Blanco or Silver
Appearance: Crystal clear
Aroma: Fresh agave with fruits & citrus
Flavor: Fresh agave with hints of citrus; smooth & sweet
Finish: Just a little peppery
Tequila Tasting Guide
Learn how to identify, taste, and rate tequila like a maestro.
Gold or Joven
Appearance: Clear, dark golden
Aroma: Flan, spiced nuts & honey
Flavor: Dark roasted peppers, dried pineapple & apple
Finish: Warm Mexican spices & herbs
Reposado
Appearance: Clean & bright with amber tint
Aroma: Oak with citrus & agave
Flavor: Smooth & sweet with excellent balance; citrus, fruit & honey
Finish: Vanilla & floral
Añejo
Appearance: Light amber
Aroma: Vanilla, raisin, citrus
Flavor: Smooth with strong oak; melon & raisin
Finish: Toasty, smoky caramel
Extra Añejo
Appearance: Deep golden amber
Aroma: Cola nut, vanilla, pineapple, ginger
Flavor: Dry yet fruity; guava, lychee & spicy oak
Finish: Long, rich & layered
How to Taste
Follow these five simple steps to taste tequila like a maestro and better understand the nuances between each style.
As you taste different expressions, make notes about appearance, aroma, flavor, and finish so you can compare your favorites over time.
1
Look at Color
Hold the glass to the light and make note of the color. Tequila blanco should be clear, reposado a golden color, and the añejo's between golden and amber.
2
Swirl It
Swirl the glass to release the aromas and look for the legs – “lagrimas de la agave”. Legs are essential oils.
3
Sniff It
Hold the rim of the glass an inch from your nose and give it a sniff. What aromas do you smell?
4
Sip & Hold
Take a sip and hold it in your mouth for 5 seconds to coat your tongue before swallowing.
5
Swallow & Enjoy
Swallow it and you should taste all the flavors you smelled. Evaluate the flavors you tasted.