Cristalino Tequila

Cristalino tequila is aged tequila (usually reposado, añejo or extra añejo) that is filtered after its time in the barrel, most often through activated charcoal, to strip out the color the wood adds. It pours as clear as a blanco but keeps much of the vanilla, caramel and oak character of barrel aging, with a lighter, rounder feel. Don Julio 70, released in 2011, is widely credited with starting the style.

Cristalino isn't a separate class under Mexico's tequila standard, so the label still states the underlying age (reposado, añejo or extra añejo); check it to know how long the tequila rested in wood. Sip it neat or on the rocks to taste the aged character, or use it in place of blanco in a cocktail when you want more depth.