There are five main types of tequila, and they are defined almost entirely by aging: blanco, joven, reposado, añejo and extra añejo. All of them start the same way, distilled from blue Weber agave in and around the state of Jalisco, Mexico. What changes is how long the spirit rests in oak afterward, which shifts it from bright and vegetal to dark, smooth and almost whisky-like. At Aitch, our agave lounge on King West, we pour across that whole range. Here is how the types differ.
Blanco, the unaged spirit
Blanco, also called silver or plata, is bottled right after distillation or rested for up to two months. It is the purest expression of the agave - bright, peppery, citrusy and a little vegetal - and the backbone of a good margarita, where you want the agave to show through. If you want to taste what tequila actually is, start here.
Reposado, lightly aged
Reposado, meaning rested, spends two months to a year in oak barrels. That short rest rounds off the sharp edges and adds notes of vanilla, caramel and light spice while keeping the agave character. It is the middle ground, and for many people the everyday sweet spot - smooth enough to sip, still lively enough for a cocktail.
Añejo and extra añejo, the sippers
Añejo, meaning aged, rests one to three years in oak, turning amber and taking on deeper vanilla, oak, dried fruit and spice - closer to a sipping whisky than to a party shot. Extra añejo is aged more than three years, richer and darker still. Both are meant to be savoured neat and slowly. Joven, worth a quick mention, is simply blanco blended with a little aged tequila.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the types of tequila?
The five main types are blanco (unaged), joven (a blend of blanco and aged tequila), reposado (aged two months to a year), añejo (aged one to three years) and extra añejo (aged more than three years). Aging is what separates them.
What is the difference between reposado and añejo?
Reposado is aged two months to a year in oak, staying bright with light vanilla and spice. Añejo is aged one to three years, turning amber and developing deeper oak, dried fruit and whisky-like notes. Añejo is smoother and better for sipping neat.
Which tequila is best for a margarita?
Blanco. Its bright, peppery agave character shows through the lime and orange liqueur, which is exactly what a margarita wants. Aged tequilas get muddled by the mix.
Which tequila should you sip neat?
Añejo and extra añejo. Their years in oak give them the depth and smoothness of a sipping spirit, best enjoyed slowly and without mixers.