The agave plant is a succulent in the lily family. Gold (or joven) tequila is the only style that can include coloring and flavoring additives. Silver (or blanco) tequila is unaged, but can rest in stainless steel for up to two months. Tequila destined to be reposado or añejo is aged in wood barrels for two months to a few years. The agave juice is fermented and distilled, and the tequila is diluted to bottling strength. By law, tequila must include at least 51 percent Weber blue agave, and the majority of tequilas exclusively use that variety. Tequila is made from the extracted juices of the agave plant. I choose these tequilas because the depth of flavor of reposado and añejo tequilas can be dulled by mixing them with juices, syrups, and liqueurs.” That said, if you’re looking to elevate a cocktail, Aubrey Ruettiger, the beverage directory of Tiny’s Cantina, says, “While many prefer blanco, don’t be shy to experiment with some reposado in your margarita.” “Blanco tequila is my go-to for margaritas or anything citrus-based. It is the teenager of tequilas-young, impetuous, and fearless with hints of citrus, menthol, and herbal senses from agave Weber azul,” Rizo says.īlaze LaRoe, the beverage director at Chikatana, also reaches for blanco in cocktails. Raúl Rizo, the bar supervisor at The Cape in Los Cabos, Mexico, recommends if you’re doing shots, opt for “Blanco, blanco, and more blanco.” As soon as tequila blanco is distilled, "it is stored in a bottle or rested in barrels of encino or oak for no more than two months. How are you sipping your tequila? Pick your bottle accordingly. You can expect to pay an extra $5 to $10 for the reposado and the same for the next step up to an añejo. The blanco will be the least expensive of any tequila's portfolio. However, there are options available, and some of these are rather impressive for the price. Very few 100 percent tequilas will be less than $20. You can usually gauge tequila's quality by the price range. Añejo and extra añejo tequilas are aged the longest and begin to showcase sweeter, vanilla notes with lingering remnants of baking spices” “Reposado literally translates to ‘rested’ and is lightly aged (at least 2 months, but under 12 months in Euro or American white oak), so the flavor transforms into richer, toastier, and nuttier tones. It should be botanical, crisp, clean, green and earthy, and sometimes herbaceous with citrus oil notes,” describes spirits expert Antoine Hodge. Typically, every tequila brand's portfolio will offer a blanco, reposado, and añejo tequila. It is also important to remember the basic grading system for tequilas. They used the whole heart of blue agave, which is indigenous to the region,” describes Brian Olson, the founder and owner of Café Intermezzo. “While tequila falls under the mezcal category, several distillers around the town of Tequila began distilling a superior form of mezcal. It is easier than ever to find them because almost every tequila brand has realized that this is what drinkers really want.īlue Weber is known as the most elegant expression of tequila. When shopping for tequila, look for these words on the bottle. What to Look for in Tequila 100 Percent Blue Weber Agave If resposado is more your style, we recommend the artisanal Mijenta Tequila Reposado. The beauty of our overall pick, Casamigos Blanco, is that it's smooth and subtle, allowing perfect execution for not only premium cocktails, but straight shots and sippers, too. While it’s probably too pricey for a shot, it’s a very smooth sipper enjoyed by many tequila aficionados.īottle Size: 750 milliliters | Tasting Notes: Toasted oak, caramel, baked yam | ABV: 40% | Region: Los Altos, Jalisco If you are looking to mix up some of the best tequila drinks you can afford, it’s the tequila to keep in your bar. Añejo is great for making a tequila old-fashioned and substituting the whiskey for añejo tequila, orange bitters for Angostura bitters, and brown sugar for white sugar.”ĭon Julie Añejo instantly improves any cocktail it touches and really shines in a shaken margarita with fresh lime. “It has a sweet, woody aroma with notes of smoke, burnt caramel, and dried fruits-definitely a sipping tequila. “Añejo Tequila is tequila that is aged in oak barrels for at least a year, but not over three years,” says Brian Eadie, lead bartender at Geraldine’s Austin in Texas. Don Julio Añejo, in particular, is one you won’t want to miss. The brand's aged tequilas are particularly impressive and have a reputation that puts them among the best of the best. They are readily available, super smooth, and richly flavored with the distinct tequila flavors that make the spirit special. It's hard to find faults in the tequilas of Don Julio.
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