient used.
Some prefer wheat, while others cereal grains. These whiskies also has distinct distillery process, including the water used,
Types
Tequila
Blanco
Blanco tequila is also known as Silver Tequila which is an un-aged tequila. These are perfect for cocktails and margaritas.
Extra Añejo
Extra Añejo or extra-aged is aged more than three years. Its amber coloring can be your basis for this rare offering.
Reposado
The meaning of Reposado is rested. It is aged in oak barrels for two months to a year. They normally use American or European oak barrels to rest this spirit.
Añejo
Añejo is aged between one to three years in oak barrels by tequila makers. These are the best alcoholic drinks for sipping neat.
Joven
Joven is a distilled spirit from agave, which is rare. This type of Blanco tequila is mixed with other substances, either additives or another type of tequila.
Whiskey
Blended Malt Whiskey
These are typically blended Scotch whiskeys blended with other alcohols. You can also mix these with malted barley or other choices of grains.
Single Cask
They are also known as single barrel whiskey produced without any mixture of other alcohol.
Single Malt Whiskey
The same distillery produces these whiskeys. These are created by batches using the same sources.
Cask Strength
These are whiskeys bottled from the barrel without any blend or dilution of water.
Blended Whiskeys
Whiskeys are blended with other varieties of whiskeys, or you can also mix them with other malted grain spirits or additives.
Base Product
Tequila is the pride of Mexico, an alcoholic beverage coming from the blue agave plant. The majority of the tequila products from this country are 100% agave-based, like Teremana Tequila.
However, some distilled spirits are mixed with a certain amount of water or other liquids and additives to alter the alcohol level and smoothen the taste.
On the other hand, whiskey comes from malted barley, rye, and grain. Other varieties are produced from malted barley and grain, but they go through distillery and other same processes.
The savor of these liquors is based on their sources, but it can blend well with other spirits or grains.
Alcohol By Volume Level
Tequila is 80-100 proof which means it has 40 to 50% alcohol content when produced. These distilled alcoholic beverages from Mexico can get you drunk if you take them straight and fast.
Whiskey also contains the same alcohol content despite being kept inside charred oak barrels for some time. It also contains 40%-50% alcohol. The two alcoholic drinks, being 80 proof, can be considered strong beverages.
However, they are not as strong as Vodka, which has an ABV which can go from 35% to 95%. The difference between these alcoholic beverages is quite high.
Preparation, Distillation & Ageing Process
The preparation of tequila is the same, regardless of the type they end up as. The juice of the fruit of the blue agave plant is extracted and then fermented. The juice will then be distilled to produce alcohol.
Whiskey comes from corn, wheat, barley, and other types of grains. It requires fermentation like other liquors. After that, it goes through distillation. The last part would be storing it inside charred oak barrels to age.
Between tequila vs whiskey, the aging process is a big difference. It takes longer to age whiskey to establish a more defined flavor. These are placed in a bottle once done and sold worldwide.
Color
Distilled tequila is clear as Aqua Vitae. They are called Blanco or Silver Tequila. They also age tequilas in Mexico after distillation, where the color changes. The color of these liquors changes to a golden hue. It gets darker for a bit but not nearing the shade brown.
Whiskey has a lot of color variations because of its ingredients, distillation process, and how it is aged. Some manufacturers use new barrels in storing white whiskeys.
Others utilize a 200-year old barrel as storage. The longer they are kept there, the more they absorb the wooden container’s color and personality.
Taste & Aroma
Many anticipate that each drop of tequila tastes like burning alcohol going down the throat. After distillation, it is in its purest form. There are aged tequilas, which are best taken as a shot since these are sweeter and have a huge flavor difference.
Whiskeys, on the other hand, vary in savor and smell. The personality of each spirit reflects on its source, which can be rye, corn, or other grains. However, as they are aged, the barrels used also influence its savor and the aroma. This is why you savor hints of other spices present in each sip.
Also Read: Whiskey vs Moonshine
How to Drink It
Pure tequila is best taken straight. Authentic tequila has that harshness but with suave savor in your tongue. Some may want lime with it sometimes.
Añejo tequila is also best to drink straight and chilled but small sips at a time. Splash it around your mouth to discover the fruity flavors present.
Whiskey has various approaches. Scotch whiskies can be drunk neat while cleansing the palate with the water between sips. Bourbon is best taken neat, without ice. You can add a few drops of water to release the flavor of this wine.
Health Benefits
Tequila is believed to help with digestion issues and weight loss. It also helps with blood sugar control. Its source, the piña fruit, is a good replacement for sugar.
Whiskies are also known to help with health issues such as stress and sleeping disorders. Rye Whiskey is believed to help with inflammation.
There are no supporting scientific facts. As long as these alcoholic beverages are consumed moderately, there should be no negative effects on the drinker.
Price & Value
Between tequila vs whiskey, tequila is more expensive. Its main ingredient, agave, is harder to produce than the ingredients of an Irish Whiskey, Scotch, or any other type. Each bottle of these alcoholic beverages takes a lot of time to produce.
Budget Tequila is around $12.99 – $35.99, while standard tequila prices range from $15.99 – $40.99. However, premium tequila such as Don Julio is rough $27.99 – $699.99 per bottle.
Budget whiskey is around $8 – $16, while Standard bottles range from $22 – $35. The Premium Bourbon whiskey is priced roughly $45- $95.
FAQs
Is tequila healthier than whiskey?
Tequila is healthier than whiskey despite its healthy sources such as barley and grain. The impurities found in distilled tequila liquors are lower, plus agavins [1] are also found. Agave contains agavins which are fermentable dietary fiber.
Can you drink tequila like whiskey?
Yes, you can drink tequila like whiskey if you drink quality tequila. The difference between a quality tequila and a mediocre one is the harsh savor. Premium tequila is smooth as if you have drunk the sweetest sherry.
In Summary
The comparison between tequila vs whiskey is far from the other as their source and savor are different from the start. Their sources were fermented and went through distillation. However, the similarities stopped at the point where whiskies needed to age inside the barrel.
A pleasing thing to consider is that these drinks are the perfect mix of cocktails like gin and rum. But when it comes to their individual flavor, it will all depend on the person drinking the bottle.
Tequila offers something fruity and a different sweet, while whiskey presents something oaky, spicy, and floral—two different flavors from great choices.
Reference:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25367106/
