Tequila is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages types, with roots dating thousands of years to rituals and special ceremonies. This crisp yet smooth drink originates in Mexico and is made from the blue agave plant, which grows in particular areas. Making tequila is a tradition that has been handed down for generations. Tequila became popularized as a distilled drink in the 1900s, especially after World War II, when demand swelled exponentially. The best aged Tequila in the USA is made by shredding a ripe agave plant and separating its juices. It then goes through four processes before it is aged. After these processes are completed, the tequila is ready to be aged. Those four steps include:

• Cooking
• Fermenting
• Distillation
• Filtration

Tequila, regardless of its type, is aged in wood barrels (often oak barrels) for a certain amount of time. Basically, the difference between Tequila Reposado and Tequila Anejo is the amount of time they spend in the barrels. The effects of aging are twofold: the color and the taste. Anejo tequila is darker because the distillers age it for 12 months or more (up to three years). On the other hand, distiller age tequila reposado for at least two months, but no more than a year. Anejo is an excellent choice for those looking for a more flavorful and stronger tequila. However, remember that taste preference is the most crucial factor when selecting tequila.   The Other Types of Tequila You can Buy: Since we have discussed Anejo and Reposado, now we'll see the other three types of tequila.

• Blanco Tequila/ Silver Tequila

Blanco tequila is known as the classic one and is commonly used in margaritas and most tequila cocktails. It is not aged at all. That means the distiller doesn't put this type of tequila inside of a wooden barrel. Moreover, Blanco is typically made from 100% blue agave.  

• Tequila Joven

Tequila Joven is an interesting blend of tequilas that often uses aged tequila with unaged tequila for an exciting flavor profile.  

• Extra Anejo

It is similar to Anejo tequila, but it is aged longer and is more amber in color. In order to get extra Anejo, tequila must be aged for at least three years and can be aged much longer than that. Aged tequilas become rarer as they become older. Thus, Anejo or Extra Anejo tequilas are usually sipped neat without any mixers. Wrapping Up There are many varieties of tequila. They are used in several cocktails and mixed drinks, including the classic margarita and tequila sunrise. After making its way to Europe and the United States in the 1900s, this spirit became increasingly popular. All tequilas are aged the same way, by putting it into a wood (usually oak) barrel where they are left for specific periods, generally from two to three years, depending on the type. Blanco tequila does not undergo any aging process; it is bottled directly after distillation and filtration. Generally, the best-aged tequila is distilled for at least three years and some cases, even longer.