Tequila

One Plant, Infinite Expressions

Agave isn't a cactus — it's a succulent that takes anywhere from 6 to 30 years to mature. Tequila is distilled exclusively from blue agave in Jalisco: bottled clean as blanco, rested in oak as reposado, or aged longer for añejo and extra añejo. But tequila is just one branch of the agave family — Mexico's 200+ agave species produce wildly different spirits depending on what's distilled, where, and how.

The Agave Family

Mezcal

Made from over 30 species of agave across nine Mexican states. Roasted in earthen pits before distillation, giving it the smoky, terroir-driven character that defines the category.

Sotol

Distilled from the Dasylirion plant — a Chihuahuan desert succulent. Herbal, mineral, and uniquely earthy. The agave family's wild cousin.

Raicilla

Jalisco's wild cousin to mezcal, often distilled in clay pots from Maximiliana and other agave varieties. Earthy, funky, and fiercely regional.

Bacanora

Sonoran agave spirit prohibited in Mexico for most of the 20th century. Made from wild Pacifica agave on Sierra Madre slopes. Bright, vegetal, and sun-baked.

Other Agave Spirits

Pulque, charanda, and craft producers exploring the boundaries of agave distillation. The future of the category.

Tequila FAQ

What are the different types of tequila?

Blanco (unaged, crisp agave flavor), reposado (aged 2–12 months, mellow oak notes), añejo (aged 1–3 years, rich and smooth), extra añejo (aged 3+ years, deep complexity), and cristalino (aged then filtered for clarity). Dive deeper on Spirit Academy.

What makes tequila different from mezcal?

Both are agave spirits, but tequila must be made from blue Weber agave in designated Mexican regions. Mezcal can use over 30 agave varieties and is often roasted in underground pits, giving it a smoky character. Tequila is a subset of mezcal by definition.

Is 100% agave tequila better than mixto?

Yes — 100% blue agave tequila uses only agave sugars, delivering a cleaner, more authentic flavor. Mixto tequilas can contain up to 49% non-agave sugars. Every tequila on TIPXY is clearly labeled so you know what you're getting.

What's the best tequila for margaritas?

A quality blanco or reposado works best. Blanco brings bright, citrus-forward agave flavor that pairs with lime. Reposado adds a touch of warmth and vanilla from barrel aging. Either way, use 100% agave.

Does TIPXY ship tequila to my state?

TIPXY ships to most U.S. states through licensed retailers. Orders over $149 qualify for free shipping; orders between $100–$149 ship for $8.99.

Go Deeper

Read the beginner's guide to agave spirits on Spirit Academy, learn what sotol is on the blog, or find an agave cocktail recipe to try tonight.