Reposado Tequila: Why The Best Tequila is Well-rested

Have you ever considered giving your alcohol proper rest and relaxation? Distillers of fine tequilas know that spirits soften with a nice, long nap. Most tequila tasters agree that the “alcohol burn” mellows more the longer the spirit is aged. That’s exactly what “Reposado” tequilas do.

For tequila to be appropriately “rested,” it needs to sit after distillation for two to 12 months. This repose can be done in stainless steel or oak barrels of all varieties (charred, etc.). Although, the Tequila Regulatory Council requires that the tequila be rested in French oak or white oak barrels. Some distillers age their tequilas for longer, as you’ll see in our top picks below.

You will also see the term tequila añejo, which is a kind of reposado tequila that is aged for one to four years in oak barrels. These are the smoothest of all the tequila offerings.

These are the characteristics of reposado tequila.

You’ll find that the reposado tequilas are smoother than the average tequila. This softening happens for two reasons: the aging process, and the use of the oak barrels. You’ll also find that the tequila has more of a gentle amber color than the clear or golden color of the typical tequila. The amber color comes from the oak barrel. There are some other elements of the barrel that can alter the color and taste profile, though. These include using ex-whiskey or bourbon barrels and whether the barrel has been charred inside.

There’s an aged tequila for every price bracket.

The list of reposado tequilas can be quite long, so we’ve done the homework for you and picked out a few favorites in every price range.

Best Reposado Tequilas ($30-50 USD)

Aqua Riva Reposado

This tequila has aged a minimum of 6-9 months in ex-American whiskey barrels. The taste profile will include sweet caramel with delicate honeysuckle. You’ll also get some subtle flavors of agave, lemon, and cinnamon.  ($34 USD)

Herradura Reposado

This tequila is aged for 11 months in American oak barrels. You are going to experience some vanilla and butter, with some pineapple, pear, and unripe banana. There’s a drying finish with dried chili flakes that you’re going to love. ($45 USD)

Best Reposado Tequilas ($50-70 USD)

Don Julio Reposado

Aged for eight months in American white oak barrels, this rested tequila features mellow vanilla fudge flavors. Also look for some fruity tones, including peach and nectarines. Using agave sourced from the highlands of Jalisco, this  tequila is great on its own or in a cocktail. (Hot tip: Check out these tequila cocktails!) ($55 USD)

Fortaleza Reposado Tequila

This tequila is double-distilled in classic alembic stills. Then, it’s rested in American oak ex-whiskey barrels for seven months. You’re going to experience some taste profiles that include cooked agave, citrus, vanilla, apple, earth, and cinnamon. ($60 USD)

Best Reposado Tequilas ($70 USD and up)

Roca Patron Reposado

Roca Patron is aged for five months in ex-American bourbon casks. The agave for this tequila is crushed by a two-ton volcanic stone tahona wheel. The goal here is to crush the plant, instead of shredding it. The agave flavor is going to hit you front and center, followed by some vanilla, ginger, caramel, mushroom, and a hint of pepper. ($75 USD)

Clase Azul Reposado

This tequila is memorable because of its beautifully handmade and hand-painted ceramic decanter. The tequila is aged for eight months in second-use oak barrels and then triple-filtered for supreme purity. The taste profile is going to bring up agave, hazelnut, vanilla, cloves, and cinnamon. An excellent fall drink best tasted straight up. ($160 USD)

Tears of Llorona Extra Añejo

This master distiller only uses the most mature agaves grown in the Highlands. It's double-distilled in copper pot stills. Then, it's aged for six months in three distinct types of barrels: scotch, sherry oak, and finally, brandy barrels. The final product is finished in distinctive, Aladdin-shaped bottles. This is definitely a special occasion gift for the taste buds. (Hot tip: Check out these additional gift ideas to really awe your groomsmen.)  ($200+ USD)

The best reposado tequila is going to offer you more than just agave.

As you can see from the above list, there is a perfect tequila waiting for you regardless of your budget. You’re going to find smooth and softened tequilas that are going to taste great for sipping or for mixing. Sweet and fruity springtime taste profiles will brighten a warm afternoon, while muskier cinnamon and clove tequilas are going to warm you on a chilly fall night.

Questions

Question 1: What is reposado tequila?  Reposado tequila is a spirit fermented with agave nectar, then aged for a minimum of two months in oak barrels.

Question 2: What’s so special about reposado tequila? Reposado tequila is popular because it smooths out the burning sensation that tequilas can often produce. The aging process smooths out the alcoholic burn.

Question 3: Is reposado tequila better than silver tequila? It really depends on your taste preference. Reposado tequilas are going to be smoother than silver tequilas, in general. This is partly because of the length of the aging process and also because silver tequilas are often aged in stainless steel. You’ll also find that the reposado tequilas are typically light amber in color because of the barrel aging process. You may prefer reposado tequilas to sip, whereas silver tequilas are excellent in mixed drinks.