Tequila

Tequila is one of the most wonderful and diverse spirits on the face of this earth!

The complexity, the flavor variance, the stories, the culture, and so much more is just truly one of a kind!

Over the past 2-3 years I’ve been fortunate enough to talk with many different brand owners, master distillers, help play a large and small part in the growth of a variety of brands, and just overall just enjoy the tequila itself.

Throughout this time, I’ve come to find that tequila has 5 main flavor profiles along with a multitude of main expressions that exist in the mainstream US market.

There is also a ton of confusion about what makes a pure tequila vs an agave spirit impersonating a tequila amongst mainly tequila influencer/aficionado groups of varying types.

Honestly, I had to step away all that mainstream bickering because it just became too much about drinking the purest form of tequila instead of just enjoying each brand’s tequila for what it is.

Look, the facts are that there is tequila labeled 100% agave that I’d consider actual tequila and there is mixto tequila,I’ll explain this more later, that I consider more of a tequila based agave spirit.

Tequila can have up to 1% of 4 different additives and still legally be allowed to state 100% agave on the bottle.

These additives are glycerin, caramel coloring, oak extract, and jarabe or sugar-based syrup.

A lot of people are pushing additive free tequilas on everyone and bashing anyone who doesn’t only drink additive free tequila, but I’m definitely not one of them.

The additives in tequila are no different than what you’ll find in your everyday foods, especially if you eat fast food.

So unless you’re a purely organic based extremely clean eating individual, then enjoy your tequila and fuck what the snobs are saying!

It’s your taste preference, your money, your life so don’t let anyone dictate what tequila of all things you choose to purchase and enjoy after a long day’s work or to celebrate with!

So with all that being said, I decided to break down in general terms the main/popular tequila expressions you’ll find in the mainstream market today.

This way you’ll know what expression of tequila you’re drinking, what makes each one different, the main flavors you’ll find in each, and have accurate information on the expression(s) you actually prefer!

So use this as your guide, your tequila handbook, or just a reference to know what you’re drinking.

Joven

This is traditionally a blend of a tequila’s blanco and any of their aged expressions.

Most on the market are a blend between their blanco and extra añejo, but some are starting to be a blend of the blanco and reposado or añejo.

The tequila will feature a tan type of tent to it from the barrel influence of the aged expression blend.

The complexity and flavors featured in this expression vary so much that it’s worth trying every brand’s rendition of it you can get your hands on!

Cristalino

This is a relatively new tequila expression to the market and is basically born out of consumer demand.

Brands produce this tequila by taking one of their aged expressions and stripping the color from the tequila to produce a blanco/clear looking aged tequila product.

The tequila still has the traditional taste of the original aged expression, but is more visually pleasing to those who love clear tequilas.

You’ll mostly find reposado or extra añejo expressions of this on the market for you to enjoy.

Añejo

Añejo tequilas are traditionally aged between 1 year to 3 years.

The majority of them are aged in used whiskey barrels, but you’re starting to see more brands use other barrels such as wine, cognac, and rum barrels to produce a more unique taste than what’s currently on the market.

Due to the barrel aging process, you’re going to get more flavor influence from the former liquor and type of wood used to create the barrel.

The color of the tequila is going to typically be a more amber color than the less aged expressions from the brand.

Extra Añejo

Extra añejo tequilas are traditionally aged 3 years or longer.

This expression is going to have the most barrel influence of all the expression in terms of color, flavor, and smell.

This might be the best tequila for a whiskey/bourbon drinker to enjoy!

Also best to pair with a cigar in my book.

A lot more brands are coming out with crazy long aged extra añejos as well that I would love to try, but the bottles are just way out of my current price range!

Explore The World Of Tequila

The expressions and flavors you’ll find in tequila are a wide ranging world that you just have to dive in head first to believe!

The complexity from brand to brand, distillery to distillery are unlike any other spirit I’ve ever experienced and is a different experience in each bottle you pour from.

The best way to find out which expression and brand you love is simply to try them all.

Keep an open mind from brand to brand, explore all the expressions, and enjoy the journey one sip at a time.

Cheers everyone!

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