When you enter the world of tequila, it's easy to get lost among labels like blanco, reposado, añejo, and cristalino. Do you really know what you're drinking? Why do some cost more than others? What does it mean for a tequila to be "reposado" or "cristalino"? Today we'll teach you how to distinguish them like a true agave lover. Spoiler alert: not all that glitters (like cristalino) is gold, but it can be a gem if you choose wisely.
Blanco, reposado, and añejo tequila: how do they differ?
Blanco tequila, also known as "plata," is the youngest of all tequilas. It's bottled immediately after distillation, or after a brief rest of up to two months in stainless steel. It's pure, with a strong flavor and very pronounced agave notes. Perfect for cocktails like margaritas or for those who prefer a more direct flavor.
Reposado tequila, on the other hand, is aged between two and 12 months in oak barrels. This gives it a soft golden color and more complex flavors: notes of vanilla, caramel, and wood. It's ideal for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in more sophisticated cocktails.
Aged tequila goes a step further. It ages between one and three years , and during that time, it develops a deeper, smoother profile. It tends to have a darker color, with more intense aromas of wood, cocoa, and dried fruits. If you're looking for a tequila to sip slowly, this is the one for you.
And the lens? Is it a different type?
Cristalino tequila may sound like a distinct category, but it's actually a technique. It's part of an añejo or extra añejo tequila that undergoes a filtration process with activated charcoal to remove color and some impurities. The result is a tequila that's visually clear, like a blanco, but with the smoothness and complexity of an añejo.
This category has become very popular among consumers seeking elegance, smoothness, and a premium experience without the intense color of traditional añejo. If you've ever tried a cristalino tequila and found it to be smoother than others, now you know why!
Why are some tequilas so expensive?
The price of tequila is determined by several factors: the type of agave, the aging time, the brand, the distillation process, and even the type of barrel used. For example, an extra añejo tequila may have spent more than three years in French oak barrels , which increases its production cost but also improves its flavor.
Furthermore, many brands use artisanal methods and limited editions, which increases the perceived and actual value of the product. And if it's a signature tequila signed by a celebrity or endorsed by international awards, the price also increases. It's not always just marketing: sometimes, that extra value is noticeable from the first sip.
Which one should you try first?
It depends on what you're looking for. If you like fresh and strong wines, start with a good white. If you prefer something more balanced, a reposado is ideal. And if you like smooth, complex flavors, an añejo or cristalino might be your best option. Tequila – Vinosylicores.com , we have a curated selection of tequilas for all tastes and budgets. You can explore our categories:
Quick tips to distinguish good tequilas
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Read the label : Make sure it says "100% blue agave."
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Check the NOM: It is the producer's number, it must be legitimate.
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Look at the color and viscosity: The aged ones are darker and denser.
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Take the nose test: Smell the tequila; if you detect strong alcohol, it's a sign of poor quality.
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