This type of tequila can be sold in bulk for shipping out of the country, and can be bottled anywhere, including other countries where the regulations regarding agave content are not necessarily maintained. These tequilas are called mixto . After fermenting for 3 to 6 days, the liquid is filtered and placed in large copper or stainless steel stills called alambiques . The distillation process is carried out twice with the final distillate reaching 100 to 120 proof. This clear white tequila is then diluted with distilled water to bring it to the proper proof range of 76 to 90 proof.
All tequila is white when it comes out of the still.
When the tequila drips from the cooling coils of the alambique , it is correctly called silver or plata , but is more commonly called white or blanco . Most platas are immediately bottled, however, some producers allow the tequila to settle and finish for a few weeks in the tanks before bottling. Some add coloring or herbs, which give a pale golden color and then age for one or two more months. Depending on the aging technique, the tequila takes on a different flavor. The first level of aging is termed reposado or rested.