Types of Tequila Explained: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

Tequilais more than a party drink—it’s a complex spirit with rich tradition, regional roots, and aging styles that dramatically influence taste. Whether you're new to tequila or exploring more premium bottles, understanding the different types of tequila can help you sip smarter and gift better.

In this guide, we break down Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo tequilas—what they are, how they're made, what they taste like, and how to enjoy them.

What Is Tequila?

Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue Weber agave plant, produced exclusively in designated regions of Mexico (primarily Jalisco). To be considered “real” tequila, it must:

• Be made with 100% blue agave (or a minimum of 51% agave for mixtos)

• Be distilled and bottled in Mexico

• Adhere to strict regulations from the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT)

1. Blanco (Silver) Tequila

Also Known As: Plata, White, Silver

Aged: 0–2 months (often unaged)

Color: Clear

Flavor Profile: Bright, peppery, citrusy, pure agave

Overview:
Blanco is the purest expression of agave—bottled shortly after distillation. It’s bold, vibrant, and ideal for cocktails or sipping if you like clean flavors.

Best For:

• Margaritas, Palomas, Ranch Waters

• Fans of crisp and zesty spirits

• Gifting to tequila beginners

Popular Picks:

• Patrón Silver

• Espolon Blanco

• Casa Dragones Blanco

2. Reposado Tequila

Aged: 2–12 months in oak barrels

Color: Light gold

Flavor Profile: Smooth, balanced, hints of vanilla, oak, and spice

Overview:
Reposado (which means “rested”) is aged long enough to mellow the agave flavor and absorb some richness from the oak barrels.

Best For:

• Sipping neat or on the rocks

• Elevated tequila cocktails (Old Fashioned, Tequila Sour)

• Gifting to whiskey or bourbon drinkers

Popular Picks:

• Clase Azul Reposado

• Don Julio Reposado

• El Tesoro Reposado

3. Añejo Tequila

Aged: 1–3 years in oak barrels

Color: Deep amber

Flavor Profile: Rich, smooth, notes of caramel, chocolate, tobacco

Overview:
Añejo (meaning “aged”) is matured for a full year or more, gaining complexity similar to that of fine whiskey or cognac.

Best For:

• Sipping slowly in a snifter

• After-dinner pours

• Gifts for seasoned spirit lovers

Popular Picks:

• Don Julio Añejo

• Fortaleza Añejo

• Cincoro Añejo

4. Extra Añejo Tequila

Aged: 3+ years in oak

Color: Dark gold to mahogany

Flavor Profile: Deep, luxurious, layered with dried fruit, oak, spice

Overview:
Extra Añejo is tequila’s most luxurious category, offering deep, refined flavors that rival ultra-premium scotch or cognac.

Best For:

• Special occasions

• Gifting to collectors or connoisseurs

• Ultra-slow sipping neat

Popular Picks:

• El Tesoro Extra Añejo

• Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia

• Herradura Selección Suprema

Bonus: Cristalino Tequila

Aged: Añejo or Extra Añejo, then filtered

Appearance: Crystal clear

Flavor Profile: Aged complexity with a smooth, filtered finish

Overview:
Cristalino is a newer tequila style where aged tequila is charcoal-filtered for clarity—offering the smoothness of an añejo with the look of a blanco.

Best For:

• Trendy drinkers

• Tequila explorers

• Premium gifting

Popular Picks:

• Don Julio 70

• Volcan De Mi Tierra Cristalino

• Maestro Dobel Diamante

Blanco vs Reposado vs Añejo — Quick Comparison Chart

Where to Buy All Types of Tequila Online

At Elevated Spirit Shop, we carry the full range of tequila types—from crisp Blancos to engraved Extra Añejos:

✔ Handpicked, premium bottles
✔ Engraved personalization available
✔ Beautiful packaging for gifting
✔ Fast, secure shipping nationwide