Aged tequila refers to tequila that has undergone a maturation process in wooden barrels, typically oak barrels. This aging process imparts distinct flavors and characteristics to the tequila, making it more complex and nuanced compared to younger expressions. There are different categories of aged tequila, and each category has specific aging requirements:
Reposado (Rested): Reposado tequila is aged for a minimum of two months and up to one year in oak barrels. This short aging period allows the tequila to take on some of the characteristics of the wood, resulting in a smoother and more refined flavor profile compared to Blanco (unaged) tequila.
Añejo (Aged): Añejo tequila is aged for a minimum of one year and up to three years in oak barrels. This longer aging process contributes to more pronounced flavors of vanilla, caramel, and oak. Añejo tequilas are often smoother and exhibit greater complexity than Reposado or Blanco tequilas.
Extra Añejo (Extra Aged): This is a category that was officially recognized in 2006. Extra Añejo tequila must be aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels. The extended aging period allows the tequila to develop deep and complex flavors, often with notes of chocolate, coffee, and additional layers of spice. Extra Añejo tequilas are considered the most premium and luxurious within the tequila category.
For Sipping Tequila
What’s the Best Temperature? This is subjective, but many people prefer tequila slightly chilled. For example, most tequila cocktails are shaken or stirred with ice, and served over still more ice for maximum refreshment.
For longer-aged tequilas, consider serving them similarly to whiskey: with a splash of cold water or over a cube of ice. Adding that slight chill helps tamp down the fiery nature of higher-proof and cask-strength spirits.
The optimal serving temperature of tequila can vary based on type and personal preference. High-quality tequilas are best served neat at room temperature, as chilling can dull some of the subtler flavors and aromas. However, for a more refreshing experience, especially in cocktails or with younger tequilas, serving over ice or slightly chilled is also enjoyable.
What’s the Best Serving Glass? Our experts offered a range of options. In general, they agreed that a flute-like glass offered the best way to sample tequila neat. Specifically, they pointed to glassware with a rounded middle and narrow rim, which concentrates the aromas. These often are referred to as “tequiliero glasses” and sometimes “copitas.”
The flutes will preserve the unique and delicate aromas found in agave, which is so important to the overall experience and learning to appreciate the nuances of the flavors when you taste.
From there, you can experiment with different vessels. Perhaps the most extreme example: look to “cuernos,” which are the horns that naturally fall from cattle roaming the fields. Once sterilized they can be engraved with special designs on them.
For Mixing Tequila
Tequila pairs excellently with a wide array of ingredients. Citrus is the classic, whether that means lime in a margarita, orange in a Tequila Sunrise or grapefruit in a Paloma; often those tart, refreshing juices are balanced with sweetness ranging from orange liqueur to simple syrup (see also: grapefruit soda).
Many tequilas include zesty flavors that play well with tomato juice and other savory ingredients, yielding drinks like the Bloody Maria (a Bloody Mary with a tequila base) or the michelada. Spicy flavors also tend to surface in many tequilas, and many drinks reflect that back, showing up as spicy salt rims or chile pepper-spiked cocktails.
That said, tequila also works well lengthened with sparkling water (see: the Ranch Water, with sparkling water, or tequila-sodas). And barrel-aged tequilas in particular pair nicely with bitter flavors, not unlike other barrel-aged spirits like whiskey or rum. Enter drinks like the Rosita, a tequila-based Negroni variation, or the tequila Old Fashioned.
