Types of Tequila – Silver, Reposado and Anejo
Tequila Classifications, Categories and their Meanings
Jul 25, 2009
All tequila is made in Mexico. If the label on the bottle says tequila, rest assured it’s produced in Mexico. The Mexican government has strict regulations on the production of tequila. Tequila producers must adhere to the strict regulations in order to use the word “Tequila” on the bottles label. The Tequila Regulatory Council in the U.S. and Canada also requires proper classifications on Tequila labels. Tequila has two categories and there are four different types of tequila.
Tequila Categories
Tequila is made in two different categories, tequila and 100% blue agave tequila. To be labeled (regular) tequila, it must be produced using at least 51% blue agave. Typically gold tequila is a mixture of blue agave and other ingredients that add a gold color to the tequila. 100% blue agave is considered premium tequila and the label will always state that it’s in fact 100% Blue Agave Tequila.
Different Types of Tequila
The length of the aging process classifies the different types of Tequila. The aging process mellows the flavor of tequila and creates a more complex flavor. The longer the aging process the more mellow and complex the flavor becomes.
- Gold Tequila is normally tequila that is not 100% blue agave. Other ingredients that are added to the tequila produce the gold coloring of the tequila. Gold tequila does not require aging and doesn’t have much of the flavor of blue agave.
- Silver Tequila is also known as Blanco Tequila. Silver tequila is usually 100% blue agave and is not aged so that it purposely gives the drinker a stronger flavor of the blue agave plant. The coloring of the tequila is clear.
- Reposado Tequila translated means rested. Reposado Tequila is aged in white oak caskets from 2 months to a year. The aging process gives the tequila a mellow oak flavor yet still brings out the flavor of the blue agave. The coloring of a Reposado is usually a slight yellow coloring.
- Anejo Tequila translated means aged. Anejo Tequila is aged in white oak caskets for over a year and must be aged in smaller batches. The longer aging process gives the tequila a stronger oak and more complex flavoring. Because of the longer aging process the tequila has a light brownish color. There’s also a category type that’s some what disputed of Extra Anejo, that’s aged more than three years.
In the United States, drinking Tequila straight is often consumed with salt and a lemon wedge, salt first, shot of Tequila and then the lemon wedge. There are literally hundreds of brands of Tequila, but if a premium Tequila is on the agenda look for 100% Blue Agave in a Reposado or Anejo. If consuming a premium 100% Blue Agave Tequila Reposado or Anejo, it should be enjoyed with out the addition of salt or lemon to get the true flavors of the blue agave and oak, cheers.
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