tequilas.us.com

The domain tequilas.us.com is for sale!   Click here to make an offer.

The types of Tequila are first split into two categories, 100% Blue Agave being one, and Tequila Mixto (Mixed) being the other. Mixto Tequila contains a minimum of 51% Blue Agave, and the remaining 49% from other sugars. The additional products allowed in Mixto Tequila are caramel color, oak extract flavoring, glycerin, and sugar based syrup. Mixto Tequila can now be bottled outside of the Tequila territory, including other countries, which started January 6, 2006.

By reading the label on the bottle you can tell which clasification it is in, as all Tequila that is made from 100% Blue Agave will say "Tequila 100% de agave" or "Tequila 100% puro de agave". All other Mixto Tequila labels will only read "Tequila".

The above two categories of Tequila are then divided into the following five types of Tequila and are labeled as such:

Tequila Blanco - Silver - Plata - White
This is the Blue Agave in its purest form. It is clear and typically un-aged, where the true flavors and the intensity of the plant are present, as well as the natural sweetness. It can be bottled directly after distillation, or stored in stainless steel tanks to settle for up to 4 weeks. There are some Blanco products that are aged for up to 2 months to provide a smoother or "Suave" spirit.

Types of Tequila - Blanco  

Tequila Joven Abocado - Gold
This type is typical to Tequila Mixto, where colorants and flavorings have been added prior to bottling. These "young and adulterated" Tequilas are less expensive and used in many bars and restaurants for "mixed drinks".

Types of Tequila - Mixto Gold  

Tequila Reposado
A Reposado Tequila is the first stage of "rested and aged". The Tequila is aged in wood barrels or storage tanks between 2 months and 11 months. The spirit takes on a golden hue and the taste becomes a good balance between the Agave and wood flavors. Many different types of wood barrels are used for aging, with the most common being white or French oak.

Types of Tequila - Reposado  

Tequila Añejo
After aging for at least one year, Tequila can then be classified as an "Añejo". The distillers are required to age Añejo Tequila in barrels that do not exceed 600 liters, and some of the favorite aging containers are Cognac, French Oak, and American Whiskey barrels. This aging process darkens the Tequila to an Amber color, and the flavor becomes smoother, richer, and more complex.

Types of Tequila - Anejo  

Tequila Extra Añejo
A new classification added in the summer of 2006, labeling any Tequila aged more than 3 years, an "Extra Añejo". Following the same rule as an "Añejo", the distillers must age the spirit in barrels or containers with a maximum capacity of 600 liters. With this extended amount of aging, the Tequila becomes much darker, more of a Mahogany color, and is so rich that it becomes difficult to distinguish it from other quality aged spirits. After the aging process, the alcohol content must be diluted by adding distilled water. These Extra Añejo’s are extremely smooth and complex.

Types of Tequila - Extra Anejo 

Source:

www.Tequila.net