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 evaluate tequila like a maestro. There are no right or wrong tasting notes—every palate is different, and the best tequila is the one you enjoy.
Gold or Joven
Appearance: Pale gold to 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 note its color. Blanco tequilas are typically crystal clear, reposados range from pale straw to light gold, and añejos are usually rich gold to amber.
2
Swirl It
Swirl the glass to release aromas and notice the legs ("lágrimas"), which reveal the tequila's texture and body.
3
Sniff It
Hold the rim of the glass an inch from your nose and take a gentle 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.