The main differences between Tequila Blanco, Reposado, Cristalino, and Añejo lie in their aging process, color, and flavor profiles. Here's a breakdown:
1. Tequila Blanco (Silver or Blanco)
• Aging: Not aged (or aged less than 2 months in stainless steel or neutral barrels).
• Color: Clear.
• Flavor: Fresh, bold agave flavor with citrus or peppery notes.
• Use: Often used in cocktails (e.g., margaritas), but high-quality ones can be sipped neat.
2. Tequila Reposado ("Rested")
• Aging: Aged 2 months to 1 year in oak barrels.
• Color: Light gold to amber.
• Flavor: Smoother than Blanco, with added notes of oak, vanilla, caramel, or spice.
• Use: Good for sipping or premium cocktails.
3. Tequila Añejo ("Aged")
• Aging: Aged 1 to 3 years in oak barrels.
• Color: Rich amber or deep gold.
• Flavor: Complex and rich – with notes of vanilla, dried fruit, chocolate, tobacco, and oak.
• Use: Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
4. Tequila Cristalino
• Aging: Añejo or Reposado tequila that has been filtered (often through charcoal) to remove the color.
• Color: Clear, like Blanco – but aged.
• Flavor: Smooth like an Añejo but lighter and more delicate. Sometimes sweet, with hints of vanilla or coconut.
• Use: Typically sipped neat; marketed as a premium or luxury style.
In Summary
Type: Silver or Blanco
Aging Time: 0–2 months
Color: Clear
Flavor Profile: Bright, Bold Agave, Pepper, Citrus
Type: Reposado
Aging Time: 2–12 months
Color: Light gold
Flavor Profile: Smooth, Hints of Oak and Vanilla
Type: Añejo
Aging Time: 1–3 years
Color: Amber
Flavor Profile: Rich, Complex, Oak, Spice, Caramel
Type: Cristalino
Aging Time: Filtered Añejo/Reposado
Color: Clear
Flavor Profile: Smooth, Refined, Cocoa, Light Oak, Sweet Notes
