By now, you probably know that tequila is good for more than doing shots and Margaritas. You may have navigated the liquor shop only to encounter dozens of brands and types of tequila. You may ask yourself what makes a tequila worthy of an honored place in your glass.
First of all, you should know that there are four main classifications of tequila:
- Blanco
- Reposado
- Anejo
- Extra Anejo
The difference between comes down to aging. Here we’ll discuss what makes a tequila a good tequila. And why you should buy Reposado tequila.
How is Tequila Made?
Wheat, grapes or corn are harvested for a few months before they are processed and distilled into alcohol. On the other hand, the blue agave plants used to make tequila are different. They take around ten years to grow before producer harvest them for tequila.
“Jimadores” – is the term used for the labor-intensive harvesting done by hand by the agave farmers. Let's look at the steps of how agave is turned into tequila:
Agave Harvesting:
When ready to harvest, the spiny leaves and roots are cut off the main plant of the body, called the agave heart, which goes to processing.
Process the Agave
The farmer then bakes the agave hearts slowly, and often it takes a few days. The slow cooking reduces caramelization and prevents the juice from turning bitter, therefore maintaining the flavor of the agave.
Crush the Agave:
Baked agave hearts are crushed to release their sugary juices. This can be achieved by grinder, or by traditional way, using tahona, a volcanic stone wheel.
Ferment the agave into tequila:
The extracted juices are then fermented and distilled twice as dictated by regulations. This distilled drink can then be bottled straight away or aged in wooden containers.
Why Choose Reposado tequila
Along with Blanco, Reposado represents some of the best tequilas. An aged Reposado can serve as a great dessert, on the other hand, a light repo goes perfectly with meals.
But rested tequilas, which spend anywhere from two months to a year in oak, can be one of the hardest categories to do well. Balancing the cooked agave flavors with the more elegant barrel attributes is no child's play, and it seems hard to please a majority of Reposado enthusiasts. Some like light Reposado- almost a Blanco with a hint of oak, while others prefer a richer barrel experience.
You can choose the aged Reposado, as it enhances and mellows the taste and aroma of the tequila. It gives smooth, light amber Reposado with hints of vanilla, dry fruit and spices with a finish of oak and wood.
The Bottom Line
Reposado is smooth and delicious enough that you can sip on the rocks with a squeeze of lime. It is also excellent in cocktail recipes that play up the spice or demand a tequila that stands up to bold ingredients. Well, now you know how tequila is made and why you should buy Reposado tequila for your next party.