Whether you're already a tequila lover or you're just getting started on your journey of experimenting with spirits, chances are you've heard of a little something known as Reposado tequila.
But what exactly makes Reposado stand out from other types of tequila?
Unlike Blanco or Añejo tequila, Reposado is all about balance. It's aged just enough to bring out a rich mix of agave, wood, spice, and sweeter vanilla and caramel notes while still maintaining the bold, fresh taste of tequila that spirit lovers enjoy.
From sipping it neat to enjoying it on the rocks or in your favorite cocktail, Reposado is a tequila that is meant to be enjoyed by everyone.
What Is Reposado Tequila?
Reposado, which means 'rested' in Spanish, is a spirit that is as unique as it is delicious. Typically, it's considered the middle ground between Blanco and Añejo tequila. This is what makes it the perfect choice for anyone who wants added complexity without the intensity of fully aged Añejo tequilas.
Reposado tequila offers a fresh, vibrant agave flavor while still having the depth of the aging process. As a result, the natural sweetness of the agave nectar is allowed to shine through. Plus, it has nuanced notes from the barrel it's aged in, making it a go-to for most tequila enthusiasts.
It's important to remember that the difference between Reposado and Añejo tequila is the aging process. While this is important for both of these spirits, añejo or extra añejo tequila is aged for much longer.
How Reposado Tequila Is Made
The creation of Reposado tequila is an incredibly delicate balance that combines time and traditional craftsmanship to create an agave spirit that is unlike any other tequila you'll taste.
Although the initial steps of the production process are important, it's the aging that really gives this tequila its character.
Production
The production process involves time-honored methods and traditions that have been passed down through generations. They include:
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Harvesting: Reposado is typically made from the Blue Weber agave plant, which takes six to seven years to mature. Once they're ready, these plants are collected by skilled harvesters known as jimadores. They carefully cut the agave plant to remove its hearts (also known as piñas) since this is where the sugary agave nectar is found.
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Cooking: The agave hearts are then baked or steamed in large ovens to change the sugars into fermentable liquids. Typically, this takes between 24 and 48 hours.
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Extracting: After they've been cooked, the hearts are crushed to release their sweet juice, which is collected for fermentation.
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Fermentation: The extracted juice is usually placed in fermentation tanks, and yeast is added to convert the sugars into alcohol. This process results in a low-alcohol liquid known as mosto and takes around three to five days.
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Distillation: The mosto is then distilled twice, with the first time being in a copper pot or column to separate the alcohol and concentrate the flavors. Distillation is an essential step in production because it purifies the liquid and results in higher-proof agave spirits.
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Aging: To be classified as Reposado tequila, the tequila is aged in barrels (usually oak barrels) for a minimum of two months and up to one year.
Types of barrels
Oak barrels play an important role in shaping the eventual flavor profile of the spirit. For example, American oak is used to add notes of vanilla, baking spices, and caramel. On the other hand, French oak is used for more refined, woody flavors with hints of fruit and toasted nuts.
In some cases, barrels that were previously used for bourbon, whiskey, cognac, or wine are also used (such as American whiskey barrels). Each of these barrels also adds its own unique flavors and notes to the final product.
Aging
The length of time the tequila is aged has a big impact on its flavor and color. For instance, tequilas that are aged for the two-month minimum tend to have a light golden hue and softer flavors, with more of the agave's natural sweetness shining through.
However, as the aging process gets closer to 12 months, Reposado tequila takes on a darker tone and much richer flavors. This includes caramel, vanilla, honey, and hints of spice.
Flavor Notes And Tasting Profile
Reposado tequila has a smooth yet ultra-balanced flavor profile. Although the aging process, types of barrels used for aging, and the region the agave is harvested from can change the overall profile, these tequilas usually have similar notes that can include:
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Caramel: The oak barrels usually give Reposado a sweet, smooth caramel note. This comes from the sugars in the wood mixing with the tequila.
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Honey: Reposado tequilas often have subtle honey-like flavors, which come from the natural sweetness of the agave plant. The taste is usually enhanced with barrel aging.
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Vanilla: Vanilla is a common flavor in barrel-aged tequilas, including Reposado. It's particularly evident in Reposado, which is aged in French or American oak barrels, giving it a creamy sweetness that you just can't beat!
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Spice: Depending on the aging time and the type of barrel used, you may notice hints of baking spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. This only adds to the flavor profile of most high-quality Reposados.
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Wood: Naturally, the influence of the barrels has an effect on the taste of Reposado. While the woody, earthy tones are more subtle in tequilas that are aged for less time, these notes are evident in almost every barrel-aged tequila.
How To Enjoy Reposado Tequila
The versatility of Reposado tequila is what makes it a favorite amongst tequila lovers and spirit enthusiasts alike. In fact, there are several ways to enjoy this delicious spirit, including:
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Neat: The most traditional way to enjoy Reposado tequila is to sip it neat. This allows you to savor the natural flavors and really taste all of the different notes as they interact with one another. Just be sure to sip it slowly to get the most authentic tasting experience!
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On the rocks: If you prefer a slightly cooler and more refreshing experience, then you'll love the way Reposado tequila tastes on the rocks. It slightly mellows the intensity of the tequila, making it much smoother. We'd highly recommend this method to anyone new to tequila.
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In cocktails: Reposado is an amazing base for a range of cocktails - especially during celebrations like Cinco de Mayo. It's a particularly popular base for a Margarita, Paloma, Old Fashioned, and even a Tequila Sunrise.
Although you can enjoy a Reposado any way you'd like, it's essential to use high-quality tequila from brands like Clase Azul.
FAQs
What is the difference between tequila and Reposado?
There is no difference between tequila and Reposado. Instead, Reposado is one of the many types of tequila that you'll find on the market. Some of the other common types you may find include:
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Blanco tequila
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Añejo tequila
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Extra añejo tequila
What is special about Reposado tequila?
What really sets Reposado apart from other tequilas is its balance. Unlike Blanco tequila, which is bottled after the distillation process (or aged for a maximum of two months), Reposado isn't as sweet. Rather, the aging process helps to keep some of the sweet flavors while also giving it a much richer taste.
Is Reposado tequila better than silver?
Reposado isn't necessarily better than silver (Blanco) tequila. Rather, it depends on your preferences. They're also used and enjoyed differently. So, while a Reposado may be best if you enjoy drinking your spirits neat, Blanco is better for use in cocktails thanks to its sweetness.
What is a good Reposado tequila?
There are tons of great Reposado tequilas on the market. But, if you want a truly unique drinking experience using high-quality tequila, then we would highly recommend a Reposado from our Don Julio or Clase Azul collections. These tequilas are well-known for their smooth tastes and quality production methods, which is why they're loved by everyone - from cocktail lovers to tequila aficionados.
What is Reposado tequila best for?
Reposado tequila is best for drinking neat, on the rocks, or enjoying in cocktails. While it is less sweet than a Blanco tequila, it can still create some mouth-watering drinks that have a unique, spicy flavor to them.
So, if you want to put a twist on any of the classic tequila-based drinks you love, then why not swap your Blanco tequila out for Reposado? You never know what kind of unique creations you can come up with!
Final Thoughts
If you're a tequila drinker and looking for something new to try, then Reposado is an amazing choice! Not only will it put a spin on your typical drinking experience, but it will truly highlight the craftsmanship of aged tequila.
But rather than picking up any old Reposado tequila you can find, be sure to look through our collection of curated spirits. Our range of tequilas includes only the best and most sought-after Reposados around.