Have you ever been in a bar in Mexico, walked up to the barman and asked for a tequila?

I’ll never forget the look on the barman’s face, standing in front of a 50-meter-long wall of tequila bottles, unamused, and slowly saying “Which one?”

So, to help you out, just as we desperately needed help back then – here’s the difference between the basics; Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. While they all start from the same humble agave plant, each has its own character and job description to make it special.

Let’s break it down.

Blanco Tequila: Pure and Unaged

Also known as silver or plata, Blanco tequila is the purest form of tequila. It’s typically unaged (or aged for less than 2 months in stainless steel or neutral barrels) and showcases the raw, vibrant flavors of the agave plant. The closest you’ll get to the agave. Bright, herbal notes, with suggestions of citrus and pepper, make it ideal for cocktails like a classic Margarita or Paloma.

Where It Comes From:
Most Blanco tequilas are made with agave grown in the highlands (Los Altos) or lowlands (El Valle) of Jalisco, Mexico. Highland agave tends to produce sweeter, fruitier tequilas, while lowland agave brings out earthier, peppery flavors.

3 Top Picks

• Tequila Ocho Blanco: Single-estate, beautiful and earthy.
• Patrón Silver: Smooth, crisp and easy going, like Ryan Gosling.
• El Tesoro Blanco: Bright and balanced, naturally sweet as a Señorita.

Reposado Tequila: Rested and Balanced

Reposado, meaning “rested,” is aged in oak barrels for anywhere between 2 to 12 months. The aging gives the tequila a smoother, more mellow flavor, introducing subtle notes of vanilla, caramel, and sometimes a touch of spice, depending on the wood. It’s perfect for sipping neat, but also adds depth to a cocktail. We like deep cocktails.  

Where It Comes From
Reposado can come from both highland and lowland agave, it’s the aging that brings an extra layer of warmth and character, regardless of origin.

3 Top Picks

• G4 Reposado: Smooth with a little spice, as well as oak and caramel flavours if you reeeally look out for them.
• Don Julio Reposado: The godfather of tequilas, offering a perfect balance of agave, oak and intimidation.
• Clase Azul Reposado: Luxurious and legendary. It’s sweeter and bolder than most, if you can afford it!

Añejo Tequila: Aged to Perfection

Añejo actually means “aged,” so the spirit spends 1 to 3 years maturing in small oak barrels. The extended aging process creates a tequila that’s rich, complex, and almost whiskey-like. We love the deep flavors of oak, chocolate, dried fruit, and caramel, and the last sip is almost always a happy ending. It’s ideal for slow sipping, undisturbed like a fine scotch.

Where It Comes From
Añejo tequilas are mostly produced from agave grown in the lowlands, where the bolder, earthier flavors don’t get pushed around too much by the oak in the barrels.

3 Top Picks

• Don Julio Añejo: Once again, a classic choice, and you will pick up caramel, vanilla and spice for sure. What a combination.
• Herradura Añejo: Rich, full-bodied tequila with a bit of toffee flavouring coming through.
• Fortaleza Añejo: True royalty in the house of Añejo tequila. Taste the roasted agave, a touch of oak, and hints of dried fruit.

There you have it. Now if you ever find yourself in Mexico, standing in front of an army of tequila bottles, at the very least you can ask the barman for a Reposado!