What is the difference between añejo and other types of tequila?
Per the Tequila Regulatory Council, añejo tequila is matured for a minimum of one year in oak or holm oak barrels of up to 600 liters. Blanco is bottled straight from the still, reposado is aged at least two months, and extra añejo at least three years.
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In this article
What is añejo tequila?
The Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT) defines añejo, also labeled “extra aged” for export, as tequila that must mature for at least one year in oak or holm oak barrels with a maximum capacity of 600 liters.
How do the tequila classes differ?
| Class | What the CRT says |
|---|---|
| Blanco (silver) | Direct from the still; its alcohol content is only adjusted with water |
| Joven (gold) | Blend of a white tequila with a rested, aged or extra aged tequila |
| Reposado | Must mature in oak or holm oak for at least 2 months (the class definition on the same page says 1 year, so the page is inconsistent) |
| Añejo | At least 1 year in oak or holm oak, barrels up to 600 liters |
| Extra añejo | At least 3 years in oak or holm oak, barrels up to 600 liters |
Does the longer aging make añejo smoother or higher in alcohol?
The CRT page we opened says nothing about taste, smoothness, color or alcohol strength by class, so we make no such claims. Check the bottle for the class and the alcohol percentage.
What do the English labels mean?
The labeling rules (NOM-006) allow export bottles to say “Silver” for blanco, “Gold” for joven, “Aged” for reposado, “Extra aged” for añejo and “Ultra aged” for extra añejo.
People also ask
What is añejo tequila?
The Tequila Regulatory Council defines it as tequila matured for at least one year in oak or holm oak barrels with a maximum capacity of 600 liters.
What is the difference between reposado and añejo tequila?
Añejo must age at least one year. The CRT page says reposado must mature at least 2 months in its production section, though its class definition on the same page says one year.
What does extra aged mean on a tequila label?
Under the NOM-006 labeling rules, export labels may say "Extra aged" instead of añejo and "Ultra aged" instead of extra añejo.
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