5 types of Tequila?

Hola and welcome to our new Tequila post.

So far, we got an introduction to our favorite spirit and on my previous post we learned about its elaboration process.

Now, Tequila is one of a kind. Yet, it can also be categorized depending on certain characteristics. So let’s get into it.

First of all…

-Based on the sugars used for its elaboration, Tequila can be divided into 2 categories:

1.Tequila 100% : Only sugars coming from the agave plant are used.

2.Tequila: At least 51% is composed from sugars coming from the agave and the rest is a mix of sugars from canes, corn syrup or fruits.

NOTE: Tequila must be composed of at least 51% of agave sugar (as stated in point 2) in order to be called authentic.

• Based on the time that Tequila spends-or does not spend in barrels, it can also be divided into 5 classes. Why? Because the time inside the barrel and in contact with the wood is what makes the difference; it is the wood of the barrel that contributes to the color, aroma and flavor of the final product.

These 5 classes are:

1. Blanco (White)

It is the most common Tequila, it goes right after the distillation process directly to the bottle. It does not get in contact with wood. Its color is completely clear. Blanco was the only kind of existing Tequila until after the second half of the 20th century.

2. Joven u Oro (Young or Gold)

It is a Tequila Blanco to which “extras” such as caramel, oak extract or glycerin are added to make it extra bold, it is a young adulterated drink. These ingredients are approved by the Tequila Regulatory Council.

3. Reposado (Rested)

It was by the mid 1970s when some companies had the necessity to store Tequila  Blanco in big oak barrels. When taking it out, the result was a smoother drink with a darker coloration. Thanks to this discovery, the birth of other classes of this spirit was promoted. Currently, for our Tequila to be categorized as Reposado, it must stay inside the wooden barrels for at least 2 months. Its color is slightly gold with hints of green and the taste of wood is perceived.

4. Añejo (Aged)

For our spirit to become Añejo, it has to stay inside the barrels for at least 1 year. In its flavor you can perceive vanilla, spices, orange peel or wood. It is one of the most sophisticated Tequila types.

5. Extra añejo (Extra aged)

Aging process inside the barrels must be extended up to at least 3 years for our spirit to be in this category. Its color is categorized as pale amber and scents of honey and oak can be found in it. This is the most expensive and sophisticated type of Tequila.

FAQ

• Is Añejo better than Blanco?

Not necessarily, remember in order to be Añejo, our spirit had to be born Blanco. The quality is exactly the same, the only things that change are its characteristics depending on the time that it spent in the barrel.

Some people like Añejo better because it is smoother to the taste and does not burn as much. While in Reposado and Añejo the alcohol taste is covered by the oak sweet flavors absorbed from the wood. It can be mistaken as better quality but the truth is, they can both have an excellent quality. It really depends on each persons preferences.

• How do I know if my Tequila is naturally or artificially aged ?

For a consumer to know if the spirit obtained its characteristics by aging in the barrel, the label on the bottle must say “Reposado, Añejo or Extra Añejo”. If this information is not there, it means extras were artificially added to it.

• What kind of Tequila is better for cocktails? 

This is a tricky one, a lot of people use Añejo for cocktails since it is believed to have the best quality. However,  Añejo is a Tequila which spent all those years in the maturation process, waiting to be drank and it deserves respect. Furthermore, the best way to drink it is straight and pure; this way, its notes and flavors can be appreciated better.

Going back to the cocktails, Tequila Blanco is more than enough. It is more affordable and in the end, it will provide the desired result which is fresh notes mixed with the sweetness from the rest of your drink. 

• Is Tequila drank in shot glasses, or not?

Shots are definitely an option if you want to drink it straight but there are also other possibilities.

Riedel Glass: It is the official glass for Tequila tasting. If you really want to taste the organic notes of your spirit, it has to be in this glass. Same happens when you try Champagne, cognac or wine. They all have their official glasses. This was you can get the entire experience.

Martini Glass: For the classic and delicious margaritas.

Old fashioned glass: For a good aged Tequila on the rocks.

That concludes our topic for today, thank you for reading along. Let me know in the comments if you were already familiar with all the classes of Tequila or if you have more questions…I’d be happy to answer.

Look out for my next post to find out about the most recent Tequila trend and a fun recipe!

Salud & ’till next time.

Sources:

casasauza.com

foodandtravel.mx