5 Different Types of Tequila

A lot of people think that there are only two types of tequila: the cheap kind that will ensure you are crippled the next morning with an unforgettable hangover that gives you dry mouth and a debilitating headache, or the premium, expensive tequila that drains the bank account. In reality, there are five different types of tequila that differ in the way they are made and aged.

Remember, some of the toughest regulations impact how tequila is produced. It can only be made around the city of Tequila, which includes some regions of Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit, Guanajuato, and Tamaulipas. There are also two basic categories of tequila that dictate the production of the liquor. The first is called mixto, which includes at least 50% agave sugar in the production, mixed with other sugars like fructose and glucose. The 100% agave tequila is made only from the sugars of blue agave plants. Reach out to your nearby liquor store in Avon, Colorado and talk with the staff present there about different types of tequila.

Blanco Tequila

Blanco tequila is a clear white spirit drink, which is commonly known as ‘plata’ or ‘silver’ tequila. This type of tequila is usually served un-aged. Right after being distilled, it is bottled and packaged to be sold. During the production process, some distillers will allow the spirit to settle or ‘finish’ in stainless steel tanks for around 4 weeks before it is bottled for sale. Some rare blanco tequila products are even aged for 2 months for a ‘suave’ or smooth spirit.

This type of tequila is known for the truest flavors since it is served in its purest form. The flavor of the blue agave plant can truly shine since it hasn’t gone through the aging process in wood barrels. Distillers have been known to call this type of tequila, “the essence of tequila.” This is because it holds the most genuine taste of the natural sweetness of blue agaves.

Joven Tequila

The name Joven is derived from the Spanish word meaning ‘young.’ It is commonly known as Gold Tequila because of the rich golden or light brown color that the drink has. This liquor’s colors come from the flavoring agents added to it, such as sugar, oak tree extracts, glycerin, and caramel coloring. These flavorings and colorings are added right before the bottling process begins.

Joven tequila is also made by combining un-aged Blanco tequila with other extra-aged or aged tequilas. The Joven tequila type isn’t as popular as other tequila types like Blanco, Añejo, and Reposado. Gold tequila is mostly made from the mix to process and served in the form of mixed drinks like margaritas. This is mainly because it is one of the more affordable types of tequila.

Reposado Tequila

Reposado tequila is known as ‘rested’ or ‘aged’ tequila. It is heavily regulated by the Mexican government and production guidelines have been laid out clearly for the production of this type of tequila. Reposado tequila has to be aged in oak barrels for at least two months to be classified as this type. The maximum amount of aging is the year mark after distillation.

Reposado tequila has a gold color and is usually aged in French oak or white oak barrels. The resins and tannins in the barrels dictate the resulting flavor of the brand. Different types of wood barrels give the drink its different flavors. Barrels may be previously used to age other spirits like bourbon, whiskey, cognac, or wine, which can impact the taste of the tequila.

Añejo Tequila

Añejo tequila is derived from the Spanish word ‘old.’ Añejo tequila has guidelines for the aging process which dictate that the drink must be aged in oak barrels for at least a year but less than three years. The Mexican government has issued a law that states that for tequila to be considered añejo tequila, the liquor can only be aged in barrels with a maximum capacity of 600 liters.

This type of tequila is usually aged in French oak casks, whiskey barrels, or cognac barrels. This tequila is usually richer, smoother, and more complex than reposado tequilas, which are only aged for a year at most. It develops a smooth amber color that is slightly darker than reposado tequila. These tequilas have also garnered the name of ‘vintage’ tequila.

Extra Añejo Tequila

Extra Añejo tequila is also known as ultra-aged liquor. It was recognized by the Mexican government in 2006 and goes through the same process in the distillery as añejo tequila. It even has the same aging process as the añejo tequila but for a longer time period. This tequila is only classified as extra añejo if it has been aged for more than three years.

The tequila needs to be aged in a barrel that doesn’t exceed more than 600 liters. The result is a darker color of dark mahogany añejo. Due to the lengthy process behind the production of this extra añejo, this type of tequila is the most expensive but also the smoothest tequila. After the aging process has passed, the alcohol content of the liquor is diluted with distilled water.