By Larry McCrary, President, Agazul USA
You have probably noticed that whiskey bottles often list the actual age of the whiskey. Unlike whiskey (and some other spirits), tequila doesn’t list the year on its bottles. Instead, you’ll see terms such as Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, Extra Añejo, Cristalino and more.
Blanco (also known as silver) is often unaged and bottled directly after distillation; but it can be aged in wood for as long as 30 days and stainless steel for up to two months.
Reposado is the next level. It can mature as long as a full year. This tequila is versatile and a top choice for premium margaritas.
Next is añejo. When it comes to sipping tequilas, añejo is the sweet spot. This is the tequila variety for fans of bourbon and single malt Scotch whisky. It’s complex, nuanced and perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks. añejo tequila is defined by being aged for one to three years. It gets its name from the Spanish word for “old.”
Extra añejo is aged for a minimum of three years, making it the smoothest and most refined type of tequila. Cristalino is a newer style of tequila, made by filtering aged tequila to remove color and impurities.
Tequila is usually aged in barrels made of oak. While there are other barrels used, they are most often American or French oak. Additionally, a number of tequilas are aged in barrels previously used for bourbon or other American whiskeys. The barrel used will impart different aromas and flavors.
In general, tequila aged in bourbon barrels will have flavors and aromas such as charred oak, sticky toffee, toasted vanilla beans, pipe tobacco, roasted agave, honey, cinnamon, cracked black pepper, dried fruits, caramelized sugar and more.
Añejo may be the most versatile tequila. Aged for at least one year, and sometimes longer, this tequila is appropriate for drinking neat, over ice, or with water. At the same time, if you buy a reasonably-priced bottle of añejo tequila, you’ll still feel comfortable mixing with it.
If you’re a tequila drinker, you can elevate your favorite whiskey-based cocktails by swapping out bourbon, blended Scotch whisky and other types of whiskey with añejo tequila. You can also use añejo tequila as the base for classic tequila-driven drinks like the Paloma or Margarita to add depth and flavor.
You can step up your cocktail by using extra añejo Try a classic Old Fashioned with extra añejo tequila instead of the usual rye or bourbon for a unique, roasted agave take. The same goes with the Manhattan.
Whiskey drinkers who would like to branch out into tequila, añejo is the right choice for you. You should stock up on a bottle or two for sipping neat or on the rocks. As a bonus, añejo is an excellent choice for mixing. It can be used as a base for tequila beverages or as an alternative ingredient in drinks that are typically made with whiskey.
Where to Buy Agazul Tequila Locally
You don’t have to travel far to enjoy Agazul — bottles are available right here in our area:
Retailers:
Cash’s – Okaloosa Island
Cash’s – Destin
Cash’s – Bluewater Bay
Cash’s – Freeport
Cash’s – DeFuniak Springs
Cheers Wine & Liquor – Bluewater Bay (Niceville), next to Pepito’s
Restaurants:
Nick’s Seafood Restaurant – Freeport
Tuscany Italian Bistro – Miramar Beach
CJ’s Hangout – Destin
Visit AgazulTequila.com. For additional information, contact Gina at gina@agazulusa.com or 256-627-2685.
