What is the difference between silver and gold tequila?

Answer 1

The difference between Silver and Gold tequila ...

Tequila after it is produced can have one of three things happen. One is that it can be bottled straight away or put in barrels for less than 2 months. This method is known as Blanco and produces a white, clear spirit.

The next option is to age the tequila for between 2 months to 12 months. This method is know as Reposado.

The last option is to age the tequila for more than 12 months in which case it is put in a category of Anejo (pronounced anah-yah-ho).

The longer the tequila is aged, the darker the tequila itself will be. The only exception to this is when a cheap tequila wants to look aged by adding wood chips or caramel colouring to the tequila.

The difference in taste ....

The Blanco tequilas will show more of the original qualities of the tequila itself and will have more of the "bitey" agave taste. Personally I really enjoy this in a well made margarita as the taste carries through alot more.

The more a tequila is aged the more mellow it becomes. The harsh notes of the taste are softened and instead take on the characteristics of the wood that it was aged in. These often include caramel, sweetness and even smoky.

Remember ... there is a big difference between the "gold" and "silver" tequilas. One is not necessarily better than the other, just different!

Answer 2

I am assuming you mean the visual distinction of clear and golden or amber tequilas.

Clear tequila, white or silver, is bottled directly after being distilled and "proofed".

Golden tequila has food coloring added before being bottled but is otherwise no different than silver tequila.

Reposadas, are aged 2 to 9 months in clay pots or wooden barrels to impart some flavor and color to them. They are typically light amber in color.

Anejo tequilas are aged, usually in charred oak barrels, for 18-48 months and take on a smoky whiskey like flavor and dark amber color.