A Mexican celebration must have tequila! This magical elixir, made from agave plants and produced exclusively in the Mexican state of Jalisco, is featured prominently in our Day of the Dead celebrations.

The three main types of tequila are Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo. While the agave base spirit of tequila remains constant, the three types are separated by age.

Blanco Tequila is the “youngest” tequila, not aged and barely rested before bottling. There is little to no color to Blanco Tequila, and Blanco exhibits a strong agave flavor. Flavor profiles include mint, vegetation, and white pepper. Besides “Blanco” this tequila may also be called “Plata” or “Silver” Tequila. One of the most popular Blanco Tequilas in the USA is Patron Tequila, although there are many other labels to try, including: Don Julio Blanco, Milagro Plata, and Siete Leguas. (Rumor has it, the original producer behind the taste of Patron Tequila now produces Siete Leguas.)

Reposado Tequila is aged in oak barrels past the Blanco stage for two months to one year. The oak barrels that the tequila is rested in give the spirit a light golden-brown color while the aging process smoothes the sharp edge of the agave taste. Reposado Tequila is the most popular type of tequila (especially in Mexico) and exhibits flavor profiles of oak and vanilla. Our personal delicious Reposado favorites are Casa Amigos Reposado and Don Julio Reposado Tequila. A special mention must go to Clas Azul Tequila- which is bottled in a striking hand-painted blue and white ceramic bottle.

Anejo Tequila is the oldest of the trio, aged anywhere from 18 months to three years. The longer aging process results in a deeper oak flavor and a darker color than Reposado Tequila. Anejos are usually recommended for enjoying straight, although some do like the smokiness in their margaritas for added depth of flavor. The flavor profiles in Anejo Tequila include smoky agave, oak, butterscotch and caramel. Anejo Tequilas are pricier naturally due to their age. Popular Anejos include: Casa Noble, Cabo Wabo, Don Julio, and Fortaleza Anejo Tequila.

While there are other types of tequilas, the three above are the most popular types of Tequila in the US and the most commonly enjoyed. 

Tequila Note & Myth… 

While speaking to people about tequila, we have heard “Ugh, I only drank tequila in college -or on Spring break- or at that cheap hotel- it made me sick!” many times… This makes us laugh lightly and feel like some people insist on believing the bad “myth” of tequila. It’s just a bad myth that tequila is a cheap spirit or will make you sick. In fact, good tequila is nothing like that! Tequila is plant-based, and when chosen carefully and sipped responsibly, may not leave you with a hangover.*

Keep in mind when choosing your tequila to choose only “Blue Agave” tequila, which is a more premium product versus other agave tequilas. (That cheap bottle of Cuervo** you bought for $9 back in college? Yeah, that plus the fact you probably did too many shooters made you sick!) Also note that by making sure your label of tequila says “100% Blue Agave” (or similar) you are avoiding spirits that contain the “worm”. No bottle of worthwhile tequila contains a worm, period. That’s gross.

*No Hangover… depending on your tolerance to alcohol of course. While I could not drink all day and personally have a limit of just (2) drinks, I have witnessed two men sip and enjoy nearly a full bottle in one afternoon with no ill effects afterwards. The room smelled of tequila (!) but both men were fine- no hangovers. This was a super-premium bottle of Tequila enjoyed with nothing but a little ice.

**Say what about Cuervo? … LOL- We joke about Cuervo… note that while Jose Cuervo has entry-level bottles readily available at every gas station, the Cuervo family label also produces several fine tequilas that are carefully produced and considered premium tequilas. Once again, look for the phrase “100% Blue Agave” on the bottle, which is only included on better tequilas. If you’re not sure about the blue agave phrase, price itself should be an indication of the quality you’re purchasing.