With the growing popularity and availability of premium tequila, you may want to learn which tequila to mix in margaritas and which should be savored on its own. Following these steps will help you decide which premium tequila to buy.
Instructions
1. Note the types of tequila available. All tequila has one of the following labels: Blanco, oro, reposado or reserva.
2. Understand tequila blanco (white or silver). This tequila is bottled immediately after distillation and exhibits the distinct peppery flavors of the blue agave plant.
3. Become familiar with tequila oro (gold). Tequila labeled gold or oro is aged in oak casks for up to four years. It features a mellower flavor and heat than white or silver tequila. The distinct caramel color of gold tequila is attributed to the aging and the addition of colorants.
4. Know about tequila reposado (rested or aged). Tequila that has been aged in either white oak casks or stainless steel vats for at least 1 month and up to 1 year is labeled reposado. This type of tequila has a smooth, gentle heat as opposed to the biting heat of other tequilas.
5. Recognize anejo tequila. These tequilas are aged in white oak casks for at least 2 months and up to 1 year. The flavors and heat from the alcohol content mellow during the aging process and the wood casks impart some of its smoked wood flavor to anejo tequila.
6. Identify tequila reserva. Not technically its own category, reserve tequilas are aged for up to 8 years in small oak casks. Reservas feature smooth and mellow flavors and heat.
Tags: anejo tequila, flavors heat, premium tequila, tequilas aged, white casks, white silver