The Four Seperate Types of Tequila

Visitors to Southern California are often impressed as well as slightly mystified by the tequila choices they're given while enjoying happy hour San Diego. Proximity to Mexico means that restaurants and bars situated in Southern California cities often have dazzling arrays of the planet's best tequilas. Here are four of the distinct tequila types that the average visitor to Southern California can expect to find: 

 
Tequila Blanco

As its name suggests, tequila blanco is light, clear tequila. It's often prized for use in fruity cocktails because of its pure, clean bouquet, and it is also excellent when enjoyed straight from a shot glass. Unlike more complex tequilas, tequila blanco is only aged for about two months in oak barrels. 

 
Tequila Añejo

More complex than tequila blanco, tequila añejo is typically aged in oak barrels for a minimum of one year. It's got layers of vanilla, almonds, and wood, and its bouquet even contains whispers of chocolate. Sweet and soft, it's excellent in coffee drinks or sipping straight by the fire.

Tequila añejo that has been aged for three or more years is exceptionally smooth, with well-blended layers of flavors and a dark, almost coffee-colored hue. This is probably the most expensive of the tequila types, but connoisseurs claim that it's worth every dime. 

 
Tequila Reposada

Spicy and fruity, medium-bodied tequila reposado is a perfect balance between tequila blanco and tequila añejo. It's typically aged less than one year but more than two months. As the most versatile tequila, it can be used in many ways, including in traditional margaritas and as straight shots with salt and lime, but it's got enough body to stand up well in coffee drinks.

Tequila Oro

One of the most popular and well-known tequila varieties, tequila oro is the gold tequila found in bars and restaurants all over the United States. Generally used in mixed drinks or straight with lime and salt, tequila oro is a young tequila that generally hasn't been aged over two months.

Tequila liqueurs and cremes have also become popular beverage choices, and tequila-flavored soft drinks exist for those who love the taste of tequila but don't care for the alcohol content. Although many of these products are authentic, consumers should always check the label to make certain that the products have been made with 100 percent agave tequila.