Tequila has come a long way from the shot-and-lime days. Whether you're sipping an añejo neat or mixing a perfect Paloma, there's a tequila for every moment. Here's everything you need to know — from the five main types to our top picks available right now at Buffalo House Liquor & Wines in Kenmore, or for local delivery across Buffalo.
The 5 Types of Tequila, Explained
Blanco (Silver)
Unaged or aged less than two months. Blanco tequila is the purest expression of the agave plant — crisp, bright, and clean. It's the go-to for margaritas, palomas, and any tequila cocktail where you want that fresh agave flavor to shine through.
Espolón Blanco
$16.99
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Don Julio Blanco
$28.99
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Patrón Silver
$51.99
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Fortaleza Blanco
$79.99
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Best value pick: Espolón Blanco at $16.99 is one of the best tequilas for the price — perfect for margaritas or sipping with lime.
Reposado (Rested)
Aged 2–12 months in oak barrels. Reposado tequila picks up golden color and warm flavors from the wood — think vanilla, caramel, and baking spice layered over that agave backbone. It's the most versatile type: great sipped neat, on the rocks, or in a premium cocktail.
Añejo (Aged)
Aged 1–3 years in small oak barrels. Añejo tequila is darker, richer, and more complex — closer to a fine whiskey in some ways. You'll get deep notes of butterscotch, dried fruit, chocolate, and toasted oak. This is strictly sipping territory.
Extra Añejo (Ultra-Aged)
Aged 3+ years. This is the top tier of tequila — deep mahogany color, intensely complex flavors, and a finish that goes on forever. Extra añejo is sipped slowly and savored like a fine cognac. It's not cheap, but for a special occasion, it's unforgettable.
Cristalino
A newer category that takes an aged tequila (usually añejo or extra añejo) and filters it through charcoal to remove the color while keeping the rich, complex flavor. The result is crystal clear but with the depth of an aged spirit. It's the best of both worlds.
Tequila vs. Mezcal: What's the Difference?
The quick version: all tequila is mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila.
- Tequila is made from blue agave, primarily in Jalisco, Mexico.
- Mezcal can be made from 30+ types of agave and is produced across several Mexican states.
- The big flavor difference: mezcal is typically smokier because the agave hearts are roasted in underground pits, while tequila's agave is steamed.
Good to know: If you see "100% de agave" on the label, you're getting the real deal. Avoid "mixto" tequila, which can contain up to 49% non-agave sugars.
How to Read a Tequila Label
Here's what to look for:
- "100% de Agave" or "100% Puro de Agave": Made entirely from blue agave. This is what you want.
- NOM number: Identifies the distillery. Same NOM = same distillery, even if the brand is different.
- "Hecho en México": Authentic Mexican production (required for all real tequila).
- CRT seal: Certified by the Tequila Regulatory Council.
Our Starter Recommendations
Here's what we'd put in your hands based on your vibe:
🍹 Making margaritas? → Espolón Blanco ($16.99) — best bang for your buck
🥃 Sipping on the rocks? → Casamigos Reposado ($33.99) — smooth and easy
🎉 Celebrating? → Clase Azul Reposado ($199.99) — show-stopping bottle and taste
🌿 Want the purest agave? → Fortaleza Blanco ($79.99) — traditional stone-crushed, small-batch
🎁 Great gift? → Don Julio Blanco ($28.99) — everyone recognizes the name, and it delivers
Classic Tequila Cocktails to Try at Home
The Margarita
2 oz blanco tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz Cointreau or triple sec. Shake with ice, serve in a salt-rimmed glass. Use Espolón Blanco for a perfectly balanced margarita.
The Paloma
2 oz blanco tequila, 4 oz grapefruit soda, squeeze of fresh lime, pinch of salt. Serve over ice in a highball glass. Refreshing, easy, and arguably better than a margarita.
Tequila Old Fashioned
2 oz reposado tequila, 1 bar spoon agave nectar, 2 dashes Angostura bitters. Stir with ice, strain over a large ice cube, garnish with an orange peel. Try this with Herradura Reposado.
Need help picking a tequila? Call us at (716) 770-1230 — we'll point you in the right direction.
How to Choose the Right Tequila
The best tequila for you depends on how you plan to enjoy it:
For Sipping Neat
Choose a Reposado or Añejo. The barrel aging adds complexity and smoothness that makes these tequilas enjoyable on their own. Look for 100% agave on the label — this ensures you are getting pure tequila with no filler spirits. Top picks for sipping: Don Julio Reposado, Clase Azul Reposado, Fortaleza Añejo, and Casamigos Añejo.
For Margaritas
A good Blanco tequila is your best bet for margaritas. Its clean, bright agave flavor cuts through the citrus and sweetness. Our recommendations: Espolón Blanco, Altos Plata, Casamigos Blanco, and Patrón Silver.
For Shots
Stick with a smooth Blanco or a young Reposado. Avoid anything labeled mixto — it will have a harsher flavor. Budget-friendly options for shots: Sauza Silver, Lunazul Blanco, and El Jimador Silver.
Mezcal: Tequila's Smoky Cousin
Mezcal is made from agave, just like tequila, but it can use any of over 30 varieties of agave (tequila must use only blue Weber agave). Most mezcals are also pit-roasted, which gives them their characteristic smoky flavor. If you enjoy tequila and want to explore further, try mezcal in a cocktail or sipping it neat.
Tequila Cocktails Beyond the Margarita
- Paloma: Tequila, grapefruit soda, lime, and a pinch of salt. Mexico's most popular tequila cocktail.
- Ranch Water: Tequila, Topo Chico, and lime. The ultimate simple refresher.
- Tequila Sunrise: Tequila, orange juice, and grenadine for that beautiful sunrise gradient.
- Spicy Margarita: Add muddled jalapeño to your classic margarita for a kick.
Buy Tequila in Buffalo, NY
Buffalo House Liquor & Wines stocks over 80 tequilas and mezcals, from affordable mixers to ultra-premium sipping tequilas. Visit us at 1230 Colvin Blvd, Buffalo, NY 14223 or shop our full selection online with free same-day delivery on orders over $49.
