When it comes to liquor, few options are as noteworthy as tequila. It’s the liquor that gets people up and dancing, sure, but it can also turn your night into a whirlwind; it all depends on how much you have.

Now, we can all agree on the fact that a tequila night is a fun night, but it’s important to understand why that is. After all, it’s almost like tequila is in a tier of its own when it comes to spirits.

So, what is tequila made from? Stick around and read our guide to uncover what tequila is, what it’s made out of, and why it has the impact it’s known for. Read on to learn more below.

What Is Tequila?

Before we dive into what tequila is made from, it’s important to understand what tequila is. In order for a spirit to be considered tequila, it has to be made in Mexico.

In fact, most tequila comes from the Jalisco region of Mexico, and it has to be made with at least 51% blue agave. However, some of the best tequila is made with 100% blue agave, so there is a lot of variation.

When it comes to the flavor of tequila, you’ll find that it tends to have a lot of earthy notes. It also has hints of herbal, caramel, and oak flavors.

What Is Tequila Made From?

How tequila is made and what it’s made from varies based on the type of tequila. That said, all tequila tends to be made from the blue agave plant. This is a plant that’s native to Mexico, and the tequila is made through a process of cooking, distilling, and fermenting the plant material.

The result? That delicious and wild tequila that you can enjoy in a shot glass or in a cocktail.

While this is what tequila is made from, you’ll find that there is a lot of variation based on the type of tequila, but not in its ingredients. Instead, you’ll find that most of the variation comes down to how tequila is made.

How Is Blanco Tequila Made?

First and foremost, you have blanco tequila. This is a spirit that’s crystal clear, and this is due to the fact that it’s not usually aged. Many blanco tequilas tend to end up with a strong agave flavor, and they may not even be aged in barrels at all. In fact, clear tequila tends to be made in stainless steel barrels to preserve that pure agave flavor.

How Is Reposado Tequila Made?

When it comes to reposado tequila, things start to get a little more complicated. Sure, it’s made with the same ingredients, but how it develops its flavor profile is more unique than blanco tequila.

Typically reposado tequila is aged for around six to 12 months, although some of them can be aged for longer. Now, things wouldn’t be too much different if the liquor was just aged in a stainless steel barrel, so you’ll find that it’s aged in an oak barrel.

The result? A slightly darker color with golden tones. Flavor-wise, it’s more than just pure agave, and you’ll find that notes of oak and caramel will seep into the tequila.

How Is Añejo Tequila Made?

Last but not least, we have añejo tequila. This tequila is aged for a longer period than reposado, and you’ll find that it’s also aged in oak barrels. The result is a tequila that’s a lot darker and more flavorful. Many añejo tequilas have strong notes of oak, caramel, and even hints of vanilla.

In addition, añejo tequila has a potent agave flavor, and you can really start to taste the caramel, vanilla, and other flavor notes that leak in from the barrel. For a sipping tequila, añejo is among the best options out there.

What Is Tequila Made From? The Verdict

So, what is tequila made from? Ultimately, it’s made from the blue agave plant. Like other liquids, it’s fermented, distilled, aged, and then bottled for you to enjoy. While all tequila spirits may come from the same plant, that doesn’t mean they’re all made the same. In fact, you’ll find that the quality varies greatly based on the brands you choose.

For this reason, we always recommend shopping online with Flaviar if you want to enjoy or gift the best tequila. Whether you want to give someone the gift of a smooth añejo tequila or you want to rip some crystal-clear shots, you can have great options sent straight to your door.