(Mixed) Tequila vs 100 percent Agave Tequila

There is lots of confusion and misconceptions about the differences between a (mixed) tequila and a hundred percent agave tequila. Which is the best? Which are the differences between them? In this article, we'll give you information about these two kinds of tequila. How can you know if you are having a tequila or a 100 percent agave tequila?

The correct way to refer to a mixed tequila is simply tequila. This is an agreement that was made in the tequila industry along with the Tequila Regulatory Council. This naming specification is stated in the official regulation and, although many people know tequila as mixed tequila, the correct way to call it is just tequila. How can you tell the difference between a tequila and a 100% agave tequila? It's in the label. If it doesn't say it's 100% agave tequila, then it is a (mixed) tequila.

What is the difference between a tequila and a 100% agave tequila?

The difference between them is in the source of the sugars that are fermented during the fermentation process. In the case of a 100% Agave tequila, as it name reveals, all the sugars that are fermented come from the Tequilana Weber agave, blue variety. On the other hand, and according to the regulation, sugars that are fermented for a tequila must be at least 51% of agave, yet the rest comes from a different source.

Which is best, tequila or 100% tequila?

It is only natural to find that the sensory notes of a hundred percent tequila are closer and more similar to the smell and taste of the agave itself and to find that those notes are a little more attenuated in a tequila yet, a good master distiller should know how to control all of the tequila processes so that in any of the two kinds of tequilas, the agave characteristics are noticeable. They both can be a good-quality product, whether they are white, young, rested or ultra-aged tequilas. Therefore, a tequila is not necessarily of lower quality than a 100% tequila and, if the quality of the production processes is properly taken care of, a tequila can very well have a fully-qualified sensory profile.

Find out more about the tequila's sensory profiles

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