Reposado vs Añejo vs Blanco: Different Tequilas
What distinguishes the different types of tequila? Although all types share the same origin, each variety has its own unique characteristics, from its taste to its color and aging time. In fact, this last characteristic is what sets apart blanco, reposado, and añejo tequilas, the three main varieties of tequila that exist.
On the other hand, tequila is a drink with a designation of origin, as it can only be produced in certain regions of Mexico. Specifically, these are the states of Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. In addition, tequila must be made from the blue agave plant, using certain specific production methods and complying with strict quality standards.
Differences between Reposado vs Blanco Tequila
In our case, both of these tequilas have the same alcohol content, 38%. However, there are differences in terms of aroma, flavor, tone, and aging process:
- Blanco tequila, also known as silver or joven tequila, is bottled immediately after distillation and does not undergo any aging process.
- Reposado tequila, in our case Altos Reposado, is aged in handmade bourbon barrels for between 6-8 months.
- Altos Reposado has an aroma with sweet citrus notes of orange and grapefruit. Complementary notes of cooked agave and vanilla are fruity and fresh with a woody touch.
- On the other hand, the aroma of Altos Plata has herbal notes of steam-cooked agave and fresh citrus with sweet tones overall.
- Finally, the taste of Altos Plata is sweet on the palate with citrus notes such as lime, lemon, and agave. The aftertaste is pleasant and long-lasting.
- Altos Reposado is robust but pleasant, with tannins and citrus notes; a long and balanced finish.
As we can see, there are more differences than similarities between gold vs silver tequila. It all depends on what you’re looking for and the cocktails you want to prepare with it.
But we still have one more main tequila to analyze, the most aged, Añejo tequila.
Difference between Añejo vs Reposado or Blanco Tequila
As we have already mentioned, añejo is the tequila that spends the most time aging. In our case, with Altos Añejos, the drink must spend a minimum of 14 months in handmade bourbon barrels. These are some other differences with respect to other tequilas:
- Its aroma features the presence of sweet cooked agave, which is enhanced by notes of dried fruits such as raisins and almonds.
- Its taste is both rich and complex, with a silky sensation in the mouth. The combination of woody notes, vanilla, and chocolate blends smoothly and lingers on the palate.
- It is common in the industry for this type of tequila to be aged for one year, but we extend the process for between 14 – 18 months.
Olmeca Altos, the Different Tequila
If you’re wondering which tequila is better, blanco, reposado, or añejo, our answer is simple: Altos Tequila. Because what really matters is not the type, as each one adapts to different specific recipes, but the quality of the tequila itself. Altos is a brand with the highest quality standards, our tequilas are made with 100% blue agave, in the heart of Jalisco, Mexico.
So, whichever tequila you choose, Altos will give your cocktails a qualitative leap.