Types Of Tequila Explained

Types of tequila fall into two basic categories, but each of these is then divided into over 1000 different kinds and flavors of tequila. The first indication of which kind you hold in your hand is the label. The label will tell you where and how the tequila was produced, how old it is, and the main ingredients used to make it.

The two main types of tequila are those made with pure blue agave, and mixed tequila, called “Tequila Mixto”. The mixed types of tequila contain at least 51 percent of the blue agave, but also contain one or more of a variety of cane sugars, coloring, glycerin, extracts, and syrup. Mixto Tequila was not bottled outside of the Tequila territory until January of 2006, but it has since spread to other countries.

Labels can be confusing when you are not sure how to read them. Although tequila made with 100% blue agave is fairly easy to recognize as Tequila 100% de agave, or puro de agave; mixed tequilas labels will simply say “Tequila”, but it does not end there. Several different types spring from those major classifications.

More Complex Types of Tequila

• Tequila Silver, also known as White, Platinum, Blanco, and Plata, is made from 100% blue agave. It is white or silver because it is made, bottled, and sold without a long aging process. These types of tequila may be bottled immediately bottled after it is distilled, or it may sit and age for as much as 8 weeks to provide a smoother taste.
• Tequila Gold, which is also known as Oro, or Joven, is usually a Tequila Mixto, because coloring and flavors are added before the tequila is bottled. Tequila Golds tend to cost less than the Silvers, and are especially suited for mixing drinks. However, not every Gold is one of the mixed types of tequila. A Tequila Gold may be made by mixing Silver Tequila with either an Anejo, or a Reposado, and these are considered to be pure agave.
• Tequila Anego (aged tequila) is so named because it is tequila that has been aged for a year or more. This amber-colored, smooth, rich, and flavorful tequila is aged in specially-sized oak barrels that do not hold more than 600 liters.
• Extra Anego Tequila is one of the types of tequila that has also been aged in limited-sized barrels, but for longer periods of time. Because of its age, the alcohol is diluted with water. Extra Anego is considered to be flavorful and smooth.
• Reposado (rested)Tequila has been aged for 2 to 11 months. It may be aged in storage tanks or barrels made of oak from America or France. The Reposado types of tequila are gold in color, with distinct flavors from the agave and the wood. Because some of the oak barrels used for aging tequila have already aged other spirits, Reposado Tequila flavors may vary.

All types of tequila are used in a wide variety of ways. Some delicious tequila concoctions are liqueurs, cremes, mixed soft drinks, flavored tequila, infusions, and cocktails. Tequila is even an ingredient in many delicious main dishes and desserts.

Of all the types of tequila, the major type that is preferred in 100% blue agave, but the mixed tequilas are the best sellers. Mixto Tequila may just be standard compared to the pure types of Tequila, but it is still flavorful and probably more affordable.