Types of Tequila:
A Complete Guide for Beginners

New to tequila? You're about to discover one of the most fascinating and flavorful spirits in the world. Each type of tequila offers its own unique character and drinking experience, from crisp unaged blancos to rich and complex extra añejos.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the different types of tequila. You'll learn about the distinct aging processes, flavor profiles, and best ways to enjoy each variety.

Plus, we'll share expert recommendations to help you find your perfect bottle whether it’s for yourself or for a gift.

Table of Contents

• What is Tequila?
• The Types of Tequila
• How to Discover the Best Tequila
• Frequently Asked Questions About Tequila
• Elevate Your Tequila Experience

Tequila is a premium alcoholic spirit that can only be produced in specific regions of Mexico. By law, authentic tequila must be made from at least 51% Blue Weber agave and can only come from five designated states:

What is Tequila?

• Jalisco,
• Guanajuato,
• Michoacán,
• Nayarit, or
• Tamaulipas.

Jalisco produces the vast majority of tequila, with most distilleries located in the state's distinctive highland and lowland regions.

Tequila is distilled with at least 51% agave and no more than 49% sugar. It gets bottled anywhere from 35% to 55% ABV (alcohol by volume), but in the US it must be sold with at least 40% ABV.

Tequila's Fascinating History

During the 1600s, Don Pedro Sánchez de Tagle, known as “the Father of Tequila”, produced “mezcal de tequila” at Mexico’s first large-scale distillery in Jalisco. This early version was essentially the same as mezcal until a major discovery in the 1870s changed everything.

Distillers found that Blue Weber agave produced the best-quality spirit, and the modern tequila industry was born! The spirit gained popularity in the United States during Prohibition, when American tourists discovered it in Tijuana bars and bootleggers smuggled it across the border. This marked the beginning of tequila's journey to becoming the beloved spirit we know today.

The Types of Tequila

Tequila Blanco

Blanco tequila, also known as Plata, silver, or white, is not aged in oak. So, it carries the agave’s natural flavor and characteristics in their purest form, along with the terroir of the region in which it was grown.

Distillers can briefly age this type of tequila in steel or neutral oak tanks for less than two months. This lets flavors settle in while still bringing forward the strongest notes once bottled. Blanco tequila has a strong profile and is hotter than other tequilas. It delivers notes of vegetal grassy or herbal, citrus, black pepper, or other spices, and sweetness from the agave.

This tequila expression works well in cocktails, like a Paloma or Margarita, since it stands up next to nearly any mixer. For beginners, blanco can seem harsh when sipped neat, so look for extra-smooth brands that deliver complexity without overwhelming heat.

Top Tequila Blanco Bottle Highlights

• Tequila Ocho Plata
• G4 Tequila Blanco
• Volans Tequila Ultra Premium Blanco

Discover other top tequila blanco

Tequila Reposado

Reposado (meaning "rested" in Spanish) bridges the gap between blanco's brightness and añejo's richness. This tequila ages in oak barrels for anywhere from two months to one year, developing incredible complexity while retaining its agave character.

As it ages, it retains the original agave juice notes while developing a unique flavor all its own. The liquid turns to a dark gold as the wood tannins turn to honey and caramel notes, sometimes with a toastiness.

The natural spicy, citrusy flavors of the tequila still hold but help to create more complex flavors like chili, chocolate, vanilla, and cinnamon. Some bottles work well in cocktails, while others shine when savored neat or on the rocks.

This makes reposado an excellent choice for beginners who want to experience aged tequila's complexity without the intensity of longer-aged varieties.

Top Tequila Reposado Bottle Highlights:

• Wild Common Reposado
• ArteNOM 1414 Reposado
• Lagrimas Del Valle Tequila Reposado La Loma

Discover other top tequila reposado

Tequila Extra Añejo

When tequila is aged in oak for over three years it is considered extra or ultra añejo. Extra añejo represents the pinnacle of aged tequila.

Classified as a type of tequila in 2006, the relatively new extra añejo needs to be cut with water to reduce its high proof and make it an even smoother spirit.

This tequila type can be expensive and is often compared to a quality Scotch due to its long aging time, caramel quality, and peatiness. Because of this, many people prefer to savor it neat or on the rocks, rather than mixed into a cocktail. Here are our go-to Extra Añejo recommendations.

Top Tequila Extra Añejo Bottle highlights:

• Jose Cuervo Tequila Reserva de la Familia Extra Añejo
• Casa San Matias Tequila Gran Reserva Extra Añejo
• Tears of Llorona Extra Añejo

Discover other top tequila extra añejo

Tequila Still Strength

Still strength tequila offers an authentic, unfiltered experience by bottling the spirit exactly as it comes off the still, without dilution. This means higher proof and more intense flavors that showcase the distiller's pure craft.

This type of tequila delivers maximum flavor impact and represents tequila in its most natural state. They're perfect for serious enthusiasts who want to experience the spirit's full potential and complexity.

Top Tequila Still Strength Bottle Highlights:

• Siete Leguas 47 Blanco Tequila Still Strength
• El Tequileño Tequila Still Strength Blanco
• Suerte Tequila Still Strength Blanco

Tequila Cristalino

Tequila cristalino is like an añejo or aged tequila, but it's filtered, usually through charcoal, so that the colors it naturally becomes from barrel aging are removed. Woodsy notes are also removed during this process, though the rich mouthfeel and flavors from the barrel remain.

The result is extraordinary with this type of tequila. You get the complexity and character of aged tequila with the brightness and clarity of blanco! Cristalino works beautifully in cocktails like Spritzers and Bloody Marys, offering unprecedented versatility.

Top Tequila Cristalino Bottle Highlights:

• Tierra Noble Tequila 4 Cuarto Cristalino
• Mijenta Tequila Cristalino
• Volcan de mi Tierra Tequila Añejo Cristalino

Discover other top tequila cristalino

How to Discover the Best Tequila

Finding exceptional tequila should be an exciting adventure, and Taster's Club makes it effortless! Our Tequila of the Month Club is designed for enthusiasts who appreciate premium tequilas crafted for savoring every sip.

Choose from flexible subscription options including, 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month plans. And receive carefully selected premium bottles each month. From smooth blancos to rich añejos and complex reposados, the finest sipping tequilas available.

Each delivery includes detailed tasting notes and fascinating insights into the distillery's heritage and production methods.

Looking for something even more exceptional? Our Tequila Pro subscription offers the highest quality tequilas and an unparalleled tasting experience, perfect for serious connoisseurs who demand the very best.

Whether you're just beginning your tequila journey or you're already an enthusiast, Taster's Club provides a personalized way to explore and enjoy exceptional tequilas from the comfort of your home. Explore Clubs Now.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tequila

What Does Tequila Taste Like?

Overall, tequila is smooth, sweet, and fruity. The oak aging process of certain types makes it complex and toasty.

Tequilas from Jalisco’s highlands are sweet with mineral, fruit, and floral notes. The state’s lowlands produce a more spicy, herbaceous, and earthy flavor which is initially a little harder on the palate. So, for those just getting to know the spirit, it’s best to start out with a cocktail made with highland tequila.

What is the smoothest type of tequila?

Extra añejo typically offers the smoothest drinking experience due to extended aging that mellows harsh edges and creates incredible depth. However, premium blancos and well-crafted reposados can also provide exceptional smoothness. The key is choosing high-quality selections that prioritize craftsmanship over mass production.

Which Type of Tequila is Best?

The "best" tequila depends entirely on your preferences and intended use! Blanco excels in cocktails and offers pure agave character. Reposado provides perfect balance for both sipping and mixing. Añejo and extra añejo shine when savored neat. Cristalino offers unique versatility. Can’t decide? Let the team at Taster’s Club choose a new bottle for you every month with a Tequila Subscription.

Is Mezcal a Type of Tequila?

No, mezcal is not a type of tequila, though they share similar origins. All tequila is technically mezcal (since mezcal means "agave spirit"), but not all mezcal is tequila.

Tequila must be made from Blue Weber agave in specific Mexican states, while mezcal can use various agave species and comes from different regions. Mezcal often has smokier flavors due to different production methods.

What Are Other Affordable Tequila Options?

If you're looking for high-quality tequila that won’t break the bank, there are plenty of great options available! A great beginners bottle for cocktails is Espolón Tequila Blanco. Or check out Astral Blanco Tequila.

Want more? Here is our carefully curated selection of bottles under $50. Making it easier than ever to find a top tequila that fits your budget.

Elevate Your Tequila Experience

If you’re ready to elevate your tasting experience, head over to Taster’s Club to discover our curated Tequila selections. Explore the finest tequila spirits and bring a slice of Jalico to your glass today!

Or check out our other Tequila resources:

• All About Scotch Glasses and How to Choose Them
• The 10 Best 18-Year Scotch
• The Best Blended Scotch Whisky
• The Best Whisky for a Great Whisky Sour
• Taster's Club Top 10 Best Whisky Bottles

Final Thoughts

Each type brings its own personality and perfect occasions for enjoyment. Remember, the best way to truly understand tequila is through tasting and exploration. Start with different types, pay attention to flavors and aromas, and discover what speaks to your palate.

Ready to explore premium tequilas delivered right to your door?