What’s the Difference Between Blanco, Reposado and Añejo Tequila?

Agave spirits deserve a place on every serious bar. Tequila and mezcal can be crisp and mineral, silky and oak-touched, or deep and contemplative depending on how the spirit is made and how long it rests. This guide breaks down blanco, reposado and añejo, plus extra añejo and mezcal, so you can shop by style, not guesswork.

At a Glance: Tequila styles explained

Blanco (Plata, Silver)

Unaged or briefly rested. Pure blue agave character with citrus, pepper and a clean mineral lift.
Best for: Margaritas, Palomas, highballs and bright sipping.

Reposado (Rested)

Aged 2 to 12 months in oak. Rounder texture with gentle vanilla, baking spice and soft caramel notes.
Best for: Sipping or cocktails that benefit from added smoothness.

Añejo (Aged)

Aged 1 to 3 years in oak. Richer and deeper with oak, dried fruit, cocoa and toffee complexity.
Best for: Neat pours and spirit-forward drinks.

Extra Añejo

Aged 3+ years. Layered, luxurious and often collectible.
Best for: Slow sipping, gifting and the top shelf.

Mezcal

Made from a wide range of agave varieties using more traditional production methods. Flavours can range from smoky and earthy to floral, mineral or herbal.
Best for: Sipping or savoury cocktails.

The main difference is ageing (and what oak adds)

Every tequila starts as a clear, agave-forward spirit. The difference between blanco, reposado and añejo comes down to time in oak and how maturation reshapes flavour and texture.

• Blanco shows the most direct expression of agave, with bright citrus, fresh herbs and peppery lift. 
• Reposado adds polish. Oak introduces softness, gentle sweetness and warming spice without overwhelming the agave core.
  
• Añejo leans darker and more structured, with longer ageing bringing depth, richness and complexity.

If you enjoy whisky or cognac, añejo and extra añejo often feel familiar. If you prefer freshness and versatility, blanco is usually the starting point.

Tequila vs mezcal, explained simply

Think of it like Champagne and wine. Tequila is a specific type of mezcal, made from blue Weber agave and produced in defined regions of Mexico. Mezcal is the broader category, shaped by different agave varieties, regions and village-level traditions.

Much of mezcal’s signature smokiness comes from roasting agave hearts (piñas) in underground pits, though not all mezcal is smoky. Some styles lean floral, mineral or gently herbal depending on agave variety and production method.

How to serve and pair

Keep the spirit front and centre with fresh citrus and good ice.

• Blanco: room temperature or lightly chilled. Pair with oysters, ceviche, sashimi and citrus-forward salads.
• Reposado: neat or over one cube. Pair with tacos al pastor, barbecue and grilled corn.
• Añejo: neat in a small tasting glass. Pair with dark chocolate, aged cheese and roasted nuts.
• Mezcal: serve in a copita to focus aroma. Pair with grilled seafood, salsa verde and smoky dishes.

Cocktails to make at home

Margarita

Blanco, fresh lime, orange liqueur and salt. Clean and direct.

Paloma

Blanco with grapefruit and soda. Long, bright and refreshing.

Añejo Old Fashioned

Añejo with bitters and citrus peel. Warm, structured and slow-sipping.

Mezcal Negroni

Mezcal, vermouth and bitter liqueur. Smoky, bittersweet and expressive.

KSC Picks: bottles worth knowing

Blanco

• Don Julio Blanco Tequila 700ml  - Clean, balanced and versatile. A reliable blanco for cocktails or easy sipping.
• Fortaleza Blanco Tequila 750ml  - Benchmark blanco. Vibrant agave, citrus and pepper with traditional production credentials.
• Clase Azul Ahumado Tequila Blanco 750ml (Limited Edition)  - A rare, smoky-leaning blanco that showcases roasted agave and mineral depth. One for collectors and serious agave fans.

Reposado

• Fortaleza Reposado Tequila 750ml -  Silky texture with gentle vanilla and spice. Excellent neat or in elevated cocktails.
• Don Julio 1942 Primavera Reposado Tequila 750ml -  A seasonal, limited release with floral lift and polished oak. Distinctive and gift-worthy.

Añejo

• Don Julio 1942 Añejo Tequila 750ml - Refined, balanced and dependable. A classic añejo profile with caramel and oak polish.
• Los Azulejos Skelly Añejo Tequila Gold Edition 750ml - Bold presentation with rich, rounded flavour. A standout for gifting or display.

Extra Añejo 

• Gran Patrón Piedra Extra Añejo Tequila 750ml - Stone-crushed agave, deep maturation and remarkable texture. A true luxury expression.
• Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Extra Añejo Tequila 700ml (2019 Release) - Iconic extra añejo with layered oak, spice and dried fruit. Limited and highly sought-after.
• Herradura Seleccion Suprema Extra Añejo Tequila 750ml - Long-aged, elegant and powerful. One of the category's most respected releases. 

Mezcal

• Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal 750ml - A classic village mezcal with mineral depth, gentle smoke and savoury complexity.
• Clase Azul Mezcal Guerrero 750ml - Elegant and expressive with softer smoke and floral tones. A premium mezcal with presence.

Explore the full range by style for more options.

Delivery and care

• Same day delivery across Sydney Metro on in-stock items
• Fast, secure shipping Australia wide
• Hand packed with protective materials
• Optional shipping insurance available at checkout

Tequila & Mezcal questions, answered

What is the difference between tequila and mezcal?

Tequila is made from blue Weber agave in approved regions. Mezcal can be made from many agave varieties and often uses more traditional production methods.

What does 100% agave mean?

It means all fermentable sugars come from agave, not added sugars. It is the benchmark for purity and flavour.

Which tequila is best for a Margarita?

A quality 100% agave blanco. A light reposado works if you prefer a rounder profile.

Is mezcal always smoky?

No. While some mezcals are smoky, others are floral, herbal or mineral depending on agave type and production.

What’s the best tequila for sipping?

Reposado is a smooth entry point. Añejo offers more richness and oak-driven depth.

How should agave spirits be stored?

Store upright in a cool, dark place and seal tightly once opened. Blancos are best enjoyed sooner; aged styles keep longer.

Can I get same day delivery in Sydney?

Yes, for in-stock items within Sydney Metro.

Shop Tequila & Mezcal

Kent Street Cellars curates agave spirits with clarity and care. Shop by style, find your bottle and let us deliver it to your door.