Tequila Superpost, Part 2: What types of tequila are available?

In Alcoholic, Beverages, Recipes by Greg MaysLeave a Comment

Tequila on redOutside of the origins of tequila, which we discussed in part 1 of this series, it’s arguable that the kinds of tequila are even more critical, especially when you’re out shopping. Here are the 5 primary types of tequila that we talked about at the Fiery Foods Show.

Non-100% agave tequilas, also known as Mixtos. A mixto tequila is arguably the most popular, as it’s usually the least expensive tequila at retail. A mixto is a combination of at least 51% agave tequila plus grain alcohol and sugars. A sure-fire way to know if you’re buying a mixto is that the label will not say it’s “100% agave.”

The four that follow are 100% agave tequilas.

Blanco/Silver. A blanco (white) tequila is aged 2 months or less, usually in steel or plastic containers. It’s colorless and tends to be the most swampy or potent, especially when you buy 100% agave.

Reposado. These “rested” tequilas are aged 2 months – 1 year in oak barrels. The most common type of barrels that are used are old bourbon barrels, so these begin to take on some interesting, almost whiskey-like flavors.

Añejo . These “old” tequilas aren’t old at all by Scotch standards, but in the tropical climate of Mexico, liquor ages much faster. Añejos are aged 1-3 years in similar containers as the Reposados.

Extra Añejo. Aged “longer than 3 years.” These tequilas tend to get considerably pricier, and can be absolutely delicious. A few extra añejos of note are Don Julio 1942 (aged 3 years) and Don Julio Real (aged 5 years and $300+ a bottle).

Time for an excuse to use some Añejo tequila in a cocktail (which normally I wouldn’t advise). The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail for highlighting the subtle flavors of high quality liquor, though, so this is a great way to sip the quality stuff.

Tequila Old Fashioned
Author: Heat Scale: None
Ingredients
  • 1 tsp of agave nectar
  • 3 dashes of orange bitters
  • 2 oz of añejo tequila
Instructions
  1. Add the ingredients to an Old Fashioned glass. Fill the glass with ice and stir well.
  2. Cut a piece of lime rind. Twist it and squeeze over the glass, then drop it in.
  3. Top with a splash club soda

 

Greg Mays is the Managing Editor of www.simple-cocktails.com.

The following two tabs change content below.

Greg Mays

Cocktail Editor | Greg is the classic cocktail aficionado and recipe developer at Simple Cocktails, his “place for the intimidated home bartender to shed some fear.”

Latest posts by Greg Mays (see all)

Related Posts:

Leave a Comment