Tequila is a beloved spirit, known for its distinct flavor and ability to bring people together. However, with so many different types and variations available, it can be challenging to navigate the world of tequila. This blog post aims to demystify the world of tequila by breaking down the different types of tequila and what they mean, allowing you to make an informed decision next time you’re shopping for this delicious liquor.
First on the list is Blanco Tequila, which is a clear, un-aged form of tequila. Blanco, also known as silver or white, is the purest tequila and retains the strong, potent flavor of agave. This type of tequila is commonly used in mixed drinks, margaritas, and other cocktails because of its strong taste and flexibility. The Blanco Tequila is bottled and shipped almost immediately upon distillation. When you purchase a bottle of Blanco Tequila, you can expect a sharp, citrusy flavor and a smooth finish.
Next up is Reposado Tequila. Reposado, meaning “rested,” is tequila that has been aged for as long as 364 days in oak barrels or casks, allowing it to take on a more subtle flavor. This creates a lovely balance between the robustness of Blanco Tequila and the richness of Añejo Tequila. The Reposado Tequila boasts a slightly darker color than Blanco, with a mellowed-out flavor that still highlights the agave.
Third is Anejo Tequila, which is an aged kind of tequila, often aged for up to 3 years in small oak barrels. Since the Añejo undergoes this long maturation process, it has a darker color, spicy notes, and a smoother finish than the other two types of Tequilas. An exquisite sipping tequila, Añejo Tequila is best poured neat or on the rocks, due to its complement of matured flavors.
In fourth place, we have Extra Anejo Tequila, which is a newly added type of tequila within the last two decades. Aged for approximately 3 to 5 years (or more) in small oak barrels, this tequila has the most subtle agave notes on the palate due to being in the barrel for so long that it takes on an almost bourbon-like flavor. Extra Añejo Tequila is the most expensive kind of tequila due to the length of time it takes to produce and the high demand for this premium spirit.
Finally, we come to a recent addition to the tequila family, Mezcal. Although it looks and tastes similar to tequila, the difference is significant, with mezcal being made from different varieties of agave and using more traditional production methods, compared to tequila. The smokiness of Mezcal sets it apart from other tequilas in terms of flavor, which comes from cooking the agave in underground ovens, unlike tequila’s steaming process. This culinary profile makes Mezcal perfect for adding depth of flavor to cocktails or to enjoying on its own.
In conclusion, demystifying the world of tequila can be a challenging, yet fulfilling, task. With various of types of tequila available on the market, it’s essential to understand the subtleties of each. From Blanco to Extra Anejo Tequila and the recent addition of Mezcal, each type of tequila provides unique features that can match any palate’s flavor preferences. Next time you’re buying tequila at Payless Liquors, consider trying something new and broadening your horizons when it comes to this beloved spirit! Cheers!
