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Blanco, Reposado or Añejo Tequila? The Difference Explained
The difference between blanco, reposado and añejo tequila: how long each rests in oak, how it tastes, which suits a margarita, and where mezcal fits.
Blanco is unaged, reposado rests 2 to 12 months in oak, and añejo rests 1 to 3 years. The longer it sits in oak, the softer and darker it gets.
All three are distilled from blue agave grown in Mexico. Blanco is best for a margarita, and añejo is for sipping.
What is the difference between the three?
 Olmeca Altos Plata 38% 700ml |  Olmeca Tequila Reposado 700ml |  1800 Anejo Tequila 700ml | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rested in oak | Under 2 months | 2 to 12 months | 1 to 3 years |
| Tastes like | Agave, citrus, pepper | Vanilla, caramel | Oak, toffee, spice |
| Best for | Margaritas, palomas | Mixing or sipping | Sipping neat |
| Per nip | $2.39 | $1.96 | $3.48 |
| Price | $54.99 | $44.99 | $79.99 |
Blanco: Olmeca Altos
Tequila as it comes off the still.
Fresh agave with bright citrus and pepper, smooth and clean with a crisp finish. It is the one for margaritas and palomas.
- Rested
- Under 2 months
- Tastes like
- Agave, citrus, pepper
- Per nip
- About $2.39
Reposado: Olmeca
Two to twelve months in oak.
Sweet agave with hints of caramel and spice, smooth and warm. Good in a margarita, and approachable enough to sip.
- Rested
- 2 to 12 months
- Tastes like
- Agave, caramel, spice
- Per nip
- About $1.96
Añejo: 1800
Darker, richer and softer.
Matured in French and American oak for over 14 months, with subtle spice over smooth agave. Sip it neat or over one ice cube.
- Rested
- 1 to 3 years
- Tastes like
- Toasted oak, vanilla, caramel
- Per nip
- About $3.48
What is the difference between tequila and mezcal?
Mezcal is the smoky cousin.
Tequila has to be made from blue agave, and most of it comes from the state of Jalisco. Mezcal can be made from many kinds of agave, and most of it comes from Oaxaca.
The bigger difference is how the agave is cooked. For mezcal the hearts are usually roasted in pits in the ground, which gives it a smoky taste. Tequila agave is mostly steamed in ovens, so it tastes cleaner and sweeter.
All tequila is a kind of mezcal, but not every mezcal is a tequila. If you like a smoky whisky, try a mezcal next.
How do you make a classic margarita?
One serve, with a blanco.
- Add the tequila, lime juice and orange liqueur to a shaker with ice.
- Shake hard for about 10 seconds.
- Strain into a glass over fresh ice, with a salt rim if you like.
The Classic gift box
Give a tequila with treats.
Choose a tequila from this guide and we box it with treats, wrapped and delivered NZ wide.
- Includes
- Chocolate, savoury nibble, something sweet
- You choose
- The bottle
Quick answers
Which tequila is best for margaritas?
Blanco. Its bright agave and citrus taste comes through the lime. A reposado works too if you want it a little smoother.
Can you sip tequila neat?
Yes. Reposado and añejo are made for it: pour a nip into a small glass. You do not need the salt and lime.
What does 100% agave mean?
The tequila is made only from blue agave. Tequila without it on the label can be up to 49% other sugars.
Does tequila go off once opened?
No. Keep it upright, sealed and out of the sun and it lasts for years.
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