What is the difference between all the different tequila types?
Silver tequila is un-aged and has no additives, while gold tequila is also un-aged but contains things like camel coloring and wood extract to make it seem like it was aged in an oak cask. Reposado means that the tequila was aged or “rested” in an oak barrel for at least 2 months but less than 1 year, and anjeo received the same treatment for at least 1 year but less than 3. Agave means that the tequila is made with a higher percentage of the agave plant (all tequilas must be 51% agave or more), and in most cases it denotes 100% agave. All of these kinds of tequilas (and the others such as maduro (aged even longer) that aren’t listed) have different tastes. Some are classically used as mixers while others are meant to be enjoyed straight up, but this actually varies by culture. Basically, the only advice I can give you is the same that I tell novice wine drinkers; don’t be afraid to try new things, and at the end of the day, just drink what tastes good to you.
True tequila is made from agave. If a tequila isn’t 100% blue agave, then it’s supplemented with alcohols and flavors from other sources (usually corn). If you taste a 100% agave tequila, you’ll see why tequila was invented: it’s fruity and pungent, not harsh. Like most good liquors (brandy, port, scotch), it benefits from time to develop its flavors. If you leave it for two months to a year, it’s “rested” (reposado). Leave it for longer than that, and it’s “old” or “aged” (añejo). As with scotch, the longer you let it rest, the more expensive it is. You can let it rest in glass or steel tanks, which will leave it clear (silver or “blanco”, white). Or you can rest it the way they do with whiskey, in charred wood barrels. That gives it other flavors (caramel, vanilla, tannin, pepper, etc. depending on the kind of barrel), and turns it a golden color (“oro”). For cheap tequilas, not made from 100% agave, they make “gold” tequila by adding caramel colorings and flavors, but it bears littl
http://www.itequila.org/types.htm ” The NOM standard defines four types of tequila: Blanco or Silver This is the traditional tequila that started it all. Clear and transparent, fresh from the still tequila is called Blanco (white or silver) and must be bottled immediately after the distillation process. It has the true bouquet and flavor of the blue agave. It is usually strong and is traditionally enjoyed in a “caballito” (2 oz small glass). Oro or Gold Is tequila Blanco mellowed by the addition of colorants and flavorings, caramel being the most common. It is the tequila of choice for frozen Margaritas. Reposado or Rested It is Blanco that has been kept (or rested) in white oak casks or vats called “pipones” for more than two months and up to one year. The oak barrels give Reposado a mellowed taste, pleasing bouquet, and its pale color. Reposado keeps the blue agave taste and is gentler to the palate. These tequilas have e
