Know Your Tequila

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There are 2 main categories of Tequila, 100% Blue Agave and Tequila Mixto. Mixed Tequila contains 51% Blue Agave while the other 49% is made up of sugars, colorants and syrups. Tequila’s will advertise this on their label, Tequila made from 100% Blue Agave will say “Tequila 100% de agave” or “Tequila 100% puro de agave” if the bottle just says Tequila then it is a Mixto(Mixed) Tequila.

What is Blue Agave? It’s a plant that is the the basic ingredient for all Tequila. Ever wonder why alot of Tequila bottles have some plant on the label…well that’s the Blue Agave plant.

So, with the 2 main categories from above, there are five types of Tequila in each category classified as:

Tequila Silver – Blanco – Plata – White – Platinum
This type of Tequila comes straight out of the still and into the bottle. It’s comes in a pure form hence the virgin like naming of Silver, White and Blanco. These types of Tequila’s are typically un-aged.

Tequila Gold – Joven – Oro
Gold Tequila is typically a Mixto, where colorants and flavorings have been added prior to bottling. These “young and adulterated” Tequilas are less expensive and used in many bars and restaurants for “mixed drinks”.

Tequila Reposado
Reposados is a slightly aged Tequila. The Tequila is aged in wood barrels for 2 to 11 months. Due to the aging the Tequila will take on a slight amber color and the Tequila can also be called “rested” and “aged.”

Tequila Añejo (extra aged)
Aged for longer than one year, this Tequila can take on a smoother flavor. It can also be called “aged” and “extra-aged.”

Tequila Extra Añejo (ultra aged)
This new classification was added in the summer of 2006, labeling any Tequila aged more than 3 years, an “Extra Añejo”. The Tequila becomes much darker in color and after the aging process, the alcohol content must be diluted by adding distilled water.

So what Tequila makes the best Margaritas?
You should try to go for a 100% Blue Agave Tequila, Silver or Reposado. Once you start experimenting past thinking that Cuervo Gold is the only Tequila it’s a whole new world.