The agave plant’s versatility is well-known in the liquor industry. After all, it is the source of one of the world’s most loved spirits – tequila. Agave passes its versatile nature to tequila, which is popular worldwide for its distinct flavor and contribution to mixology.
The process of cooking, fermenting, and distilling agave produces a rich variety of tastes and styles, depending on aging. Today, we will explore three common varieties of spirits agave helps us create—Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. However, to understand the different types of tequila, we need to understand the source first.
Blue Agave: Where Tequila Is Extracted From
Tequila comes from the blue Weber agave plant native to Mexican regions but found also in the United States and South Africa. The plant takes about seven years to mature before jimadores (those who harvest the plant) harvest it. They remove its spiky leaves to reveal the piña (heart), which is cut into pieces and steamed in ovens to convert the starches into sugars. They then crush the pieces to extract juice, which is fermented in large vats with water and yeast before two-time distillation to acquire tequila. What happens next determines what type of tequila is made—whether the tequila is bottled immediately or put in barrels to age.
The Three Main Types of Tequila
The primary distinction between blanco, reposado, and añejo is that blanco has a vegetal flavor, reminiscent of the agave plant and hinting towards citrus, pepper, and grass, while oak barrel-aged expressions like reposado and añejo seem to be imbued with notes of vanilla, caramel, and dried fruits. However,the specific expression you may experience is determined by different factors, such as the terroir of the region, the tequila production process, and the types of barrels used.
Now, let’s dive into each of the three most common variants of tequila and discover what makes them unique and desired.
Blanco Tequila
- Often called plata or silver tequila
- Aged for up to two months at most
Blanco is regarded as the purest expression of the blue agave plant. Expert mixologists consider it to express the pure essence of its source material. Sporting a clear color and strong natural flavor, it is the perfect liquid for those who want to experience the spirit’s natural taste.
Paloma? If you did, you might have already had blanco. While it is typically unaged, some distilleries age it for up to two months before distillation and bottling, producing a clear spirit with strong notes of citrus, grass, and pepper, best for crafting citrus-forward cocktails.
Reposado
- Reposado means rested
- Aged for over two months and less than a year
Reposado may be the true balance for some enthusiasts as it is the middle point between flavor and smoothness. It has less of the pure brightness of blanco and is more inclined towards añejo.
Left in oak barrels for more than two months, the spirit gradually turns a light golden and develops a smoother taste that boasts a hint of oak. The 2-12 month aging process instills a delicate complexity, making it a great match for sipping straight or mixing into cocktails.
Bartenders love reposado for its balanced flavor nuances. It is slightly on the spicy and sweet side, which makes it ideal for sipping, and it also adds charms to fancy cocktails like the
Añejo
- Characterized by its extra age
- Aged for up to three years
Are you a sophisticated sipper? You may understand that some things are better when old. Añejo tequila is aged in small oak barrels for a minimum of one year and as much as three and offers a more refined flavor profile. Since it is aged long, it develops a darker color and a smoother taste with a more complex aroma than the other two variants.
Its smoothness makes it suitable for enjoying neat or on the rocks, where its intricate flavors can be relished to the full. Añejo typically features notes of vanilla, caramel, dried fruit, and baking spices.
Conclusion
Tequila is diverse and a captivating spirit offering a wide variety of flavors and experiences, from the blanco’s bold, agave-forward taste to añejo’s more complex and sophisticated profile. Exploring the realm of infused tequila has no boundaries, especially when you’re hunting for matches to your preferences. Blanco, reposado, and añejo all have specific temptations to entice your mood. Try them out for yourself.
Must Read: What is Tequila and Why It's Becoming Popular
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