Blanco, Reposado, Añejo: A Tequila Guide for Everyone

Tequila has had a glow-up. It’s no longer just for shots and margaritas — premium sipping tequilas are now one of the fastest-growing categories in spirits. If you’ve been curious about tequila beyond the basics, here’s what you need to know.

What All Tequila Has in Common

Every tequila is made from blue Weber agave, grown in Mexico (primarily in the Jalisco region). The agave hearts are roasted, crushed, fermented, and distilled. What happens after distillation is what creates the three main styles.

Blanco (Silver)

Blanco tequila is bottled immediately after distillation or rested for less than 60 days. It’s the purest expression of the agave plant — bright, crisp, and slightly vegetal with citrus and pepper notes. Blancos are the best choice for cocktails like margaritas and palomas because their clean flavor shines through the mixer.

Reposado (Rested)

Reposado tequila is aged in oak barrels for 60 days to one year. The barrel contact smooths out the raw agave edges and adds vanilla, caramel, and light spice notes. Reposados work well both in cocktails and for sipping. They’re often called the “best of both worlds” tequila.

Añejo (Aged)

Añejo tequila spends one to three years in oak barrels, taking on deeper color and richer flavor. Think of añejo as tequila’s answer to bourbon — warm, complex, with notes of dried fruit, chocolate, and toasted wood. Añejos are best sipped neat or on the rocks. Extra añejo (aged over three years) pushes even further into that rich, barrel-forward territory.

Mezcal vs. Tequila

Mezcal is the broader category — any spirit made from agave. Tequila is a specific type of mezcal, much like bourbon is a specific type of whiskey. Mezcals from other agave varieties tend to have a smoky character that tequila doesn’t, because the agave hearts are often roasted in underground pits.

Find Your Favorite at Island Point

We stock 315 tequilas and mezcals at our Brainerd Road store in Chattanooga. From affordable mixers to premium sipping tequilas, our team can help you find the right bottle. Call us at (423) 553-1515 or stop by and explore the shelf.