Classifications of Tequila and Cognac
Plus "The Cultured Margarita"
- a lesson from American Professional Bartending Schools
There are two basic designations of tequila. Agave is one, and mixtos is the other.
If 100% of the alcohol comes from agave then it is marked on the label of the bottle:
100% puro de agave. If 51% percent of the alcohol comes from agave and 49% from
other sources then the tequila is referred to as mixtos.
There are four categories of tequila. Plata or silver or Blanco as white are colorless
unaged tequilas with a lively clean taste. They can be either agave or mixtos and
their flavors blend well into fruit flavored based drinks. This makes them excellent
for mixed tequila drinks.
Jovan or gold tequila. This tequila is aged in oak tanks for less than 60 days.
During this aging period, caramel color and flavor is added.
Reposado. This is a tequila that is aged in wooden tanks or barrels of oak for at
least two months. This type of tequila has a smoothness that is influenced with a
slight oak flavor.
Anejo. This type of tequila is aged in oak tanks or barrels for a minimum of 12 months.
Better quality anejos are aged from 18 months to three years. These are usually mixtos
and those that are aged up to four years are all agave.
Recipe: Toma! Margarita!, The Cultured Margarita
2 ounces Anego Tequila
2 ounces Cointreau
Juice of one half fresh lime
Juice of one half fresh lemon
Salt
Shake all with ice
Strain into a chilled martini glass
Rim with salt
Students often ask what is Cognac. Cognac is perhaps the most famous Brandy in the
world produced in Charente and Charente Maritime areas of France's Cognac region.
Cognac is double distilled and aged in barrels made from Limousin or Troncais oak.
Almost all Cognacs are a blend of several vintages.
Classifications of Cognac
V.S. - Very Special - Aged for about 2 years.
V.S.P. - Verry Special Pale - Aged usually about 4 years.
V.S.O.P. - Verry Special Old Pale - Aged four to fifteen years.
X.O. - Extra Old - Aged six to twenty years.