What is Reposado Tequila?

Tequila is tequila, right? Wrong. There’s so much more to this agave spirit than throwing back a salt-rimmed shooter and chasing it with a bite of a lime wedge. (But there’s a time and place for that, too!)

There are five types of tequila: blanco, reposado, añejo, extra añejo, and cristalino. When you think of tequila, tequila blanco probably comes to mind first. In 2022, tequila blanco accounted for almost 44% of total tequila sales value, making it one of the most popular expressions.

So, what is reposado tequila if Blanco is what we all know and love? Let’s dive into your new favorite tequila expression.

What is Reposado Tequila?

Reposado is tequila that has been aged in wooden (typically oak) barrels or tanks. As it ages, it becomes deeper, smoother, and more mellow. It also develops a light golden shade. As it ages, the barrels transfer flavor into the reposado, meaning it absorbs notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. 

The name comes directly from the Spanish word “reposado,” meaning “rested.” Essentially, Reposado Tequila starts as Tequila Blanco and is aged to perfection into Reposado. If aged longer than one year, it’s considered an Añejo.

Is Reposado Tequila clear?

Reposado Tequila has a light to medium amber hue caused by the caramelization of the agave and the interaction between the tequila and the oak barrels during the aging process. The longer the Reposado is aged, the darker the hue becomes.

How long is Reposado Tequila aged?

Reposado Tequila is aged in wooden barrels or tanks for two to twelve months. As the tequila ages, the hue becomes darker, and the flavor profile becomes more complex.

What is Reposado Tequila’s flavor profile?

At this point, you may ask yourself, “What does reposado tequila taste like, and how does it differ from Tequila Blanco?” 

Reposado Tequila most commonly has flavor notes of vanilla, oak, spice, caramel, cinnamon, citrus, honey, piña, dried fruits, dates, and cocoa. When the tequila is made, caramel and honey flavors are derived from the agave plant, while piña and dried fruit flavors are derived from the cooked agave used during distillation. The vanilla, oak, and spice notes come from the interaction between the oak barrels and tequila.

Compared to Tequila Blanco, you’ll get a flavor reminiscent of whiskey or cognac with Reposado, meaning a toastier, more caramelized flavor with spicy and sweet aromatics.

In cocktails, drinks go down smoothly with reposado, meaning you won’t be shocked at the first sip since it doesn’t detract from the flavors of fruits or syrups. In fact, Reposado can enhance the flavor. Reposado Tequila pairs well with citrus in tequila cocktails or as a standalone sipped neat or on the rocks.

Curmia’s Tequila Reposado

Our Tequila Reposado is elegant and enticing. With the aromatic notes Reposado is known for, such as vanilla and spices, it’s also intermingled with toasted coconut and hints of baked apple. Curamia Tequila Reposado rests for a blend of 4-5 months in new and used American oak barrels, giving it an amber color touched by golden honey hues.

Reposado Tequila FAQs

Is reposado tequila clear?

Reposado Tequila is not clear. It has a light golden hue caused by the barrel aging process.

How long is reposado tequila aged?

Reposado Tequila is aged in wooden barrels or tanks for two to twelve months.

What is special about Reposado Tequila?

Reposado Tequila is special because of its extremely versatile flavor profile. With a smoothness that goes down easier than Blanco and a more subtle strength of the bold flavors of an Añejo, Reposado can be sipped on its own or mixed in a cocktail.

What is the difference between tequila and reposado?

Reposado is tequila, but not the silver type you may be most familiar with. Compared to clear Tequila Blanco, it has an amber hue with a smoother taste profile and notes of vanilla, oak, and spice from the barrel aging process.

Which tequila is better, anejo or reposado?

Now, this is a difficult question! Añejo, meaning “old,” is tequila aged one to three years in oak barrels. Aged for a more extended period of time than Reposado, Añejo is darker in color with a richer flavor profile. Reposado is more versatile and popular as a standalone sipper, neat or on the rocks, and mixed in cocktails. Añejo is typically sipped or used to replace whiskey in cocktails. If you need a more versatile tequila spirit to stock your bar, we recommend Reposado!

What is Reposado Tequila, if not the most versatile of all tequila expressions? Delicioso. Our Tequila Reposado is a hit whether you like pure, unadulterated tequila in a shot glass, poured on the rocks, or mixed in your favorite bespoke cocktail.