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Tequila is a distilled mezcal (meaning one of any kind of spirits made from a cactuslike plant of Mexico's western Jalisco state called the blue agave). Predated by also-agave-derived pulque - distilled for thousands of years during pre-Columbian times - tequila was created in the mid-17th century in the town after which it it is named, These days it is counted as among the world's top five most popular spirits, and can be be consumed straight up, on the rocks, or in a mixed drink. It's also a popular ingredient in a number of dishes in Mexico and beyond..

In addition to purchasing it in virtually any liquor shop, you can also buy tequila online. Whichever way you do it, you should know the basics of the half dozen different types out there. So let's get right to it!

Blanco

Aka silver tequila, this is the most popular - and also youngest of this spirit's varieties, bottled just after distillation - and it's generally light green in hue. They're delicious, not overpowering, and because they don't spend time maturing, are typically smoother than other varieties of tequilas. They often have citrus and some spice notes. 818 Tequila Blanco

Reposado

"Rested" tequila is matured in oak barrels two 2 to 11 months and has a lighter body than blanco, as well as a pale gold tint. Notes of vanilla, honey, almond, or other sweet tastes are common in reposados. They also have a smoother finish on the palate than white tequilas. Komos Reposado Rosa Tequila

Añejo

Añejo means aged, and that aging, in oak barrels, takes place for at least one year but no longer than three. It has a dark amber color and an extremely rich flavor that can range from fruity to spicy, depending on the length of aging. With overtones of vanilla, it's a smooth, outstanding option. Cincoro Tequila Anejo

Extra Añejo

Aged for three or more years, all that time in contact with oak results in rich golden tints and an even fuller flavor, akin to finely aged wine or cognac, with powerful aromas evocative of caramel, chocolate, cinnamon, and vanilla. Regarded as an exclusive class. Esperanto Selección "V" Extra Añejo Tequila

Cristalino

Cristalino Tequilas are aged tequilas like Añejos, but there is a slight difference. They are going through a filtration process. The technique eliminates harsh tannins from the drink, boosting fruity and flowery aromas and creating an unclouded tint evocative of White (Blanco) tequila. Don Julio 1942

Joven or Gold

Jovens is any white tequila mixed with aged (reposado, añejo, or extra añejo), and they can come out tasting exquisite. Gold tequilas are often created by adding color and flavoring them with wood extract, caramel, glycerin - anything really because they're usually mixed types containing 51 percent agave sugars and 49 percent of sugar from other sources.  Fuenteseca Reserva 8 Year Extra Anejo Tequila

At Bottle Barn we try to select different kinds of tequilas, however premium tequilas have gained popularity in recent years, with several new manufacturers joining the market and offering their products at a higher price range. Tequilas that were formerly only available through pricey bottle shops or in restricted amounts from distilleries may now be found at every store. Come browse our fine selection,  and if you're interested in rum, check out our primer here.