Types Of Tequila... And Women

There's as many types of tequila as there as women. (Bet you weren’t expecting to read that under types of tequila, were you?)

But before we continue...

STOP!

While you read, don't forget I write this as an innocent and amusing way of explaining tequila. To be honest, drinking tequila would not be the same without great women to share it with! And we all love tequila, so it’s really a compliment.

Right...?! (Gulp…)

Fair enough, let’s give this a shot.

Knowing your date

Drinking tequila is like planning a first date. Chances are you know little of this woman, but you have a sense of her personality.

She’s probably one of two types of people (and tequilas):

100% Blue Agave: the outgoing spirit

Is she a straight-forward person, someone confident enough to be themselves under any circumstance? Then she’s the equivalent of 100% agave tequila. 100% agave tequila has a strong agave flavor and a distinct aroma. While it can blend excellently with other quality tequila ingredients (lime, triple sec, salt and ice all come to mind!), it can just as easily triumph on its own.

Expect the clear, no no-nonsense experience from this spirit… She´s all agave and proud of it!

Mixto tequila: always blending in

What if she’s a reserved individual, someone who prefers to “blend in” rather than show off? In that case, you’d be dealing with the equivalent of mixto tequila.

Unlike its all-agave, feisty counterpart, up to 49% of mixto tequila can include non-agave sugars (normally glucose or fructose). There’s some agave in there, just don’t expect the same “punch” as with 100% agave tequila.

Most mixtos are not good sipping material, but they make some mean margaritas. To a mixto, all that matters is how well it gets along with others. Plan accordingly.

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All tequilas are either 100% agave tequila or mixtos. But both can be subdivided into other types of tequila depeding on how long they are aged: blanco, reposado, anejo, extra anejo, and oro. Think of these secondary categories as the way your potential first date has been raised.

Blanco tequila: the full agave experience

Blancos are un-aged and can only be stored in oak barrels for less than 2 months.

If 100% agave tequila was direct, 100% agave blanco tequila is in-your-face-and-don’t-you-dare cry-at-me direct! There’s no better way to fully experience the essence of pure blue agave… just don’t expect any subtleties from it. This tequila can be the harshest in taste (blancos can be subtle though), but can also be irresistibly powerful for all those who dare to try it. It can mix well, but hardcore tequila aficionados will always drink it straight up.

Who knows, maybe you’ll be hooked to blancos!

And remember: blanco tequilas are known as white and silver (plata) tequila.

Reposado tequila: the "r" in "refined"

With a reposado, you’re dealing with a versatile yet subtle combination. A good reposado maintains enough of the agave “punch” to remind you of a blanco, but the 2 to 12 month aging in oak barrels grants it a richer, sophisticated woody flavor. Translated to a first date scenario, expect to act a little classier and fancier when around reposado tequila (or woman). You’d better plan something balanced, maybe a nice dinner and some karaoke to wrap the night up.