Tequila is one of the most popular spirits in the world. It is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant, which is primarily grown in the Mexican state of Jalisco. Tequila is classified into five different types: Blanco, Reposado, Golden Tequila, Añejo and Extra Añejo. Each type has unique characteristics that distinguish it from the others. Today we are teaming up with KAH Tequila to explore the differences between these five types of tequila:

Blanco tequila is unaged and has a sharp taste.
Reposado tequila is aged for up to one year and has a smoother, more complex flavor.
Añejo tequila is aged for up to three years and has a rich, smooth taste with notes of chocolate, tobacco, and spices.
Extra Añejo tequila is aged for a minimum of three years and has a deep mahogany color and a smooth, luxurious flavor.
Golden tequila is a mix of blanco and reposado tequilas and has a pale gold color and a smooth taste with hints of oak and vanilla.

Blanco Tequila

Blanco tequila, sometimes called silver tequila, is the most traditional and purest form of tequila. It is made from 100% blue agave, which is grown primarily in the Jalisco region of Mexico. The agave plant takes at least seven years to mature before it is harvested, roasted, and crushed to extract the juice, which is then fermented and distilled to make tequila.

Blanco tequila is unaged and is bottled straight after the distillation process. Because of its pure form and unaged status, Blanco tequila has a distinctive taste that is sharp and fiery, with notes of citrus and pepper. Its distinct flavor makes it an ideal ingredient in cocktails, especially margaritas, where its sharpness helps to balance the sweetness of the drink.

Blanco tequila is often more affordable than aged tequilas because it does not require the costly aging process. However, the quality of Blanco tequila can vary widely depending on the brand, the agave source, and the production method. Some Blanco tequilas are made with a mix of agave and other sugar sources, while others are made with 100% blue agave.

KAH Blanco. pays tribute to the Bolivian Day of the Dead traditions, this award-winning unaged tequila is produced in Tequila, Jalisco. The delightfully fruity and spicy spirit comes in a unique packaging.

Reposado Tequila

Reposado tequila is an aged variety of tequila that undergoes at least two months and up to one year of aging in oak barrels. This process is responsible for the light golden color and more complex flavor profile of reposado tequila, compared to its unaged counterpart, Blanco tequila. The barrels used for aging are usually charred, which imparts a subtle smokiness to the tequila.

During the aging process, the tequila takes on some of the characteristics of the wood, such as the flavors of vanilla, caramel and oak. This gives the reposado tequila a smoother, more refined taste which is perfect for sipping. The wood also adds a touch of sweetness to the tequila, which can help to balance the alcohol's heat and spice.

Reposado tequila is a popular choice for those who want to experience the aging process but don't want to commit to the more extended aging time of añejo or extra añejo tequilas. It is also an excellent option for those who enjoy tequila in cocktails, as it adds depth and complexity to drinks without overpowering them. Some popular cocktails made with reposado tequila include the Paloma and the Tequila Old Fashioned.

KAH Reposado. celebrates the Peruvian tradition of dancing with the devil and offering tequila to appease it, this Mexican spirit ages for 6 to 8 months in American oak barrels, adding an oakiness to the intense fruitiness of the agave flavor.

Golden Tequila

Golden tequila, also referred to as joven or oro tequila, is a blend of blanco and reposado tequilas. While the specific proportions of each type can vary, the result is a tequila with a pale gold color and a smooth taste that is easy to drink.

Golden tequila is often used in cocktails, particularly those that call for a smoother and less complex tequila flavor than that of reposado or añejo tequilas. This is because golden tequila is more affordable than some of the other aged varieties of tequila and has a milder taste that can blend well with other ingredients.

Despite being a blend of blanco and reposado tequilas, golden tequila has its own distinct flavor profile. It typically has a mild agave flavor with hints of oak and vanilla from the reposado component. These flavors give golden tequila a slightly sweet and earthy taste that is perfect for those who prefer a less harsh tequila experience.

While it may not have the same complexity as some of the more aged tequilas, golden tequila is still a great option for those who want to enjoy tequila in cocktails or on its own. Its affordable price and easy-to-drink taste make it a popular choice among tequila enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.

Añejo Tequila

Añejo tequila is aged for a minimum of one year and up to three years in oak barrels. This aging process gives it a dark amber color and a rich, smooth taste that is perfect for sipping. The longer aging period of añejo tequila allows it to take on the flavors of the oak barrel, resulting in a more complex and refined taste.

The taste of añejo tequila is characterized by its notes of chocolate, tobacco, and spices. These flavors are derived from the oak barrels used in the aging process, and they give añejo tequila a unique taste that is distinct from other types of tequila. The longer the tequila is aged, the more intense these flavors become, resulting in a richer and more complex taste.

Due to its complex flavor and longer aging process, añejo tequila is generally more expensive than blanco and reposado tequilas. However, its unique taste and smooth finish make it a popular choice among tequila enthusiasts and those who enjoy sipping on spirits.

Añejo tequila can be enjoyed on its own, either neat or on the rocks, as well as in cocktails. Its rich and complex flavor makes it an excellent choice for cocktails that require a more robust tequila flavor. Añejo tequila is also a great option for those who want to experience the unique taste of a premium tequila.

KAH Anejo. Made with 100% blue agaves in Mexico, Jalisco, this tequila is aged for around 18 months in American oak casks with a special toast. As all KAH's expressions, it comes in a unique bottle ― this one paying tribute to Nicaraguan Day of the Dead traditions.

Extra Añejo Tequila

Extra Añejo tequila is the most premium and luxurious type of tequila. It is aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels, which gives it a deep mahogany color and a rich, complex flavor. The extended aging process allows the tequila to absorb more of the flavors from the barrel, resulting in a smooth and refined taste.

The flavor profile of Extra Añejo tequila is characterized by notes of caramel, vanilla and wood. These flavors are a result of the long aging process and the interaction between the tequila and the oak barrel. The oak barrel imparts a distinct woody flavor to the tequila, which is complemented by the sweet notes of caramel and vanilla. The result is a smooth and luxurious sipping tequila that is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

Due to the long aging process and the premium quality of the tequila, Extra Añejo tequila is the most expensive type of tequila. However, its unique flavor and smooth finish make it a popular choice for special occasions and for those who want to indulge in the best tequila experience.

Extra Añejo tequila is a sipping tequila, which means it is best enjoyed on its own. It is meant to be sipped slowly, allowing the flavors to develop and evolve on the palate. It can also be paired with desserts, such as chocolate or caramel, to complement the sweet notes of the tequila.

KAH Extra Anejo. Crafted at the Amber Production Tequila (previously known as Fabrica de Tequilas Finos), this well-aged tequila is the 4th release in KAH's lineup. Distilled from 100% blue agaves, it spends at least 3 years in American white oak. The attractive bottle with glow-in-the-dark elements is sure to attract attention!

KAH Huichol Extra Añejo. This stunning limited-edition tequila started with agaves from the highlands and lowlands of Jalisco, Mexico. After distillation, it spent more than a decade in oak casks, maturing in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment. Each bottle is a unique art piece that's decorated by members of the Huichol tribe.

Tequila is a beloved and versatile spirit with a rich history and a range of unique flavors. From the sharp and affordable Blanco tequila to the premium and luxurious Extra Añejo tequila, each type offers its own distinct characteristics and taste. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, tequila is a perfect choice for celebrations and gatherings with friends and family.

It is important to note that tequila, like any other alcoholic beverage, should be consumed responsibly. Always drink in moderation and never drink and drive. Salud!

Tequila 101: A Guide to the Five Types of Tequila