Differences in tequila?!
Answers: What's the difference btwn gold tequila (like sauve) and the silver kind (like patron)?
Wow... It seems a few people here have some interesting thoughts... good question as there is obviously alot of confusion around this.
Firstly, both of the products you listed, Sauza and Patron, come in both Silver and Gold tequila as you call it.
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!
Cheers.
quality ..........thats the difference. the gold tequila or the quevo is the more of the bitter taste. The patron however goes down much quicker and less of a bitter taste. both have the same affect. hangover affects of patron are not close to the quevo tequila.
Patron comes in more than plata, it comes in gold as well.
The difference is aging. A anejo tequila is at least aged a year, will have a golden color and have a much smoother finish than a silver one, which is unaged, or aged for a short time and goes down much harsher.
the main difference is that gold tequilas are aged in wood barrels before bottling. the staves of the barrels have to be heated so they can be bent into barrel shape. the charring on the inside of the wood is what gives the color.
Some cheaper "gold" tequilas just have artificial coloring added.
quick tequila primer:
first of all, look for tequilas made from 100% agave.
silver/blanco- youngest, very little barrel age, best for mixing cocktails.
reposado-literally means rested, aged at least two months, but less than a year. light gold in color
anejo-the best, aged 1-3 years in oak, deeper color and flavor.
maduro/extra anejo-this is a new category, aged more than three years.
stay away from the cheap stuff.