If you’re looking for the best tequila, you’ll want to know what to look for. Not all tequilas are created equal, there is a big difference between the top shelf and bottom shelf varieties.
What is considered top-shelf tequila? The best top-shelf tequila is Extra Anejo. This style of tequila is aged for a minimum of three years and often has a sweet, oaky taste. This is made from agave and has many health benefits such as reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and relieving pain.
This article will discuss what is considered the best top-shelf tequila and why and its health benefits.
Extra Anejo Tequila
Extra Anejo tequila is the category of highest-quality, aged tequilas. These are made from 100% blue agave and can only be produced in limited quantities.
They must be aged for a minimum of three years, but most often they are aged for much longer usually in oak barrels. Most distillers utilize a variety of wood barrels to age extra Anejo tequila, but American and French oak are the most preferred.
Ingredients Used in Extra añejo Tequila
The ingredients in extra anejo tequilas are pure 100% blue agave and oak barrels. These can be enjoyed either neat (on their own) or with a mixer such as orange juice if you prefer cocktails over straight shots.
The main ingredient is the blue agave plant, which has been grown for centuries in Mexico. The other ingredients are water and yeast (for fermentation). They can also have oak barrels used during the aging process that contribute to their unique flavor profiles.
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Reasons Why Extra anejo Is the Best Tequila
Extra Anejo is considered the best tequila because of its smooth and rich flavor profile. The aging process allows for a mellow, oak-infused flavor and aroma that has been compared to bourbon or scotch whisky. It also develops an amber color from being aged in wooden barrels.
Smooth and Rich Flavor Profile
The aging process allows for a mellow, oak-infused flavor and aroma that has been compared to bourbon or scotch whisky. It also develops an amber color from being aged in wooden barrels.
The Process of Production of Extra Anejo
The aging process for these tequilas must be a minimum of three years, but most often they are aged for much longer. The longer aging process allows for the development of more complex flavors and a smoother taste.
The tequila is also blended with different woods during the barrel aging, which contributes to the unique flavor profile.
Raptis says “Time is something that doesn’t come easy – it’s a luxury to have.”
The Packaging of Extra Anejo
The packaging for these tequilas is also unique. They are often packaged in hand-blown glass bottles or decanters. This helps to showcase the beautiful amber color of the liquor and allows you to see the intricate details of the aging process.
Taste of Extra Anejo
The taste of Extra Anejo tequilas is unlike any other type of tequila. They are rich, smooth, and have a complex flavor profile that is sure to impress even the most discerning palate.
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Health Benefits of Extra Anejo Tequila
Extra Anejo tequila is not only a delicious drink, but it also has some health benefits. The majority of higher-end tequilas from Mexico are made entirely of fermented agave. Agave juice includes sugars that appear to have a variety of health benefits
Lowering Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Studies have found that tequila can help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This is due in part to the natural sugars found in agave plants, which are used for making this drink. It does this by relaxing the smooth muscles in your arteries and allowing them to dilate.
Lowering Weight
Agave is high in agavins, which are a form of sugar. According to preliminary studies, agavins may operate or function similarly to dietary fiber, which means they are not digested and absorbed in the same way as most sugars.
As a result, agavins may not affect blood glucose levels or provide calories in the diet.
Improve Bone Health and Density
Extra Añejo tequila also has some benefits for bone health and density. This is due to the high levels of calcium found in agave plants. Tequila can help to improve the absorption of calcium into the bones, which can lead to stronger bones and a reduced risk of fractures.
Helps Treat Colds the Flu, and Other Types of Infections
Tequila can also help treat colds, the flu, and other types of infections. This is due to the high levels of potassium found in agave plants which are used for making this drink.
Helps to Reduce Pain
Tequila can also help to reduce pain. This is due to the compounds found in agave plants that have anti-inflammatory properties. These can help to reduce inflammation in the body and lead to a reduction in pain symptoms.
Improve Digestion
Agave includes chemicals that may help with digestion by fostering a healthy gut microbiota, which is a community of good bacteria. This is because agave includes fructans and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which appear to operate as prebiotics, according to a 2016 article.
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Nutrition Facts of Extra Anejo Tequila
Extra Anejo tequila contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health.
The most significant ones in terms of their concentration or percentage by weight (as a proportion) include potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron zinc thiamine riboflavin niacin vitamin C pantothenic acid folate biotin, and pyridoxine
- Calories: 97
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0.42mg
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Alcohol: 14g
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Other Types of Tequila You Can Enjoy
There are many other types of tequila besides extra anejo. They include silver, gold, reposado (aged), Blanco (white), and Joven (young). The most common type is silver or plate which has been aged for less than two months.
Gold tequilas have been aged longer than three years but less than one year while reposados tend to be around six months old with some variation in age depending on the brand.
The taste profile of these different varieties can range from dry and nutty to sweet with notes of fruit like banana or pineapple plus spice flavors like cinnamon clove vanilla orange zest coconut lime juice lemon peel coriander seed jalapeno pepper cilantro leaf.
LEARN MORE: What Does Tequila Taste Like?
Conclusion
To conclude, Extra Anejo tequila is a luxurious and delicious drink that has many health benefits. It contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health.
It can help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, improve bone health and density, reduce pain symptoms, and improve digestion.
So next time you’re looking for something special to drink, why not reach for an extra añejo tequila? You won’t be disappointed!
