How to Spot a Great Tequila (Before You Even Taste It)

Choosing your first bottle of tequila can be daunting if you're totally new to it. That's why we're here! We're going to run you through some basics so that if you do decide to get a bottle, you at least have the knowledge to do so.

First things first. Get to know the spirit. 

Tequila is a spirit, which is a distilled alcoholic beverage with no added sugar. It is made primarily from the piñas of Blue Weber agave and produced in specific regions of Mexico. Mexican law (yes, an actual law) defines the categories and minimum agave content that allow a spirit to be called tequila. Most high-quality bottles are 100% Blue Weber agave, which means the sugar source is only agave rather than cheaper additives.

But, for now, that little bit of info should lead us to the next important info…

Categories of Tequila

There are five main types of tequila, which we can simplify here by indicating how long it has been aged and what its notes are.

Blanco

• Unaged or up to 2 months
• Bright agave, citrus, peppery notes.

Joven

• Blend of blanco and aged or lightly treated blanco
• Smooth, approachable, often used for cocktails.

Reposado

• 2 months to 1 year
• Light oak, vanilla, softened agave.

Añejo

• 1 to 3 years
• Richer caramel, vanilla, spice with smoother mouthfeel.

Extra Añejo

• Over 3 years
• Deep, complex, often compared to aged brandy or whisky.

Why Knowing the Basics Matters When Spotting Good Tequila

Packaging speaks for a bottle before you even pay good money for it. Now, you're armed with what to look for - a label that says 100% Blue Weber agave and what specific kind of tequila you want to try amongst the categories.

You really have to read the label. A good bottle won't hide its origin. So, you can check for a NOM number if you want that extra peace of mind. A NOM number identifies the distillery and lets you research the maker. To spot this, peep the back or neck label of tequila bottles. What the NOM number can be simplified to for newbies would be that it certifies that the bottle you're currently viewing is officially certified as tequila by the Mexican government.

Labels without details are a red flag. A bottle that says "Tequila" without much else shouldn't be the one you choose. A detailed label can still catch an eye. We want information! After all, we're using it to literally make a purchase.

Does Color Matter?

For first-time buyers and seasoned ones alike, yes, color matters when making a purchase. Clear spirits are usually unaged, while pale gold through deep amber typically means time in oak.

Color creates a spectrum for what to expect. The clearer it is, the more you can expect it to be peppery, citrus and agave-forward. The darker it is, think deep amber, the more toasted oak notes you get. Now, there is such a thing as too dark tequila. That can either indicate that it's full of artificial color or that it's chock-full of additives. You don't want that.

So, connect the information you have. Blanco tequila, which you know is unaged, typically comes clear. It might have tints of incredibly faint hues, but it shouldn't make you wonder what color it is - it's colorless. So, if you spot a bottle that says blanco but has an amber hue, something's definitely wrong.

Also Read - SWOL Anejo Tasting Notes: What You'll Taste Feel and Love

The Makings of Great Tequila Based On What We Know

The first step? You know that it's a label check. Confirm 100% Blue Weber agave and look for the NOM number to identify the distillery. 

Check the color and match the information. Tequila gets darker with age. Blanco starts clear, and extra añejo finishes deep amber.

Let the brand speak for itself. When in doubt, named brands are the safest to try. If you're still unsure, a quick search online should give you some insight.

SWOL is Easy to Spot!

SWOL Tequila doesn't hide anything! Small batches to ensure quality, 100% Blue Weber agave… Every SWOL Tequila is a great one. Check out the shop and see what we have in there. Bottles are limited, so grab your own before they all get picked up!