Tequila Reposado vs Añejo: Which is Better? (2023 Updated)

Last Updated on December 29, 2022 by Lydia Martin

Tequilas might taste the same, but you will notice that each brand varies if you pay close attention. From the manufacturing process to the ingredients, each tequila is unique, refreshing, and offers its own sophisticated flavors.

We spent 72 hours researching, comparing, and compiling the similarities and differences between Tequila Reposado vs Añejo to help you decide which tequila is better!

Añejo or Tequila Reposado?

Añejo and Reposado are both famous drinks in Mexico. However, there is a huge difference between the two. Anejo, which means “aged” is generally aged for one to three years. On the other hand, Reposado, which means “rested” is aged for only around two months to a year.

They also differ in flavors, with each having a note of either vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, or other types of spices. The manner of drinking them may also differ, as they can be drunk either straight or on the rocks.

Closer Look at the Differences 

Production Method

The tequila production of reposado and anejo is almost identical. They harvest a blue agave plant, bake the core and extract them into fermentable sugars in stainless steels ovens. The difference comes in the aging process and taste. 

The manufacturers have to shred, distill, and extract the juice, then ferment it into ethyl. The distilled silver tequilas are then stored to age.

Types

There are five types of tequilas in the market. The first is Tequila Blanco, an unaged tequila distilled from blue agave from Mexico. It is usually paired with a classic margarita. 

Tequila Joven is blended with unaged tequila. The Tequila Anejo cocktail is aged from American casks and is best paired with whiskeys. On the other hand, Reposado is aged from American and European barrels for a year and goes best with a classic margarita.

Taste

The tastes between the various types of tequila differ due to the period they were aged. Gold tequilas like Blanco and Anejo have more complex flavors, and Extra Anejo offers bolder amber colors. What’s the difference between gold and silver tequilas?

Caramel, vanilla, and cinnamon notes are present in the sweet Tequila Joven. In contrast, Tequila Reposado has warm flavors including oak, wood, vanilla, cinnamon, pepper, and other baking spices and is perfect for sipping neat.

Flavor Profiles

The flavor profile of silver tequilas is influenced by the distillation process, recipes, and the aging process in a barrel.

Tequila Anejo, aged from oak barrels, has notes of distilled agave plant with an intense caramel accent. There are also spicy oak flavors, chocolate, and Asian spices in the profile of Extra Anejo. Reposado may have pepper and citrus notes (like the Tequila Blanco) and additional light caramel layers.

Aromas

Every aged tequila is amber and has a scent greatly influenced by the distillation process and how long they were aged. Tequila Reposado has an oaky aroma and has notes of straw and baking spices.  

In drinking Anejo Tequila and Extra Anejo tequila, you will notice its sweet flavor profile (from the blue agave) and its richness brought by vanilla and other floral aromas.

Aging Process

In terms of the aging process, Anejo tequila has to be aged in oaks for up to three years [1]. Extra Anejo must be aged for at least three years up to seven years. Note that this tequila will turn into a bolder shade of amber when stored for seven years or more.

Reposado also has an amber color and is aged from two months to a year in oak barrels. A tequila aged in barrels for a long time can produce a smooth and unique flavor profile.

Read: Is It Okay To Eat Tequila Worms?

Barrel Aging

Barrel aging is essential in understanding the various types of tequila. For instance, Tequila Anejo must be aged up to three years in French oak. Extra Anejo takes at least three years to seven to be aged. This makes the tequila turn amber as it stays longer in the wood.

Meanwhile, Reposado is aged in wood barrels for at least two months to a year and bottled after the distillation process. This liquor tastes woodier and less herbal because of where the tequila is aged.

Mixers & Cocktails

Various types of tequila cocktails are best enjoyed with other liquor. Relish your bottled Tequila Añejo and Reposado Tequila mixed drinks with pineapple juice, margaritas, and orange!

Your drink will turn it into smooth and vegetal flavors that will give you that refreshing night vibe in Mexico. Other types of tequila like Tequila Blanco and unaged Joven can also be mixed and sipped neat, straight, or in shots. But, how many shots of tequila will get you drunk?

Alcohol By Volume Level

Knowing the booze content of silver tequila cocktails is necessary as consuming too much may pose health risks. Note that an aged tequila has extensive booze content. 

The strongest silver tequila has 75% ABV, while Tequila Añejo usually has 40% ABV [2]. However, this still depends on the trade name and how long the manufacturers aged them. 

Price & Value

The price of aged cocktails commonly depends on the brand you prefer and the state in which you are in. Sol Anejo, one of the gold tequilas, costs around $300 and aged for five years in French oak barrels. 

A more classy and expensive one, the famous Asombroso Del Porto Extra Añejo, is roughly $1,897. Tequila Reposado costs around $36, and Tequila Fortaleza is approximately $50. 

Also Read:

• Tequila – Stimulant or Depressant?
• What’s the Best Inexpensive Tequila For Shots?
• Casamigos Blanco & Reposado Compared
• Is Adictivo Tequila Any Good?
• Are There Really Tequila Worms?

How Are Tequila Reposado & Añejo Similar? 

• They undergo the same production method as Tequila Joven and Blanco. 
• They are from a blue agave plant and are extracted from the core. 

• They are aged tequila fermented into ethyl alcohol to add some spirit. 
• They can be used in mixed drinks like margaritas and other aged cocktails.

FAQs 

Is Añejo stronger than Tequila Reposado?

Tequila Anejo is stronger than Reposado since it is aged for a year and more, while the latter tequila is only aged for at least two months up to one year. Extra Anejo is bolder because it is aged for a minimum of three years and above. [3]

Is Reposado or Añejo better for sipping?

Reposado is better for sipping neat when compared to Tequila Anejo. The second tequila is too strong to drink neat because of its rich and dark smooth flavors, even with a tinge of fruitiness. But which anejo tequila is good for sipping?

And the Winner Is…

After 72 hours of careful evaluation, our team has decided that the best-aged tequila is Tequila Anejo! It gives a smooth and invigorating texture despite the boldness and strength in its flavors and aroma. 

Tequila Reposado is also a great tequila and is more affordable than the first one. However, unlike Tequila Anejo, you cannot expect it to be as bold because it was aged for only a short time.

From using it to create different recipes to consuming it neat, Añejo truly has a distinct spice and aroma that remains unmatched, making it one of the best spirits in the market today! 

References:

1. https://fortune.com/2015/03/25/tequila-age-pernod-patron/
2. https://www.britannica.com/topic/tequila-distilled-liquor
3. https://www.eater.com/22649062/tequila-101-guide-well-silver-reposado-anejo