Cuervo Gold tequila is not considered to be 100% tequila. It is categorized as a mixto tequila, which means that it is a blend of both blanco and reposado tequila. The term “mixto” refers to the fact that the tequila is not made solely from agave sugars.
According to Mexican law, tequila must be made from a minimum of 51% blue Weber agave in order to be classified as tequila. For Cuervo Gold, the remaining 49% of sugars used in the distillation process can come from other sources, such as sugarcane or corn syrup. This means that Cuervo Gold contains a significant portion of non-agave sugars.
One important thing to note is that Cuervo Gold is not aged. Typically, tequilas labeled as “reposado” or “añejo” have undergone a period of aging in oak barrels, which imparts additional flavors and complexity to the spirit. However, Cuervo Gold does not go through this aging process. Instead, caramel coloring is added to provide the golden color often associated with aged tequilas.
It's worth mentioning that the use of non-agave sugars and caramel coloring in mixto tequilas like Cuervo Gold can sometimes result in a less nuanced and complex flavor profile compared to 100% agave tequilas. Some tequila enthusiasts argue that the use of non-agave sugars can give a sweeter and less authentic taste to the spirit.
Personally, I have tried Cuervo Gold on a few occasions and found it to be a decent option for mixing in cocktails. Its mild flavor and smoothness make it a popular choice for margaritas or other tequila-based mixed drinks. However, if I'm looking for a sipping tequila or want to experience the true flavors of the agave plant, I would opt for a 100% agave tequila instead.
While Cuervo Gold is a popular and widely available tequila, it is not considered to be 100% tequila as it contains a blend of agave and non-agave sugars. Its lack of aging and use of caramel coloring also set it apart from other tequilas in terms of flavor and complexity.