When it comes to premium tequila, it’s all about quality—and that starts with 100% blue agave. Unlike lower-end tequilas, which blend agave with other sugars, premium tequilas stick to pure blue agave for a richer, smoother taste. But there’s more to what makes a tequila truly premium, especially when you look at the aging process with varieties like Añejo and Extra Añejo.
100% Agave: The Heart of Premium Tequila
Premium tequila is made from 100% blue agave, which ensures a higher-quality, more refined flavor. This means no shortcuts—just the purest form of agave that takes years to mature. Tequilas made from 100% blue agave offer complexity and depth that you just can’t get from mixto tequilas, which are blended with other sugars.
Añejo and Extra Añejo: The Aged Varieties
- Añejo: Añejo tequila is aged for at least one year in oak barrels. This aging process gives it smooth, rich flavors like vanilla and caramel, making it a step above younger tequilas. As a result, Añejo is not only smoother but also more expensive.
- Extra Añejo: If you want something even more refined, Extra Añejo is aged for a minimum of three years. This long aging process results in deeper, more complex flavors—think dark chocolate, spices, and wood. With fewer bottles available and more time spent aging, Extra Añejo is a luxury product that commands a higher price.
How Aging Affects Value
The aging process is what really elevates tequila. The longer tequila sits in oak barrels, the more it picks up flavors from the wood, making it smoother and more complex. This extra time and attention make Añejo and Extra Añejo tequilas more valuable, as they’re rarer and have richer flavors.
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Conclusion
Premium tequila is all about using 100% blue agave and giving the tequila time to age. Añejo and Extra Añejo varieties stand out because of their smoothness and complex flavors, which come from the years spent maturing in barrels. As the demand for premium, aged tequilas continues to rise, investing in these varieties not only means enjoying a fantastic spirit but also holding something that’s growing in value.
