Do you know the Tequila categories and classes?
Imagine that you are facing the liqueurs shelf, trying to choose a tequila to enjoy at dinner, if you are not a connoisseur, choosing the ideal tequila to share with your guests can be overwhelming due to the great variety of brands and colors. You might not know which is the best option for that special moment. So we have prepared this summary with basic information that you s consider when buying a tequila. Take a note!
There are 2 categories:
- Tequila and
- 100% Tequila
In fact, it is very important to check if it this is only tequila or 100% tequila before selecting your drink; even though it seems that the only difference is just the number, let us tell you there is a big difference between the two.
When you go to an establishment and find a tequila (just that) labeled bottle, it means that it is a mixed tequila composed of 51% of Tequilana blue Weber variety agave syrup and 49% from other sources.
But when the bottle says 100%, Tequila100% agave, 100% pure agave, etc. indicates that tequila only has syrup from the Tequilana Weber blue agave variety, therefore has no additives from any other source.
It is also important to acknowledge that the Tequila Regulatory Council is an organization that is responsible for verifying and certifying that the production follows the Mexican Official Standards, therefore it does not indicate whether one tequila is better than another. The key is that the process and quality complies with each one of the categories, therefore the consumers know exactly what they are buying.
Let’s talk about tequila classes
Now that you know the two categories recognized by the Tequila Regulatory Council, the next step is that you must choose between the different classes that derive from the100% agave tequila.
-Tequila blanco, white tequila. This is the purest of all classes because it is obtained after the second distillation. It is colorless like water and has no contact with wood (barrels). The flavors are from citrus or fruit trees, or it may conserve the pure flavor of the agave.
This kind of tequila is ideal to accompany seafood or as an appetizer, it is use to prepare drinks like the famous Margarita, Bloody Mary, among others.
–Tequila oro o joven, gold or young tequila. It is characterized by containing burnt sugar and artificial color. This variety results from the mixture of white tequila and relaxed or aged tequilas. The color is usually amber or gold (hence the name). Its flavor is softened by the addition of caramel flavors.
This tequila is recommended to mix in drinks with sodas or juices.
–Tequila reposado.White tequila that is rested for at least two months and up to 11 months in oak barrels. The maturation of this tequila allows you to taste woody flavors, result of its resting in the barrels.
The best recommendation is to enjoy it with delicious Mexican dishes, spicy food that invites you to «lick your fingers.»
–Tequila añejo. This type of tequila takes 12 to 35 months maturing in American white oak barrels. In that minimum to maximum period the Tequila acquires amber and copper toned colors. It is an important part of the process for this tequila that it must be stored in barrels which do not exceed 600 liters. Añejo tequila is also an excellent companion to Mexican food, especially those dishes rich in fat or dishes with pork rind.
–Tequila extra añejo. Finally, we have this kind of tequila, which is characterized by its three to eleven-year maturation process in barrels; this aged fermentation gives you a distinct wooden flavor, the agave taste in the background and its characteristic dark amber color. Nothing better than an extra vintage to finish a delicious meal, enjoy it as a digestif.
Next time you want to choose a tequila you know now how to select the right one depending on the occasion and your preference. Practice what you learned and try Tequila Cachanilla,an authentic 100% agave tequila, with denomination of origin and produced and packed in Amatitán, Jalisco.
Identify your 4 Tequila classes and tell us which one you liked best: white, reposado, añejo and extra añejo.
Whether alone or accompanied by tequila, Tequila Cachanilla,it is always a good choice.
