Many people confuse Tequila as an ingredient for margaritas. However, it isn't that nor is it just for shots during happy hour. Tequila is a spirit with a strong history and an extensive diversity of production, characteristics, techniques, and flavor profiles.
Just like you have to taste wines, gins, or whiskeys to find the right one, it is a similar case with tequila. Once you do, you will discover a spirit that is subtle, playful, and full of flavor.
Now, here we’ll discuss some pointers that you’ve to consider when buying Tequila.
100% Agave Tequila Vs Mixto Tequila
1. 100% Agave Tequila:
When you see a label "100% agave" in a tequila bottle, it means that the specific tequila is made with only blue agave. Generally, the tequila enthusiasts and experts recommend this tequila, as it will assure you a much better product that has a more complex flavor and significant less burn.
That’s why, when people search for the best tequila brand, they ensure that it is made of 100% blue agave.
2. Mixto Tequila
These tequilas are made with no less than 51% agave, and 49% is typically fermented sugar cane juice. So you get tequila that is very sweet in both taste and smell. However, flavor generally ends there.
These tequilas are often harsh in flavor, burn on the way down, and thus are inferior to its counterpart. The reason it is made in the first place is that they are affordable and sell well in stores due to their low price.
Mixto is not ideal if you are tasting tequila for the first time, as you will be hesitant to buy it next time, and wouldn't know how the real tequila tastes.
Let’s now discuss aging tequila
The amount of aging and the amount of agave used to make tequila are what create the different varieties. Each variety has a unique taste, flavor, and aroma.
- Blanco
- These tequilas are bottled right after distillation or rested in wood barrels for two months.
- The flavors and aromas of Blanco can be herbal, floral citric and a bit fruity.
2. Reposado
- These tequilas are aged in wooden barrels anywhere from 3 months to a year.
- The flavor is a bit woodier and less herbal, with hints of brown sugar, butter and vanilla.
- The tequila has a softened, amber color.
3. Añejo
- This tequila is aged for the longest, for about 1 to 3 years.
- Because of the extended time spent aging in wood, they have a darker and golden color.
- Añejo is much smoother tequila with notes of smoke, earth, spice, vanilla and caramel.
Añejo is more costly than Reposado due to extended aging. So, it is better to start with Reposado and see how you like it before you spend extra on Añejo.
Here are some buying guidelines for beginners.
- Avoid the tequila packed in plastic, or that costs less than $15 because it is an indication of cheap tequila that can burn down your throat and taste like lighter fluid.
- Look for tequila that states “100% Agave” on the bottle.
- You can find smooth, favorable tequila for $25-$35 that is excellent for shots, sipping or cocktails.
- A high price does not always indicate great quality.
The Bottom Line
When trying Tequila for the first time, make sure it smells and taste like cooked agave that means sweet and earthy or like marshmallow, cotton candy or processed sugar. The Best tequila brand should smell and tastes like the agricultural product that produced it.