Styles Of Tequila
BLANCO – It is also called silver, white, or plata tequila. Most blanco tequilas are bottled after distillation. If stored, the spirit must not be kept longer than sixty days in stainless steel tanks or barrels. This style is usually strong in character. Blanco tequila is used in mixed drinks like ‘Margarita’ and ‘Tequila Sunrise’. Sauza and Jose Cuervo are popular brands behind the bar.
JOVEN – It is also called gold or oro tequila. Joven is white tequila that has had colourings and flavourings added to it, commonly caramel. The additives mellow the flavours of the spirit. It is a popular style for mixed drinks like ‘Bull Fighter’ and ‘Golden Margarita’. Jose Cuervo Tradicional and Olmeca Gold are popular brands behind the bar.
REPOSADO – It means rested. The spirit has been aged from two months to one year in barrels before bottling. It is a gentler style than Blanco and Joven. This style is often used for a shot of tequila with lime and salt known as ‘Tequila Slammer’. Patrõn and Don Julio Reposado are popular brands behind the bar.
AÑEJO – It means aged or old. It has been aged for one to three years in barrels before bottling. During the several years spent in oak barrels, the spirit mellows and become smoother and gains complexity. This style is meant to be enjoyed on its own, straight up, in a snifter glass. The Riedel glassware company has created a special glass for the Añejo tequila style.
EXTRA AÑEJO – This new style was established in 2006 and is also known as vintage tequila. It is aged for more than three years in barrels before bottling. Añejo that is aged up to eight years is called Reserva. The appelation Reserva has sparked discussion on letting the spirit age this long because the oak begins to overwhelm the tequila flavours.