Tequila is the product of distilling the Blue Agave plant – a succulent that grows throughout Mexico. To be legally sold as tequila, spirits must be derived from the Blue Weber Agave and contain no less than 51% agave juice. Tequila containing up to 49% sugars from other spirits is called Mixto. Tequila is only legally produced and distilled in five Mexican states (Jalisco, Michoacán, Guanajuato, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas).
There are three major types of tequila: Tequila Blanco, Tequila Reposado, and Tequila Ańejo. Each of these three types of tequila has its own unique characteristics that determine the best ways to enjoy the drink.
Tequila Reposado is the result of storing freshly distilled tequila in French or American oak barrels for periods ranging from two months to one year. During this time, the tequila obtains a golden cast. Tequila Reposado retains some of its original agave flavors and the same citrus notes associated with Tequila Blanco. However, Tequila Reposado also has caramel, honey, chiles, dry chocolate, spices, vanilla, and cinnamon notes. Some producers age Tequila Reposado and Tequila Ańejo in barrels that previously held bourbon, cognac, or wine, which add their own flavor elements to each batch.
More robust variations of Tequila Reposado can be mixed in cocktails. However, Tequila Reposado versions with subtle agave notes are better drunk neat or over ice. The smoother composition of Tequila Reposado compared with Tequila Blanco also makes it more palatable to some drinkers. It also generally pairs well with food.
When it comes to Reposado tequilas, our bar staff can introduce you to some amazing tequilas. From vanilla and caramel sweet notes to smoky, chile, pepper, and spice notes. Come in and let us design a flight for you.
We serve all our tequilas with salt and lime. But when trying Reposados, cinnamon and orange find a way of opening your palate to discover notes in the tequila that you didn’t even know were there. You might even find a new way of drinking tequila.
For one of our newest cocktails is a Berry Margarita, we use a reposado that falls right in line with the vanilla and caramel notes: Asombroso Tequila (our head bar tender’s favorite) shaken with Chambord (black raspberry brandy), a splash of lime, and agave syrup.
Berry Margarita
2 oz Reposado Tequila
1 oz Chambord
1 oz lime juice (here at Joe’s we only use freshly squeezed lime juice NO MIXES)
1 tsp of Agave syrup
Add ice and ingredients to a shaker. Shake it all up and pour into a sugar rim glass. Enjoy!
Joe’s Tequila Bar at the Inn on the Alameda offers a wide variety of tequilas aimed to satisfy the most discriminating drinkers – possessing both traditional preferences and more adventurous palates. There is more than Tequila on the menu. Beer, wine, and other spirits are also available for drinking alone – or paired with one of our delicious Southwestern-influenced appetizers and entrees. If you’re exploring the Margarita Trail, come and enjoy a drink– and add a stamp from Joe’s Tequila Bar to your collection!
