Tequila has been enjoyed for centuries. This distilled spirit, made from the blue agave plant primarily grown in Mexico, comes in 5 forms: Blanco, reposado, añejo, extra añejo, and cristalino. Each type of tequila has a unique flavor profile that helps set it apart from it from the other types of tequila. This article will break down blanco vs reposado vs añejo tequila.
Read on!
Summary
- There are three main types of tequila: Blanco (silver), reposado (rested), and añejo (aged), classified by age
- Blanco tequilas are either unaged or aged for a short time, while reposado tequilas are aged between a few months to a year. Añejo tequilas are aged for one to three plus years
- Tequila is aged in oak barrels, imparting flavor and color, giving it a more complex and nuanced flavor profile. Aging time is crucial to its flavor profile
- While there are about 270 different types of agave, the majority of which are found in Mexico, only Agave Tequilana Weber Azul can legally make tequila
- The region where agave grows affects the flavor of tequila in that agave grown in the highlands yields a sweeter, more floral tequila, while lowlands/valley agaves give the tequila an earthy flavor profile
- The type of oak barrels also impacts the flavor profile, with American oak barrels giving the vanilla and caramel flavor typical of bourbon whiskey. On the other hand, European oak barrels give spicier, woody notes to the tequila
Blanco vs Reposado vs Añejo Tequila
Blanco Tequila
Known as silver or white tequila, Blanco is often considered the purest/most traditional type since it isn’t aged or flavored, appears clear and transparent, and has a strong agave flavor.
Blanco tequilas are bottled almost immediately after the distillation process and are typically bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV). They’re great for shots, mixed drinks, and cocktails.
The strong agave flavor makes blanco tequila an acquired taste for some, while others appreciate the fresh, crisp taste that shines through in cocktails.
Reposado Tequila
Reposado, which means “rested” in Spanish, represents a tequila aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months but less than a year, allowing the tequila to absorb some of the flavor and aroma from the oak barrels, giving it an understated golden color and a giving it a slightly sweet taste with notes of vanilla and caramel flavor.
The aging process also helps to mellow out the agave flavor making this type of tequila the perfect middle ground between blanco and Añejo tequila, with a smoother taste than blanco tequila but lacking the complex flavor profile of Añejo tequila.
Reposado tequila is commonly used in cocktails, but it is also a great sipping tequila for those who may not enjoy the strong agave flavor of blanco tequila.
Añejo Tequila
Añejo means “vintage” to represent aging in oak barrels for about one to three years. Añejo is a premium sipping tequila best enjoyed on its own and the most complex of the three types of tequila. The aging process allows the flavors to mature and develop a smoother, more refined taste.
The oak barrels used in the aging process give it a darker color and a distinct, more complex flavor profile with caramel, vanilla, and oak notes.
Añejo tequila is also the most expensive of the three types of tequila due to the aging process. When Añejo is aged for three years or more, it is considered extra Añejo, an even more premium and expensive tequila.
Añejo tequila is typically bottled at 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume), but some premium Añejo tequilas can have a higher ABV.
Conclusion
The blanco vs reposado vs Añejo debate comes down to personal preference and occasion.
Blanco tequila is great for cocktails and mixed drinks, while reposado tequila is an all-arounder, great for cocktails or sipping on its own. Finally, Añejo tequila is best enjoyed as a sipping tequila neat or on the rocks.
Regardless of what you fancy, there’s sure to be a tequila out there that will delight your senses – experiment with different types to find the one that suits you best.
