Silver Tequila VS. Gold Tequila

If you’ve ever enjoyed tequila on a beach in Mexico or ordered it at a bar, you’ve probably seen that most people classify the spirit into two categories—unaged (silver tequila) and aged (reposado, añejo and extra añejo tequilas). Occasionally, another category gets thrown into the mix—gold tequila. Let’s discuss what these terms actually mean, and what sets the different types apart: from their suitability for margaritas to taste.

The Difference Between Silver and Gold Tequila

Silver tequila, also known as blanco, is typically clear and unaged, making it ideal for those who appreciate a crisp and clean taste. Gold tequila refers to unaged tequila with some caramel coloring added.

Is Silver or Gold Better for Margaritas?

So, should you reach for a bottle of silver tequila or gold tequila the next time you make margaritas? Here at PATRÓN Tequila, we are dedicated to making our spirits without the addition of sugars, textural enhancers, flavorings or colors. We, therefore, do not recommend using gold tequila, as it adds caramel coloring to your cocktails.

When most people think of a classic margarita, the pure agave flavor of silver comes to mind, like in the PATRÓN Perfect Margarita. But if you’re looking to mix up your margarita, aged tequilas like PATRÓN Reposado, can add a depth of flavor to the classic cocktail. For those looking for a more adventurous variation, the PATRÓN Reposado Spicy Margarita is a perfect balance of oak, agave and heat.

Gold Tequila: What Does it Really Mean?

When some people hear gold, they think of aged: reposado or añejo. But again, a lot of what is labeled as gold is actually an unaged tequila with caramel coloring added. Typically, these are also mixto tequilas, meaning not all of the sugars were derived from the agave plant.

At PATRÓN Tequila, we are dedicated to crafting tequila with only three ingredients—water, yeast and 100% Weber Blue Agave—and we therefore don’t make gold tequilas. But what sets these tequilas apart from  a taste standpoint? Let’s discuss the flavor differences between silver tequilas, gold tequilas and aged tequilas.

Silver VS. Gold VS. Aged: How Do They Taste?

Known for its crisp, fresh taste, silver tequila features flavor notes such as citrus, agave and herbs, culminating in a clean, light peppery finish. This makes it a popular choice for margaritas and other tequila-based cocktails.

Gold tequila has notes of caramel. Oftentimes, gold tequilas can be sweeter because they have added color and sweetener, and therefore, they are not as ideal for sipping as additive-free tequilas.

In aged tequilas, expect notes of vanilla and oak, alongside the distinctive sweetness of agave. The aging process imparts a smoothness and depth to the tequila, making it an excellent choice for sipping.

You may be wondering, is gold tequila stronger than silver? What about aged tequila—does the aging process increase strength? They all have a minimum alcohol by volume of 40% so there isn’t one that is necessarily stronger. However, aged tends to have a richer, more complex flavor profile. As it ages, it absorbs the rich characteristics of the wood from the barrels, imbuing the tequila with a unique depth and smoothness alongside its cherished golden hue.

So What is Better: Silver VS. Gold VS. Aged?

The matter of silver versus gold versus aged is all about personal preference, and the endless amount of options can be overwhelming. Even within the aged category, there are marked differences. Reposado is aged at least two months while extra añejo is aged for a minimum of three years. Reposado will taste more like a balance of fresh agave and oak, while others like PATRÓN Extra Añejo, will have a richer, deeper taste of cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and light agave. The best way to figure out your tequila of choice is to experiment with both sipping and cocktails.

Here at PATRÓN Tequila, we recommend staying away from gold and the added caramel colorings that can come with it. Our advice is to stick with the simplicity of silver tequila and the richness of aged tequila. The best choice is always the one that honors the true flavor of the agave.