As a Mexico-born spirit, tequila has come to be known all over the world. But many people don’t know that there are different types of tequila, each with its flavour profile and characteristic way of being enjoyed the malibu black shot recipe.
Here’s a guide to the five main types of tequila and how best to enjoy them.
Page Contents:
5 Types of Tequila and How to Enjoy Each One to Its Fullest
1. Mezcal
Mezcal Tequila is a unique and fantastic spirit that hails from Mexico. It is made with agave plants, harvested and then cooked before fermentation. The resulting drink has an earthy flavour profile with smoke, pepper, and citrus notes.
Mezcal Tequila can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in various cocktails. When enjoying Mezcal Tequila, it is important to take your time and savour the flavour. Take small sips and allow yourself to appreciate its complexity.
It’s best served at room temperature, so let the glass sit for a few minutes before taking that first sip. Try adding a few drops of orange or lime juice for an even bolder flavour. Regarding cocktails, Mezcal Tequila is the perfect base for experimenting. Try pairing it with herbal liqueurs and spirits for a unique twist on classic recipes.
2. Blanco Tequila
Regarding tequila, Blanco Tequila is one of the most popular varieties. It’s made from 100% agave and packs a punch with its intense flavour. Blanco Tequila is also known for its clarity, as it has no ageing or other processes that would give it colour or added flavour.
It’s perfect for sipping on its own or using as a base in cocktails. Luckily, there are many ways to enjoy Blanco Tequila and maximise its potential. The easiest way to get the most out of your Blanco Tequila is by drinking it neat or on the rocks.
The intense flavour of this tequila is best experienced without any added flavours, so try it first as it is. The best way to do this is by sipping the tequila slowly and savouring the flavour at each sip.
If you don’t enjoy drinking your Blanco Tequila neat, add a few ice cubes or a splash of water to open up the flavour. Blanco Tequila is also great for making cocktails. It’s a versatile spirit can be used in many different recipes, from the classic Margarita to more complex concoctions like the Paloma.
3. Reposado Tequila
To fully enjoy Reposado Tequila, it’s important to understand the spirit and where it comes from. Reposado tequila is a Mexican agave-based spirit that has aged for two months or more in barrels.
The ageing process gives the tequila a smoky flavour and golden colour, making it a favourite among tequila fans. Serving reposado is best enjoyed as a sipping spirit, but it can also be used in cocktails.
Reposado makes for an excellent margarita and can even be used to make other classic drinks like the Paloma or the Mexican Mule. When using Reposado for cocktails, it’s important to remember that the spirit is aged and has more depth than its unaged counterparts.
This can give your cocktails a unique flavour profile. Another popular way of enjoying Reposado Tequila is neat or on the rocks. When served this way, it’s important to savour each sip and take note of the flavours, as each sip can have a different profile depending on the type of barrel it was aged in.
4. Anejo Tequila
Anejo Tequila is a unique tequila that has aged for at least a year in oak barrels. It is the most flavorful and complex of all types of tequila, with deep aromas and rich flavours. The ageing process also mell out some of the harsher notes found in other varieties, making them smooth and easy to drink.
Anejo Tequila is a great choice for sipping and savouring, as its flavour profile can be appreciated in much greater detail than other tequila. When enjoying Anejo Tequila, it is best enjoyed neat or with just one or two ice cubes.
Adding too much ice will dilute the flavour and can mask some of the nuances of the spirit. If you prefer a mixed drink, try using Anejo Tequila as the base for a margarita or other classic tequila cocktail.
The additional ingredients will enhance the flavours of this type of tequila, creating an even more enjoyable experience. Anejo Tequila should also be stored in a cool, dark place with the cap tightly secured. This will help maintain its flavour and aroma profile over time, ensuring that each sip is as enjoyable as the last.
5. Extra Anejo Tequila
Extra Anejo tequila is an aged variety of tequila that has been aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels. This ageing process results in a smooth, mellow flavour with notes of nuttiness, caramel, and spice.
It’s said to be the most sophisticated tequila available and can be enjoyed on its own or used to create unique and flavorful cocktails. Extra Anejo is best served in a snifter glass at room temperature for those who prefer their tequila neat.
This allows the full flavour of the tequila to be experienced without the distraction of ice diluting the taste. For cocktail enthusiasts, Extra Anejo can add a unique depth of flavour that can be used to create new and delicious takes on classic drinks.
Conclusion
From the smooth, buttery notes of a Blanco tequila to the smoky nuances of an añejo, there’s a variety of tequila flavours for everyone to enjoy. And with our guide in hand, you’ll be able to taste each type of tequila and appreciate it for its unique flavour profile.
So next time you’re out at happy hour or stocking your home bar, grab a bottle (or five) of tequila and try each one.