Tequila: The Different Types & How to SIP

Everybody loves a good margarita, but have you ever enjoyed a glass of tequila straight up or on the rocks? Knowing how to find a great tequila is key! Like most spirits, it’s best served in its natural state so that you can pick up on all of the intricate flavors.

Different Types of Tequila

Let’s get into the details!

Tequilas that are slightly gold in color with deep flavor profiles of vanilla, oak, baked pear, and caramel include Blanco and Reposado. Blanco is clear, unaged tequila that has been mellowed in a barrel for 59 days. Where as Reposado has been aged in oak casks for two months to a year.

Añejo tequila has been aged for more than a year with a more complex flavor of toffee, vanilla, baking spice, cocoa, and dried fruits. In comparison, Extra Añejo has been aged for three years while the final color is ultra-dark like that of maple syrup.

Another popular type is “gold” but the color has nothing to do with the distilling process, it is artificially added to the tequila.

Ready to Judge?

This spirit is typically judged on its aroma, flavor, finish, and value. Last year at the SIP Awards, one of the top tequila’s that stood out from the crowd in all of these categories included the Exotico Tequila Blanco.

This award-winning tequila has an herbal aroma with spicy undertones bursting with agave and just a hint of pepper and herbal notes. Ending with heat and balanced spice. Now, how do you get all of that from a sip of tequila? Here’s what to look for:

Take a look at Appearance

What color is the spirit? What is the body like?

It’s all in the Scent

Swirl the glass so the liquid covers the walls of the glass. Open your mouth a little and inhale deeply through your nose. Make sure to get a good smell from the bottom of the glass, the middle, and the top lip as aromas develop through each area.

Reset & Give it Another Whiff!

Use a pallet cleanser and inhale some neutral air before going in for a second whiff. The longer tequila sits in a glass, the more present the aromas become.

Take a SIP

Finally, take a small sip and let it rest on your tongue for a few seconds before swallowing. It’s important to let it rest for the flavors to develop. With each sip, more and more flavor will develop until you have the entire flavor profile.

In conclusion, with these tips you’re well on your way to drinking tequila like a pro! You’re sure to impress your friends with your excellent taste in tequila that you’re bound to develop. Happy drinking! Cheers!

Discover more SIP Award winning tequilas from our 2019 competition, click here!