Updated on November 11th, 2022
If you are curious about what tequila tastes like, you should know that it has a complex flavor that changes from one batch to another. The typical drink consists of white tequila with a smooth, oily texture and a sip of agave liqueur. The age of tequila varies, as does its taste. Some tequilas are aged more than ten years, while others are aged longer.
When you first try tequila, be prepared to be surprised by its flavor. Its flavor can be spicy, peppery, or hot. There are three types of tequila: Blanco, Anejo, and Extra Anejo. Blanco is the youngest of these three, while Anejo has been aged longer than other varieties. An extra Anejo is smoother and has more spice. Different tequilas have different flavors depending on how they are aged.
What is Tequila?
Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the agave plant only available in certain parts of Mexico; it comes in various styles, each with its own set of rules that distillers must follow. Tequila is famous worldwide, but it is trendy in Mexico and the United States. While margaritas and various tequila shots call for it, there are plenty of other tequila cocktail recipes to try.
Aside from its taste, tequila has a sweet, spicy flavor. Its name is derived from the agave plant, which is grown in many regions of Mexico. Its sweet flavor is a result of a natural fermentation process. Some tequilas are even better than others and can be compared for taste and health benefits. When it comes to the health benefits of tequila, it is worth taking a look at its nutritional value.
What does Tequila Taste Like?
Tequila has a distinct earthy flavor with a strong alcohol kick. Each tequila is different, depending on where the agave was grown and the style. Blanco tequilas have the purest tequila flavor, earthy, semi-sweet, and distinctly agave. Tequila produced in the lowlands is fruitier and earthier, whereas tequila produced in the highlands is greener and brighter. Tequila develops oaky flavors to varying degrees as it ages in barrels.
A shot of tequila can vary in flavor, but if you are curious about its unique flavor, try a sample. It will leave you wanting to take another sip. It is the perfect drink to celebrate a big night out. A good shot will help you feel confident and ready for the night ahead. It can be paired with grilled steak, spicy foods, or a fruity margarita.
What are the Different Types of Tequila?
Tequila comes in five different varieties. The distinctions are made based on the CRT’s standards for how they’re finished. Some tequilas are clear and unaged, while others develop an amber color from caramel color additives or barrel aging.
Blanco Tequila is a clear tequila (also known as silver or white). If these tequilas are aged, they are only aged for 60 days in stainless steel or oak tanks. In general, it’s an excellent all-around tequila for mixed drinks and shots that’s also affordable.
Joven Tequila: A blend of white and aged tequilas, Joven (young), or Oro (gold) tequila can include any of the approved mellowing ingredients. Cheap “gold” tequila is frequently mixed with caramel or another flavoring, and Joven tequila can be pretty impressive.
Reposado Tequila: Reposado (rested) tequilas are aged for at least two months in oak barrels, with many aging for three to nine months. The barrels mellowed the Blanco’s flavors, adding a soft oakiness and a light straw color. Many distilleries age their tequilas in used bourbon barrels, which gives the finished product a new dimension. These tequilas are delicious on their own or in high-end cocktails.
Aejo Tequila: Aejo (old) tequila is aged for one year in white French oak or bourbon barrels to produce a dark, robust spirit. Many anejos are between the ages of 18 and three years. These are usually silky smooth, with a nice balance of agave and oak flavors, plus butterscotch and caramel undertones.
Extra-Aejo Tequila: In 2006, a shift in the tequila market resulted in the creation the fifth type of tequila. Extra-aejo or muy aejo (extra-old) tequilas spend more than three years in barrels and have a flavor profile that rivals some of the world’s oldest whiskies.
What is the Importance of Agave in Tequila?
The agave used to make tequila is a tropical plant native to the Sierra Nevada Trans-Mexico Volcanic Belt. The plant produces a sweet, nutty, and sour flavor. Its health benefits make it a popular alcoholic beverage, albeit one that requires a lot of preparation. While tequila is a strong drink, it also has some health benefits. It has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory and has also been said to protect against viruses and diseases. During the Spanish Flu, doctors even prescribed tequila for the people who caught it.
The agave plant is what makes tequila so unique. It is made from the agave plant in Mexico. The agave plant is used to make alcoholic beverages. It is also a healthy beverage, and it contains several nutrients that contribute to overall health. If you’re wondering what tequila tastes like, you’re sure to be pleased.
Tequila vs. Vodka
- The most noticeable distinction between vodka and tequila is that tequila is region-specific, while vodka is not. The term “geographically specific” refers to the fact that it is primarily produced in Mexico. Tequila is made from the blue agave plant, as previously stated. In its purest form, this plant can be found in the Tequila region of Mexico. Blue agave thrives in ideal desert conditions and takes eight years to reach maturity.
- When it comes to appearance, vodka is a distilled liquid that is clear and colorless. If you haven’t already, try Pristine Vodka, and you’ll see what we’re talking about. Although vodka comes in various colors, it is colorless in its purest form.
- The healthiness of tequila, for example, is dependent on the type. Sugar and carbohydrate content is shallow in those made from 100 percent blue agave. There is an increase in sugar because most tequilas on the market are not in their purest form.
Vodka is made up of water and distilled spirit, and as a result, it has a very low sugar and carbohydrate content. What you mix your vodka with determines how healthy (or harmful) it is. As a result, you should avoid highly processed vodkas, particularly those high in sugar. - The calories are determined by the percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV). As a general rule, the higher the ABV percentage, the more calories there are. When comparing tequila and vodka, tequila comes out on top and has fewer calories per shot. Vodka, a type of alcoholic beverage, has a higher calorie content. However, this varies depending on the brand, the mixing properties, and the overall alcohol percentage.
What is the Difference Between Tequila and Mezcal?
While tequila and Mezcal may have similar ingredient lists, the two beverages are not similar in taste. Tequila is a popular alcoholic beverage and an excellent choice for a party. You can find different flavors and textures by experimenting with different types of tequila. In addition to the taste, tequila is also good for your health.
Although tequila quickly became the world’s most popular spirit, mezcal has a far richer culture and history.
Mezcal, like tequila, has a geographical indication and an appellation of origin, and these dictate how mezcal is made and the areas where it is permitted. Mezcal can be made in Oaxaca, Guerrero, Durango, San Luis Potosi, Puebla, and Zacatecas, whereas tequila is primarily produced in Jalisco.
There are, however, some distinctions. Tequila, for example, can only be made with blue agave. Meanwhile, over 30 different agave varieties can be used to make mezcal, with Oaxacan espadn and arroqueo being the most popular.
How to Drink Tequila?
There are different ways to drink tequila. It can be drunk straight from the bottle, and the older tequila has a more pungent taste. In Spain, tequila is best served with a shot of sangrita, and it can also be enjoyed with salt and lemon. However, taking a tequila shot without a meal is not recommended, making you uncomfortable.
Tequilas that have been aged are frequently sipped straight or on the rocks. Blanco tequilas are commonly used in tequila shots, which can be consumed straight or with mixers. In mixed drinks, any tequila, especially Blancos and reposados, is fantastic.
Tequila pairs well with almost any fruit (especially citrus) and make a fun base for spicy cocktails. There are also drier martini-style tequila cocktails, tall and refreshing soda or juice highballs, and a few sweet or creamy tequila recipes.
Tequila pairs well with Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, and tequila cocktails are a fun addition to summer barbecues and parties.
Conclusion
While tasting tequila, try to avoid the overly spicy tequila. Instead, you should try a milder brand, such as extra Anejo. Moreover, if you prefer a smoother flavor, you should choose extra-Anejo tequila. Its milder taste is more versatile, and tequilas can be mixed with various foods.
As for the health benefits of tequila, it is rich in iron and calcium. When compared to wine, it has around 300 different flavor profiles. Its antioxidants can help fight chronic diseases, such as diabetes and IBS. Aside from its taste, it can also reduce blood pressure and relieve pain. The best way to drink tequila is to buy it at a reputable liquor store.
