Types of Tequila: A Complete Guide

So, you've discovered your love for tequila and want to stock your liquor cabinet with the good stuff.

But with so many types and brands out there, where do you even start?

Rest assured, we're here to guide you through it.

Join us as we go over all the different types of tequila and our recommended premium brands. By the end, you’ll be ready to sip and savor like a pro, so let's get right to it.

Types of Tequila: Quick Overview

Before we jump into the details, here's a quick glance at the main characteristics of each type of tequila.

Premium brands like Azul or Forteleza produce tequilas that fit each category, so once you find a favorite, you can try out all their expressions.

When Is a Tequila Considered Tequila?

The regulations governing tequila production are strict. As a product with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), tequila may only be called so if it meets very specific criteria.

It must be:

• Made in Mexico in specific regions (predominantly Jalisco and the Tequila Valley)

• Created from the Blue Weber agave plant with at least 51% plant content

• Distilled and bottled in Mexico in licensed facilities

Mexican tequila must also be certified by the Tequila Regulatory Council/Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT) to ensure compliance with established standards, which include approved production and bottling methods, proof of origin, and quality control. This guarantees you’re getting the real deal, full of authentic flavor.

The 5 Official Types of Tequila

The CRT classifies tequila by agave content and aging, sorting every bottle into one of five categories. Each type offers a distinct taste, perfect for different vibes and drinks.

1. Blanco tequila

Generally considered the starting point for newbies, Blanco tequila (also known as White, Silver, or Plata) is the most common type of tequila. It's the main ingredient for the classic margarita and other citrusy tequila drinks.

The defining characteristic of Blanco tequila is its minimal aging process. Some producers age their Blanco briefly in neutral oak barrels or stainless steel tanks for approximately 60 days, while others bottle it unaged directly after distillation.

Blanco tequila flavor profile

The beauty of this tequila is that it allows the sipper to enjoy the blue agave plant's flavors and characteristics in its purest form. Since it's not aged, it delivers a bold flavor profile with a more pronounced peppery finish compared to its aged counterparts.

The primary notes are cooked agave, which has an earthy, vegetal yet sweet taste. Then you get hit with citrus tones of lime, grapefruit, and zesty lemon.

Herbal flavors are also present, bringing mint, eucalyptus, and fresh grass to the palate.

Depending on the brand, you will also find other tastes present, such as:

• Floral notes like jasmine, chamomile, and blossom

• Spices like cinnamon and cloves

• Fruity flavors, including green apple and pineapples

• Mineral tones such as wet stone, saline, and even volcanic rock

2. Reposado tequila

Reposado means "rested," so what you have here is an aged tequila.

The method uses oak barrels to store Blanco tequila for up to one year (occasionally, a brand will age its Reposado tequila for two years). During this time, the tequila develops more complex flavors and turns into a stunning golden color.

Reposado is renowned for its smoother finish. It's a straight sipper and makes a remarkable replacement for bourbon in whiskey-based cocktails.

Reposado tequila flavor profile

The blue weber agave flavors are still present in Reposado, but they are more subtle. Thanks to the oak barrels, the tequila has distinct notes of vanilla, caramel, and toffee.

Tasting it will also reveal mild spicy undertones such as cinnamon, clove, and even nutmeg.

Other flavors you may find present are:

• A light woody flavor and toasted oak

• Honey or butterscotch

• Dried fruit like raisins, figs, and apricots

• Citrus notes, such as orange peel, mingled with spice

3. Añejo tequila

Añejo tequila is a step up from Reposado and extends the aging process to up to three years. While this duration might not seem dramatically different, the critical distinction is that the oak wood barrels must be no larger than 158 gallons.

These smaller barrels, many around 53 - 79 gallons max, allow more wood contact per gallon of tequila, resulting in a beautiful wood-forward finish.

Some brands like to reuse oak barrels to give even more depth of flavor. For example, ex-bourbon barrels add stronger notes of vanilla and caramel, while French oak barrels bring spicier, wine-like qualities.

Añejo tequila flavor profile

Añejo tequila is often compared to fine whiskey or cognac. The deep, complex flavors give warm, toasty oak, with strong tones of vanilla, caramel, and a dried fruity finish. Spices, including black pepper, clove, and nutmeg, also feature strongly.

Secondary notes, depending on the distillery, include:

• Dark chocolate or cocoa, especially if aged in French oak

• Roasted nuts or coffee with a subtle bitterness

• Leather and tobacco

• Butterscotch and honey

4. Extra Añejo tequila

As you can probably guess, Extra Añejo is an even longer-aged tequila. This type gets left to mature for over three years, producing a deeper color and the strongest flavors.

The extended aging typically results in higher alcohol content, so it requires careful dilution with water to moderate the proof and give the tequila a much smoother taste.

Considered a top-shelf type of tequila, Extra Añejo commands premium prices and generally appeals to more experienced tequila drinkers.

Fun fact: Blue agave takes between seven and ten years to fully ripen and mature. That means each bottle of Extra Añejo takes at least ten years, often considerably longer, to create from start to finish.

Extra Añejo tequila flavor profile

Unsurprisingly, Extra Añejo has a dominant oak-forward flavor sweetened with dark toffee and dried fruits like prunes, dates, and figs. Sweet spices, cocoa, leather, and tobacco are also present to varying degrees.

In this expression, the agave taste is still there, but it has taken a back seat.

Secondary notes you will commonly encounter include:

• Custard and crème brûlée, especially if aged in French oak

• Roasted elements such as espresso, almond, hazelnut, and walnut

• Molasses, which offers heavier sweetness compared to lighter expressions

5. Joven tequila

Joven tequila is a bit of a mixed bag. Although officially recognized as a main tequila category, it actually encompasses two types of tequila:

• The first is what's known as gold tequila or tequila mixto. While meeting the minimum requirements for tequila classification, it incorporates additional ingredients like colorants, flavorings, and sweeteners.

• The second type is a 100% agave blend of Blanco and aged tequilas.

"Mixtos" are cheap, low-end, and not recommended for sipping neat. Instead, they are a party favorite and go well in cocktails.

In stark contrast, the blended variety is considered high-end and elegant, with many brands earning a place on the top shelf of the liquor cabinet.

Joven tequila flavor profile

The high-end blends tend to have an agave-forward profile with hints of oak-barrel aging. They generally have light, floral, or citrusy tones and a silky, sweet mouthfeel.

Mixtos are considerably harsher on the palate and can sometimes taste artificially sweet and medicinal.

Other: Cristalino tequila

Although Cristalino is certainly a type of tequila, it hasn't yet been officially categorized by the CRT. As such, it's a bit of an anomaly, but it definitely deserves a mention due to its popularity.

Cristalino derives its name from the special filtering process. The tequila is actually an aged Añejo or Extra Añejo that has been filtered through charcoal to remove the gold/amber coloring.

The result is a crystal-clear, aged tequila. For the most part, the taste of aged tequila is retained but slightly subdued, with sweet notes taking a more prominent role.

Many die-hard tequila fans will argue that Cristalino is nothing more than a gimmick, and that the filtering process diminishes the complex flavors too much. However, the jury is out on this one because, despite the backlash, Cristalino continues to rise in popularity.

What About Agave Spirits?

It looks like tequila, kinda tastes like tequila, but it isn't tequila.

Agave spirits are a bit of an impostor because they are generally distilled from agave plants but don't meet the strict criteria of the CRT.

For instance, the tequila production process often takes place outside of Mexico. In fact, many agave spirits are created within the USA.

Unfortunately, labeling something "agave spirits" leaves a lot of room for interpretation. It's a realm of experimentation that ranges from high-quality artisanal batches to poor-quality mass-market blends.

Our advice is to research anything labeled as "agave spirits" before you buy to ensure it's worth the purchase.

7 Top-Shelf Tequila Brand Recommendations

With so many excellent brands out there, picking a tequila can be a challenging task.

However, if you're prepared to splash out on a luxury bottle, you'll get one of the best tequila experiences money can buy.

Here’s our curated list of recommendations:

1. Forteleza

Forteleza is deeply revered for its commitment to traditional tequila-making methods. It uses brick ovens, stone tahona wheels, and open-air fermentation.

Try:

• Forteleza Tequila Blanco

• Fortaleza Reposado 2024 Winter Blend

• Fortaleza Anejo Tequila

2. Clase Azul

Clase Azul is distinguished by its handcrafted ceramic decanters and ultra-premium tequilas. Each bottle is a piece of art, and the tequila inside is equally refined.

Try:

• Clase Azul Reposado Plata Combo

• Clase Azul Gold Tequila

• Clase Azul Anejo Edición Indígena-Mazahua Tequila

3. Maestro Dobel

Maestro Dobel pioneered the first multi-aged clear tequila. Expressions are unique and blend traditional methods with modern techniques.

Try:

• Maestro Dobel 50 Tequila Extra Anejo

• Maestro Dobel 50 Silver Oak Anniversary Extra Anejo

• Maestro Dobel Atelier Extra Anejo

4. Don Julio

Don Julio is one of the most respected tequila names, known for its meticulous production process and high-quality agave.

Try:

• Don Julio 1942

• Don Julio 1942 Ultima Reserva 750ml

• Don Julio Rosado Reposado

5. Esperanto

Esperanto Tequila is crafted with a focus on quality and has gained recognition for its balanced and flavorful expressions.

Try:

• Esperanto Frida Khalo Extra Anejo Limited Edition

• Esperanto Seleccion Supremo Extra Añejo

• Esperanto Reposado Tequila

6. Dos Artes

Dos Artes is celebrated for its artisanal approach, producing tequilas that deliver exceptional flavor while beautifully presented in hand-painted ceramic bottles.

Try:

• Dos Artes Joven Tequila

• Dos Artes 2022 Calavera Reposado Skull Head Tequila

• Dos Artes Reserva Especial Anejo 2023

7. Corralejo

Corralejo has a history dating back to 1775 and is known for its affordable yet distinctive bottles and flavorful tequilas.

Try:

• Corralejo Tequila Limited-Edition 25th Anniversary Extra Añejo

• Corralejo Reposado Tequila

• Corralejo Tequila Anejo

FAQs

What kind of tequila is smoothest?

Añejo or Extra Añejo is regarded as the smoothest type of tequila. The extended aging process produces a mellower flavor and an ultra-smooth mouthfeel.

Which is better, Añejo or Reposado?

Añejo and Reposado are both fine tequilas. Which is better depends on personal taste and preference. Añejo gives a smooth, rich, and complex taste while Reposado is lighter with a good balance between agave and oak notes.

What is the most popular tequila?

The most popular tequila brands are usually considered to be Patrón and José Cuervo. Don Julio is also a top choice globally.

What kind of tequila is top shelf?

Top-shelf tequila is almost exclusively Añejo or Extra Añejo from premium brands like Clase Azul, Don Julio, Tequila Ocho, and Casa Dragones.

Final Thoughts

There's no doubt that tequila offers diverse and complex tasting experiences. Whether you prefer a young silver tequila or an ultra-aged premium tequila, there's a bottle out there waiting for you.

For a real discovery, we recommend trying each type in order of aging length (Blanco to Extra Añejo). This approach allows you to appreciate the complete flavor spectrum and understand what makes each expression uniquely special.