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Tres Agaves
Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Lounge
Purity Designations
100% Blue Agave: All high-quality and premium Tequilas fall into this category, meaning that they are comprised entirely of spirits from the Blue Weber Agave.
“Mixto” or “Joven Abocado”: If the label doesn’t say 100% de Agave, you can bet you’re dealing with a “mixto” Tequila. Mexican law requires that all Tequilas contain at least 51% agave, so Tequilas of lesser quality (called mixtos in industry parlance) rarely contain more than the minimum 51%. The remaining 49% is cheap liquor from corn or other sugar, and caramel coloring. Avoid mixtos if you want to experience the beautiful range of fine Tequila (and avoid head-splitting hangovers).
Aging Designations
Blanco: Usually un-aged, but can legally be aged for up to 60 days. It is clear, or almost clear, because it has spent little or no time in wood barrels. It retains the most characteristics of the agave plant and is the purest expression of the distiller’s craft.
Reposado: These Tequilas are aged or 'rested' in oak barrels from 2 to 12 months. In addition to the sweetness of the agave, the Tequila takes on the complex flavors of the oak, depending on the size and composition of the barrels. Some brands are stored in new barrels, some in bourbon barrels, some in the same barrels as previous vintages. All these factors contribute to a wonderful spectrum of flavors.
Añejo: Añejo was until recently the most mature of all the varieties. Aged in oak barrels, of no more than 600 liters each, for one to three years, these deeply hued Tequilas exhibit a variety of complex flavors and textures.
Extra Añejo: Extra Añejo is a new category. It is simply an añejo that has been aged for more than three years.