Quick Guide to Tequila
- Ensure your Tequila bottle says, "made 100% with blue agave." This is the real deal, as it doesn't contain corn syrup and other additives that have given the category a bad name for decades.
- Go for recognizable brands. Although there's nothing wrong with trying new things, if you want high-quality Tequila, buy recognizable brands, including Herradura, José Cuervo, and Don Julio.
- Sip your Tequila or enjoy it as part of a tasty cocktail. Tequila is a fun shooter, but Tequila shots are not how you want to experience the traditional agave spirit.
Although there are several Tequila categories, these are the best types of Tequila today. There's something for everyone!
White Tequila. The type of un-oaked Tequila you can use in cocktails or drink on its own while nibbling on a lime wedge. These are fiery spirits, but not necessarily of inferior quality.
Tequila Reposado. Aged for between 2 and 12 months. This medium-bodied spirit is the best of two worlds — agave-tasting white Tequila and well-aged Añejo. Sip or mix.
Añejo Tequila. Aged for between 1 and 3 years. Expect oaky vanilla and brown spices to dominate the nose and palate. Don't drink these with salt and lime but sip them slowly.
Tequila Añejo Cristalino. Crystal-clear Añejo Tequila has been filtered for a translucent look. You get the flavor complexity of Añejo Tequilas in every sip.
Extra Añejo Tequila. Aged for over 3 years. This type of Tequila can be expensive and as complex as fine whiskey or Cognac. Save this one for special occasions and sip it mindfully.
What is your favorite type of Tequila? It's time to revisit the category, despite the bad experiences you had in college!
