Reposado Tequila

What Is a Reposado Tequila?

Reposado is a category of tequila defined by its time in oak. Aged between two months and one year in oak barrels, reposado keeps the bright, grassy character of blanco tequila while gaining soft notes from wood - think light gold, vanilla, or a hint of caramel.

So, why did we call reposado the golden middle? It's because it sits between blanco (unaged) and añejo (aged for at least one year), giving it both unique freshness and roundness.

Types of Reposado Tequila

As of now, there is no official list for reposado tequila. But since we've spoken of aging, we can categorize them by that and then subcategorize them by their finish.

Short‑rest Reposado

Aged closer to the two‑month minimum, these maintain more agave brightness and citrus. They're excellent in cocktails where you want agave presence with a whisper of wood.

Long‑rest Reposado

Aged nearer to one year, these feel closer to añejo with deeper color and more oak influence. Choose these for neat tasting or simple stirred drinks.

Oak‑Finished Reposado

Producers use new or used oak staves to add vanilla and toast. This style leans toward caramel and gentle wood spice and is ideal if you like a warmer mouthfeel without heavy oak.

Wine‑Cask Reposado

Some brands finish reposado in wine or sherry casks. These versions pick up dried‑fruit, raisin or light tannin notes and work well if you prefer slightly fruitier, richer sips.

Barrel‑blend Reposado

Here's a little bonus. Some houses blend barrels of different ages and types for consistency and balance. These are reliable, predictable choices for most occasions.

Notable Reposado Tequilas

Clase Azul Reposado

A premium bottle and rich vanilla and caramel profile. This is just the bottle to bring out for special occasions.

Don Julio Reposado

This one is known for smooth, slightly sweet oak, and a clean agave core.

El Jimador Reposado

Think of this as a value option with straightforward oak notes and citrus edges. Just goes to show good and affordable sips are out there.

Tequila Ocho Reposado

A steeper price, but well worth it, this is a field‑to‑bottle single‑estate focused offering, showcasing agave terroir with subtle oak.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's so special about reposado tequila?

The time that Reposado is rested results in a unique balancing of the flavors of premium tequila. The cooked agave flavors are rounded out with more oak, vanilla, citrus, and floral flavors brought forward. This gentle rounding allows for a complexity which doesn't overwhelm, allowing for a non-abrasive, more interesting sipping luxury tequila or a more interesting choice for cocktails.

Does barrel type matter?

Yes. American oak, French oak, and wine casks each add different flavors - as you can see from the different flavors and notes up above! Used whiskey casks often give sweeter notes, while new oak adds stronger vanilla and spice.

What is the difference between reposado and añejo tequila?

Aging! Añejo tequila differs from Reposado in that it is aged for a minimum of one year and up to three years. Anything over one year and a reposado would be considered an Añejo. Añejo is also typically more suited to sipping, as it is aged for a longer period of time, resulting in more intense flavor development.

Can you take shots of reposado tequila?

Reposado is well-suited for taking shots. Its more rounded characteristics, compared to a blanco or a silver tequila, mean it's practically made for downing in one. Don't forget your salt and limes!

What mixes well with reposado tequila?

Reposado tequila pairs well with a wide range of flavors and mixers. Grapefruit soda, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, ginger beer, soda, and agave syrup are all some of the wonderful choices to mix with reposado tequila. It makes a delicious top-shelf Margarita or Paloma and can even be combined with Bloody Mary mix to make a "Bloody Maria".

How to drink reposado tequila the right way?

Reposado tequila can be taken as a shot or sipped neat, or on the rocks. By itself, it offers a wonderful flavor profile from the agave and American or French oak.

It's also incredibly delicious when mixed into most tequila-based cocktails. The distinct flavors of a reposado easily shine through mixed drinks and allow for a more sophisticated choice without breaking the bank to acquire a pricey añejo.

Should I start cheap or go for an expensive bottle of reposado tequila?

We all gotta start somewhere! Cheap tequila is often what it is. Cheap. But you don't necessarily have to go for top shelf right out of the gate. Go for whatever your budget will allow, but make sure you're skipping bottles that use artificial ingredients. Remember: price doesn't always guarantee quality!