The main styles of tequila

It’s Cinco de Mayo - the 5th of May - a day when all things Mexican are celebrated and in my world, that usually means one thing: tequila! It makes me happy. We’re tasting a few with Mike Graham on talkTV this week so here are the details along with a bit of background. 

What exactly is tequila?

Tequila is a spirit hailing from Mexico that is made by cooking, fermenting and distilling the piñas that grow within the blue agave plant. To be called tequila, the agave must be grown in the five designated areas of Jalisco or the production areas of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. In practice, most tequila actually comes from Jalisco. Sales of tequila grew by 175% during lockdown and have continued to stay strong!

What are the key styles of tequila?

The three main types of tequila are tequila blanco (also known a silver tequila), tequila reposado and tequila añejo. You can also find some tequila joven (joven means young) and at the other end of the scale, small amounts of extra añejo (extra old) tequila exists.

Tequila Blanco

Blanco is unaged tequila made from the blue Weber agave. It’s bottled shortly after distillation, is clear in colour and showcases the freshest style of tequila.

Tequila Reposado

‘Reposado’ means rested in Spanish and refers to tequila that has been aged in oak barrels (American or European) for between two and twelve months. The colour will be slightly darker yellow thanks to the contact with wood. 

Tequila Añejo

‘Añejo’ means ‘old’ in Spanish and it refers to tequila that’s been aged in oak barrels for at least twelve months and is darker in colour. These tequilas you will want to sip neat as they are very complex and delicious. They also make a good alternative to brown spirits like whisky or cognac. 

Tequila joven and extra añejo are harder to find. Jovens are usually unaged tequilas with a tiny amount of aged spirit blended in. Extra añejo tequilas are very rare and aged for at least three years in wood. 

Some premium tequilas to try

Ditch the lime and salt please, premium tequila should be treated like other premium whiskies, cognacs and other spirits. Take your time to sip and savour them and see how they open up in the glass. 

Mijenta Blanco Tequila

Mijenta is a sustainable, artisanal, super premium tequila from Jalisco. Made by female maestra, Ana Maria Romero, it’s pure, silky, subtle, yet complex.

Find it at The Whisky Exchange for £49.95

Pancho Datos Reposado Tequila

The name Pancho Datos is homage to the great historian and poet of the Mexican Revolution, Ricardo Grijalva de León. It’s made with agave aged for 6 years before cooking, then distilled twice and rested for 6 months in ex Bourbon barrels. Think earthy, creamy, spice and toffee. 

Find it at Master of Malt for £49.95

Patrón Añejo Tequila

A super premium tequila from the original, premium tequila brand. It’s made in small batches and oak aged for over a year. Think smooth, sweet, woody, candied citrus.

Find it at The Whisky Exchange  or Ocado for £56.95

Maestro Dobel Diamanté Tequila

The first ever crystal clear, multi-aged tequila (a blend of 100% Agave Reposado, Añejo & Extra-Ańejo). Think maple, nuts, honey, 

Find it at Waitrose, Amazon and others for £49.90

The Top Celebrity Owned Tequilas

Tequila is, finally, becoming a more and more popular drink to enjoy on a night out. The image of salt and lime chasers is thankfully becoming a thing of the past as more people are getting wise to the fact that there are some exceptional sipping Tequilas out there to be enjoyed neat, in highballs or in fancier cocktails. It’s so popular in fact that we are also now seeing celebrities create their own tequila brands just as we have done with wine! From George Clooney (swoon - don’t judge) to The Rock, here is a list of the celebrity tequila you can get your hands on.

Sauza 901

The story goes that the celebrity behind Sauza 901, Justin Timberlake, first became interested in creating his own tequila after seeing the craftsmanship, culture and tradition that goes into cultivating fine tequila on a road trip to Jalisco, Mexico. This then saw the birth of his 901 tequila, which is now known as Sauza 901. Justin may be best known for his music but we have to say that with its piquant, fiery scent and delicious smoothness on the tongue, this is one tequila well worth a try!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: Currently out of stock :(

Próspero

Another singer to dip their toes into the world of tequila is Rita Ora, who has joined forces with master distiller Stella Anguiano to create Próspero. This tequila is available in three styles: Blanco, Reposado and Añejo. The Blanco is quite different from standard, un-aged tequila with its vibrant bouquet of dried and fresh floral aromas, which lead seamlessly through to the agave notes and and spice. This would be great tequila in a cocktail as it has enough character to shine through.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here:
Blanco UK £40.95 // US $40.99
Reposado UK £45.45 // US $46.79
Añejo UK £51.99 // US $52.99

Casamigos  

Be still our beating hearts (and that goes for Aidy’s too) as we introduce the celebrity behind this next tequila: George Clooney! Partnering with his good friend Rande Gerber and their business partner Mike Meldman in 2013 to create Casamigos, Clooney’s brand has since become so popular that by the end of 2020, it hit the million case sales a year milestone! Little wonder when you taste the three versions; there’s the refreshing Blanco with its subtle hint of agave, a Reposado with notes of caramel, buttery vanilla and delicate oak spice and an Añejo, which is a gorgeous tequila brimming with toffee penny, roasted agave, dark chocolate and sweetly spiced oak notes. Every single sip tastes like Christmas!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here:
Blanco UK £50.00 // US $41.99
Reposado UK £57.49 // US $83.99
Añejo UK £62.99 // US $59.99

818 Tequila

Founded by model and ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians’ star Kendall Jenner, 818 Tequila was first launched in May this year and has since been rolled out across various states in the US (sorry UK!). So, if you are lucky enough to live stateside then you have a choice between the Blanco, Reposado and Añejo, which have racked up a combined total of 16 tasting awards between themselves already! We haven’t tasted this yet but if you have, get in touch and let us know what you thought.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here:
Blanco $42.99
Reposado $52.99
Añejo $69.99

Teremana

Teremana tequila, the brainchild of film star Dwayne Johnson aka ‘The Rock’, was launched at the beginning of this year after multiple exciting social media teasers. There are Blanco and Reposado styles available, the former being described as having notes of bright citrus with a fresh finish and the latter as having notes of oak and vanilla with a smooth, rich finish. Much like 818 Tequila, this too is only available in the USA right now but hopefully, it won’t be too long before everyone else can get sipping on it too!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here:
Blanco UK £47.99 // US $29.99
Reposado UK £47.69 // US $34.99

For more tequila deliciousness make sure you check out The World’s Best Sipping Tequilas and The 6 Tequilas You Need in Your Life Right Now!

The Best Tequilas To Buy For Christmas

Words by Aidy Smith

I do love a good tequila as Winter rolls around. This spirit is so versatile, you can sip with tonic, completely neat or in a more adventurous style with your own margarita recipe. Truth is, I’ve always looked at tequila as a ‘coming together’ drink, which is exactly what Christmas is all about! So without further anticipation - here are some of our absolute favourites to check out this Christmas!

Storywood Tequila 

Just as you thought the tequila space couldn’t get any more exciting… WHAM! Storywood enters. And when I say exciting, this is going to blow your mind. These guys have taken an oath to do exactly what their name suggests… tell a story, through the wood. That’s why their range is so innovatively curious. Okay, so what are we talking about? Reposado Tequila aged in Oloroso Sherry Casks, check. Double Oak Añejo? Yep. How about a selection of Reposados and an Añejo aged in single malt Speyside casks? Got that too. If you know people who love both tequila and scotch, they’ve got you covered. If you know people who just like discovering something new that is damn tasty – well, they’ve got you there too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40% - 53%
Find here: £39.99 - £48.99

Casa Dragones Blanco

These guys create another one of the ultimate sipping tequilas and arguably one of the ‘purest’ looking bottles I’ve seen too. I love to use these as water bottles once I’ve finished the nectar inside. Small batch, 100% blue agave which has been around for 7-9 years ripened to perfection in the rich lands of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. The water is pretty neat too, beneath the earth’s surface in hundreds of 70-meter natural aquifers straight from the Volcano of Tequila! Perhaps that what gives it such a pure and distinct taste…

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £90 // $69.99

Vivir Blanco

One of the best Blancos on the market right now. This 100% agave beauty is produced from 9-year-old Weber Blue Agave on their estate. One smell gives you fresh clean agave with a floral burst. Super easy drinking and premium in nature you can sip or turn into one of the best margaritas you’ll ever have. Just avoid the salt-rim, this is a tequila you WANT to taste.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40% ABV
Find here: £34.95

Pancho Datos Reposado Tequila

Don’t you love it when people do something and do it really bloody well? Enter, Pancho Datos with their Reposado. We’re talking 100% Blue Weber Agave aged in American white oak barrels that had previously held mature bourbon whisky. The result is an ultra-smooth sip-worthy tequila with a pure agave, vanilla-caramel flavour. Perfect either by itself or enjoyed in the form of cocktail creativity such a Tequila Old Fashioned.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40% ABV
Find here: £50 

Casamigos Añejo

If it’s got George Clooney’s face on it, let’s not beat around the agave bush, you want that in your mouth. No, but seriously, this is an outstanding tequila. It may be widely available but their master distiller (who’s never actually been named) is working wonders. I have as much confidence in this as I do in Clooney’s acting career. Strong game. They use 100% Blue Weber agave with an age of 7-9 years, slow cooking the piñas for 72 hours in their traditional brick ovens. The 80-hour fermentation process coupled alongside a signature yeast blend gives this tequila its refined flavour. The Añejo then sits in American white oak casks for 14 months to elevate its game even further. Pure agave, soft caramel, gentle vanilla and a sweetly spiced oak fill your mouth with joy. If only it came with a side of George…

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £58 // $48.99

Gran Patrón Platinum Tequila

I love a good tequila, it seems to be one of the spirits I’ve really found an appreciation for over the last few years. If I was to name one house that consistently delivers quality across its whole portfolio, my mind takes me straight to Patrón. It seems there’s a little something for everyone and while I’ll happily get my hands on a Reposado for my margarita needs (quick tip, avoid the salt rim, it ruins the drink), I love nothing more than to sip on something of premium quality. That brings me to Gran Patrón Platinum, arguably the world’s first ulta-premium tequila. With each bottle taking around 30 people to create, quality is of the utmost level. Agave is individually sourced for its rich sugar content before being harvested, triple distilled and left for 30 days in oak tanks to create pure elegance. The result is a smooth and seductive nectar of agave, orange, vanilla, lime and white peppercorns. Pure bliss if you ask me and don’t even get me started on a Mexican Martini (google it, you won’t be disappointed).

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £225 // $199.99

Looking for other gift ideas? Don’t forget to check out our vodka, gin and no-low gift guides!

The 7 Tequilas You Need in Your Life Right Now

Tequila is a drink for all times of the year and all drinking occasions. Gone are the days of shotting it with salt and lime (bleurgh!). Whether you like it neat to sip, with a simple mixer or as something more sophisticated like your own version of a margarita, you can’t go wrong with these wonders below. In my opinion, they are the best 7 tequilas you need in your life right now.

Casamigos Añejo

It used to be owned by George Clooney and let’s not beat around the agave bush, that’s reason enough to give it a go. Seriously though, this is an outstanding tequila. It may be widely available but their master distiller (who’s never actually been named) is working wonders. It’s a strong game. They use 100% Blue Weber agave with an age of 7-9 years, slow cooking the piñas for 72 hours in their traditional brick ovens. The 80-hour fermentation process coupled alongside a signature yeast blend give this tequila its refined flavour. The Añejo (which means aged or similar to ‘vintage’), then sits in American white oak casks for 14 months to elevate its game even further. Pure agave, soft caramel, gentle vanilla and a sweet spiced oak fill your mouth with joy. Sip this one neat before attempting to mix it as it’s glorious just by itself.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £54.90 // US $62.99

Vivir Blanco

One of the best Blanco’s on the market right now. This 100% agave beauty is produced from 9-year-old Weber Blue Agave on their estate. One smell gives you fresh clean agave with a floral burst. Super easy drinking and premium in nature you can sip or turn into one of the best margaritas you’ll ever have. Just avoid the salt-rim, this is a tequila you WANT to taste.

 Size: 700ml
ABV: 40% ABV
Find here: £35.90

Pancho Datos Reposado Tequila

Don’t you love it when people do something and do it really bloody well. Enter, Pancho Datos with their Reposado. We’re talking 100% Blue Weber Agave aged in American white oak barrels which had previously held mature bourbon whisky. The result is an ultra-smooth sip-worthy tequila with a pure agave, vanilla-caramel flavour. Perfect either by itself or enjoyed in the form of cocktail creativity such a Tequila Old Fashioned.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40% ABV
Find here: £49.50 

Tequila Dobel Diamante

This complex spirit is made with 100% pure blue agave, using a blend of Extra-Añejo, Añejo and Reposado tequilas. It is then filtered to remove the colour leaving you with a a mix of sweet flavours – caramel, honey and maple alongside a nutty, creamy vanilla finish. It is a beauty and will certainly leave you wanting more.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £54.90

Don Fulano Imperial

This particular expression is an absolute treat and a fantastic example of an aged expression. Each batch is aged between 5-12 years and finished Oloroso sherry casks giving it an incredibly smooth and rich texture. Dark rich and fruity flavours of coffee, agave spice, cinnamon and nutmeg jump from the glass. Taking a sip gives you a sticky maraschino cherry with dark chocolate, spice and vanilla. A beautifully long finish is what I love most about the Imperial, reminiscent of dark cocoa and stewed meadow fruits. Nom.

 Size: 700ml
ABV: 40% ABV
Find here: €157 // US $197.99

Casa Dragones Blanco

These guys create another one of the ultimate sipping tequilas and arguably one of the ‘purest’ looking bottles I’ve seen too. I love to use these as water bottles once I’ve finished the nectar inside. Small batch, 100% blue agave which has been around for 7-9 years ripened to perfection in the rich lands of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. The water is pretty neat too, beneath the earth’s surface in hundreds of 70-meter natural aquifers straight from the Volcano of Tequila! Perhaps that what gives it such a pure and distinct taste…

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £88.95 // US $78.52

Gran Patrón Platinum Tequila

I love a good tequila, it seems to be one of the spirits I’ve really found an appreciation for over the last few years. If I was to name one house that consistently delivers quality across its whole portfolio, my mind takes me straight to Patrón. It seems there’s a little something for everyone and while I’ll happily get my hands on a Reposado for my margarita needs (quick tip, avoid the salt rim, it ruins the drink), I love nothing more than to sip on something of premium quality. That brings me to Gran Patrón Platinum, arguably the world’s first ulta-premium tequila. With each bottle taking around 30 people to create, quality is of the utmost level. Agave is individually sourced for its rich sugar content before being harvested, triple distilled and left for 30 days in oak tanks to create pure elegance. The result is a smooth and seductive nectar of agave, orange, vanilla, lime and white peppercorns. Pure bliss if you ask me and don’t even get me started on a Mexican Martini (google it, you won’t be disappointed).

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £209.65 // US $199.99

For more tequila fun why not check out The World’s Best Sipping Tequilas or check out these 3 Delicious Tequila Cocktails