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Types of Tequila Explained
Types of Tequila Explained
Tequila is officially classified into five main styles, with Cristalino emerging as a popular modern category:
| Tequila Style | Ageing Requirement | Key Characteristics | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Blanco (Silver / Plata) |
Unaged or rested up to 2 months | Fresh agave, citrus, herbal notes, peppery spice — bright and expressive | Agave purists, cocktails, and understanding a distillery's house style |
| Reposado | Aged 2–12 months in oak barrels | Softened agave, vanilla, caramel, light oak spice | Neat sipping, whisky crossover drinkers, premium cocktails |
| Añejo | Aged 1–3 years in oak barrels | Rich caramel, toasted oak, dried fruit, baking spice | Slow sipping, bourbon and cognac lovers |
| Extra Añejo | Aged over 3 years in oak barrels | Deep oak richness, dark chocolate, complex spice, and rounded agave sweetness | Collectors, luxury sipping, special occasions |
|
Joven (Gold) |
Blend of Blanco and aged tequila, or coloured Blanco | Style varies widely by producer | Cocktails; quality depends heavily on the producer |
| Cristalino | Aged tequila filtered to remove colour | Smooth and polished, subtle oak with lighter agave presence | Drinkers seeking smoothness with minimal oak influence |
100% Agave vs Mixto Tequila: What’s the Difference?
Not all tequilas are created equal. The label tells you everything:
100% Agave Tequila
- Made entirely from Blue Weber agave sugars
- Must state "100% Agave" or "100% de Agave" on the label
- Cleaner flavour, better mouthfeel, fewer impurities
- The benchmark for quality tequila
Mixto Tequila
- Minimum 51% agave sugars — the remainder from other sugar sources
- Often harsher, less expressive, and more likely to cause next-day regret
- Typically does not state "100% Agave" on the label
Does Older Tequila Mean Better Tequila?
Not necessarily — and this is one of the most common misconceptions about tequila.
- Blanco showcases the purest agave character and terroir — ideal for understanding a producer's style
- Reposado adds balance, approachability, and subtle complexity without masking the agave
- Añejo and Extra Añejo deliver depth, richness, and oak-driven complexity — but can sometimes overshadow the agave
The "best" tequila is the one that suits how you drink it and what flavours you enjoy — not simply the one that's been aged the longest.
Mezcal vs Tequila: What’s the Difference?
Tequila and mezcal are both agave spirits born in Mexico — but they are distinctly different in origin, production, and flavour. Understanding the distinction helps you make a more informed choice at the bottle shop or bar.
The simplest way to think about it: all tequila is mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila. Tequila is a specific, regulated subcategory of mezcal.
| Category | Tequila | Mezcal |
|---|---|---|
| Agave Used | Blue Weber agave only | Over 30 agave varieties (Espadín, Tobaízin, Tobá, Madre Cuishe, and more) |
| Production Region | Jalisco + 4 other designated states | 9 designated states, primarily Oaxaca |
| Cooking Method | Steam ovens or autoclaves — clean, neutral | Underground pit ovens — imparts signature smokiness |
| Flavour Profile | Bright, citrus-forward, herbal, peppery — clean agave expression | Smoky, earthy, complex — varies dramatically by agave variety and producer |
| Regulatory Body | CRT (Consejo Regulador del Tequila) | COMERCAM (Consejo Mexicano Regulador de la Calidad del Mezcal) |
| Production Scale | Large commercial scale common | Often small-batch and artisanal |
| Best For | Cocktails, neat sipping, approachable agave entry point | Adventurous sipping, smoky cocktails, exploring agave diversity |
Which Should You Choose?
If you’re new to agave spirits, tequila is the natural starting point — it’s more consistent, widely available, and easier to navigate. Once you’ve developed a palate for agave, mezcal opens up a world of complexity, smoke, and terroir-driven character that’s unlike anything else in the spirits world.
Bourbon Brothers tip: Start with a quality Blanco tequila to understand pure agave flavour, then explore mezcal when you’re ready to go deeper.