Tequila is a distilled beverage originating from Mexico, specifically the state of Jalisco and limited municipalities in Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. It is made from the blue agave plant. By law, tequila must have an alcohol content between 35% and 55%. There are two main categories: "mixtos," which contain at least 51% agave with other sugars added, and 100% agave tequila, which uses only agave sugars.
The primary types of tequila, categorized by aging, are Blanco (or Silver/Plata), Joven (or Gold/Oro), Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo. Blanco is unaged or aged less than two months. Joven is a blend of unaged and aged tequilas, or Blanco with added coloring. Reposado is aged for a minimum of two months but less than a year in oak barrels. Añejo is aged for at least one year, but less than three years in small oak barrels. Extra Añejo is aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels. Tequila's color ranges from clear to amber, depending on the aging process. Many brands produce tequila, including Patrón, Don Julio, Casamigos, and Clase Azul. Tequila bottle prices depend on several factors, including the quality of the agave, the brand, and the aging process. Reposado tequilas typically cost below $100, while Añejo tequilas range from $50 to $150. Availability is widespread in liquor stores and online retailers.
