At the heart of every great tequila is the aging process, where it spends time in oak barrels to take on new and complex flavors. From American oak to French oak to used bourbon barrels, the type of barrel used can have a huge impact on the final flavor profile of the tequila.
Tequila is aged in oak barrels, which can give it unique flavors and aromas. There are three main types of barrels used to age tequila: American oak, French oak, and used bourbon barrels. Each type of barrel imparts different characteristics to the tequila.
American oak barrels are the most commonly used barrels for aging tequila. They impart flavors such as vanilla, caramel, and toffee, and also add a hint of smokiness to the tequila. French oak barrels, on the other hand, are less common but can give tequila a spicier and more complex flavor profile, with notes of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Used bourbon barrels are also used to age tequila, and they can give it a smoky, woody flavor with notes of toasted coconut and chocolate.
The profile of tequila being aged will depend on the type of barrel used, the length of aging, and the specific characteristics of the tequila itself. For example, reposado tequila is aged for at least two months but less than a year, while añejo tequila is aged for at least one year but less than three years. Añejo tequilas tend to have a darker color and a richer, more complex flavor profile due to the longer aging time. Tequilas that are aged in used bourbon barrels can also take on the flavor of the bourbon that was previously in the barrel.
The process of aging tequila begins after the distillation process is complete. The tequila is then transferred to oak barrels for aging, and the length of time the tequila spends in the barrel will depend on the desired aging classification. The barrels are stored in a cool, dark environment to avoid any damage to the tequila from sunlight or heat. During the aging process, the tequila takes on the flavors and characteristics of the barrel, and also becomes smoother and more mellow.
Once the aging process is complete, the tequila is usually blended to achieve a consistent flavor profile across different batches. The tequila is then bottled and labeled based on the classification of the aging process.