Tequila categories describe time in oak, not quality. A great blanco beats a mediocre añejo every time.
- Blanco: unaged or rested briefly. Purest agave expression; the best test of distillate quality.
- Reposado: rested in oak two months to a year. Softer, with vanilla and light spice.
- Añejo: aged one to three years. Darker, rounder, closer to whiskey territory.
What to buy first
Start with a 100% agave blanco. If the label does not say 100% agave, it is a mixto and you will taste the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is blanco tequila lower quality than añejo?
- No. Blanco is simply unaged or briefly rested. Many of the best 100% agave tequilas are blancos, because oak cannot cover any flaws in the distillate.
- What does 100% agave mean on a tequila label?
- It means the tequila was made entirely from blue Weber agave sugars, with no added cane or corn sugars. Bottles without that statement are mixtos.
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