Tequila Types Explained: Blanco, Reposado, Añejo & Extra Añejo
Key Takeaways:
- Tequila is classified by how long it ages: Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo, plus the clear-but-aged Cristalino style.
- All tequila is made from blue Weber agave, primarily in Jalisco, Mexico.
- Younger expressions show bright agave; older ones develop oak, vanilla, and caramel from the barrel.
Walk down the tequila aisle and you will see words like blanco, reposado, and añejo on the labels. These are not marketing terms. They are official classifications based on how long the tequila has been aged, and they tell you a great deal about how a bottle will taste.
At Wooden Cork, we carry tequila across every category. Here is what each one means and how to choose the right style for your glass.
Blanco (Silver)
Blanco, also called silver or plata, is unaged or rested only briefly, usually for less than two months. It is the purest expression of the agave, with bright, peppery, citrus-forward flavors and a clean finish. Blanco is the go-to for margaritas and other cocktails where you want the agave character to shine.
Reposado
Reposado, meaning rested, is aged in oak barrels for between two months and one year. The barrel time softens the agave and introduces gentle notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice while keeping the spirit lively. It is a versatile middle ground, equally good in a cocktail or sipped over ice.
Añejo
Añejo, meaning aged, spends between one and three years in oak. The extended aging produces a darker, smoother spirit with deeper notes of oak, vanilla, dried fruit, and baking spice. Añejo is made for sipping neat, where its complexity has room to unfold.
Extra Añejo
Extra añejo is aged for more than three years, a category formally introduced in 2006. These are the most refined and often the most expensive tequilas, with rich, layered flavors that draw comparison to aged whiskey or cognac. They are intended for slow, neat enjoyment.
Cristalino
Cristalino is a more recent style. It is an aged tequila, often añejo or extra añejo, that is filtered to remove the color picked up from the barrel. The result is a clear spirit that keeps much of the smoothness and oak-driven complexity of aging while presenting like a blanco. It has become one of the fastest-growing categories in tequila.
How to Choose
| Style | Aging | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Blanco | Unaged to 2 months | Margaritas and bright cocktails |
| Reposado | 2 months to 1 year | Versatile mixing or sipping |
| Añejo | 1 to 3 years | Sipping neat |
| Extra Añejo | Over 3 years | Special-occasion sipping |
| Cristalino | Aged, then filtered clear | Smooth sipping with a clean look |
Whichever style suits you, you can explore bottles across all of these categories in our tequila collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the smoothest type of tequila?
Añejo and extra añejo are generally the smoothest, since extended barrel aging mellows the spirit. Cristalino also offers a smooth profile in a clear format.
Which tequila is best for margaritas?
Blanco is the classic choice for margaritas because its bright agave flavor cuts through the lime and sweetener. Reposado works well if you want a slightly rounder result.
Is all tequila made from agave?
Yes. Tequila must be made from blue Weber agave. Bottles labeled "100% agave" use only agave sugars, while "mixto" tequilas blend in other sugars.
What is the difference between tequila and mezcal?
Both are agave spirits, but mezcal can be made from many agave varieties and often has a smoky character from roasting the agave in earthen pits. Tequila is a specific type made from blue Weber agave.
