What does Tequila taste like?

Last Updated on: 24th January 2024, 07:44 pm

Exploring the diverse world of Tequila, this guide dives into the unique flavors of each type, from Blanco to Extra Añejo, revealing the rich tapestry of tastes in Tequila.

Written by: J Highland

Key Takeaways

1. Flavor Variability: Tequila’s flavor depends on the type and external factors, with the flavor of agave being the only constant across different types​​.
2. Blanco Tequila: Unaged, offering a neutral profile with an agave taste and hints of citrus, asparagus, black pepper, or anise​​.
3. Reposado Tequila: Aged 2-12 months, typically in bourbon barrels, with subtle vanilla, oak, and caramel notes, and a very faint touch of whiskey flavor​​.
4. Añejo Tequila: Aged 1-3 years in oak barrels, with a darker color and a whiskey-like taste, combining agave with strong oak, vanilla, and caramel flavors​​.
5. Extra Añejo Tequila: Aged for 3+ years, exhibiting a bourbon-like taste with vanilla, caramel, and oak while preserving agave flavor​​.
6. Cristalino Tequila: Filtered through activated charcoal, offering a mild flavor and suitable for new drinkers or those preferring a smooth taste​​.
7. General Taste: Good Tequila is smooth and rich in blue agave sweetness. Barrel aging introduces vanilla, caramel, and oak notes, resembling bourbon in some cases​​.
8. Comparison to Other Spirits: Tequila tastes distinct from vodka and is similar to Mezcal, with both made from agave. Mezcal, often smoky, is made from various agave types​​.
9. Taste in Mexico vs. US: In Mexico, Tequila is often offered at a lower proof due to tax regulations, resulting in a watered-down taste compared to the US

The Taste of Tequila

There is no definite answer as the flavor is completely dependent on the type of Tequila and other external factors but I will try to address it in a simple way.

There are 5 types of Tequila and each provides a different flavor profile with the flavor of agave being the only constant across them.

Blanco Tequila taste:

Blanco Tequila, also referred to as Silver, is an unaged spirit bottled right after distillation providing a neutral flavor profile.

“The best Blancos taste like agave, which is a delicious sweet vegetal flavor, and usually comes with hints of citrus, asparagus, black pepper, or anis.”, mentions Tequila expert Neil Coleman.

Reposado Tequila taste:

Reposado Tequila is aged from two to twelve months typically in bourbon barrels.

The time spent in the barrel provides an amber hue along with subtle notes of vanilla, oak, and caramel giving a very faint touch of whiskey; so subtle that you can barely notice it.

The best Reposados preserve the agave flavor as its main tasting note.

Añejo Tequila taste:

Añejo Tequila spends from one to three years resting in oak barrels.

As you might expect, this turns the Tequila darker and provides a more whiskey-like taste to the spirit.

The top Añejo Tequilas preserve agave as their main flavor yet the flavors of oak, vanilla, and caramel are stronger making it taste like a hybrid between Tequila and Bourbon.

Extra Añejo Tequila taste:

Extra Añejo is the most luxurious type of Tequila and is aged for three or more years.

There are some releases such as the Arette Gran Clase Extra Añejo that is aged for 10 years providing a very bourbon-like taste of vanilla, caramel, and oak while preserving the precious agave flavor.

In a blind taste, most consumers wouldn’t be able to tell a Tequila from a Bourbon.

Cristalino Tequila taste:

At last, we have Cristalino Tequila which is a unique category that is comprised of either Reposados, Añejos, and Extra Añejos that have been filtered through activated charcoal.

This process removes some of the hard edges along the amber hue of aged Tequila.

These Tequilas offer a very mild flavor making them the best either for new drinkers or for those who prefer an overly smooth taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Tequila Taste Good?

• High-quality tequila can be smooth, tasty, and rich in natural blue agave sweetness, offering a unique flavor profile.
• Barrel aging can infuse tequila with vanilla, caramel, and oak notes, making it similar in taste to bourbon.

Does Tequila Taste Like Vodka?

• While some Cristalino Tequilas might have a vodka-like flavor, in general, tequila does not taste like vodka.
• Tequila’s distinct flavor comes from agave, unlike vodka, which is typically made from grains.

What Spirit is Similar to Tequila?

• Mezcal is the closest to tequila in flavor, as both are made from agave.
• Unlike tequila, which exclusively uses blue agave, mezcal can be made from various types of agave, each contributing a unique flavor.

Why Do Some Find Tequila Hard to Drink?

• The perception that tequila is hard to drink often stems from experiences with lower-quality brands like Jose Cuervo Gold.
• Good-quality tequilas offer a much more pleasant drinking experience and are typically hangover-free due to agave’s unique properties.

Does Tequila Taste Different in Mexico Compared to the U.S.?

• In Mexico, tequila is often sold at a lower proof than in the U.S. due to tax regulations.
• This results in a watered-down taste in Mexico, while tequilas in the U.S. tend to retain a stronger flavor profile.