Tequila

Style
There are five different styles of Tequila. “Blanco” (Silver) is colourless and generally bottled straight from the still or after a period of resting. “Joven” (Gold) is Blanco that has been blended with aged tequila and that has additives such as caramel colour, glycerine, sugar syrup, aromatizers and flavourings. “Reposado” (Rested and Aged) is created through the process of ageing in wood for at least 2 months. Añejo (extra aged) is aged in wood for 1-3 years whilst “Extra Añejo” (ultra aged) is aged in wood casks for 3-5 years. “Mixto” tequilas are inferior to those made with 100% agave and contain non-agave sugars.

What to expect
Flavours vary according to where the agave was grown and length of ageing. In the highland regions of Jalisco, the soil yields agave that is sweeter than that derived from agave in the lowlands. Tequila from the lowlands is correspondingly more aromatic with light, floral notes. Young Blanco tequilas carry the distinct flavour of the agave plant. Reposado is smoother and darker and has taken on some of the vanilla and caramel flavours imparted by the wood – these are correspondingly more intense in Añejo and Extra Añejo due to the lengthier ageing process involved in the production of these products. For the uninitiated looking for a good place to start, try a 100% agave Reposado.

Did you know?
Price is not the best indication of quality with Tequila and neither is colour. Premium Blanco is a better choice compared to artificially coloured, young Tequila or a mixto.