Tequila Reposado vs Añejo: Which is Better? (2024 Updated)

Written By Lydia Martin
January 19, 2022

Last Updated on March 9, 2024 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!

Table of Contents

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:

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?

Which is smoother Anejo or reposado?

The comparison of smoothness between Anejo and Reposado tequilas is a nuanced exploration of their aging processes and flavor profiles. Anejo tequila, aged for a minimum of one year but less than three, is often regarded as smoother than Reposado. The extended aging period allows Anejo to develop a more refined and complex character, with the interaction between the spirit and the oak barrels imparting nuanced flavors of vanilla, caramel, and subtle spice.

On the other hand, Reposado, aged for a minimum of two months but less than a year, strikes a balance between the youthful vibrancy of Blanco tequila and the more mature characteristics of Anejo. While Reposado still retains the freshness of the agave, it may lack the depth and smoothness associated with longer aging.

Ultimately, the preference for smoothness in tequila is subjective and varies among individuals. Some may appreciate the brighter and more youthful notes in Reposado, while others may favor the sophisticated and velvety profile of Anejo, making the choice between the two a matter of personal taste.

Does anejo taste better than reposado?

The comparison of taste between Anejo and Reposado tequilas is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Anejo and Reposado offer distinct flavor profiles due to differences in aging, making the choice of which tastes better a matter of personal taste.

Anejo tequila, aged for a minimum of one year but less than three, tends to have a richer and more complex flavor profile. The extended time in oak barrels imparts notes of vanilla, caramel, and subtle spice, creating a smoother and more refined taste. Anejo is often favored for its depth and sophistication, making it an excellent choice for sipping and savoring.

On the other hand, Reposado, aged for a minimum of two months but less than a year, strikes a balance between the agave’s natural freshness and the influence of the barrel. It typically has a lighter and crisper taste compared to Anejo, with hints of oak and a touch of sweetness. Reposado’s flavor profile makes it versatile, suitable for both sipping and mixing in cocktails.

Ultimately, whether Anejo tastes better than Reposado depends on the individual’s palate and the desired characteristics in their tequila. Some may prefer the vibrant and balanced notes of Reposado, while others may find the depth and complexity of Anejo more appealing.

What are the 3 types of tequila?

The three main types of tequila are Blanco (also known as Silver or Plata), Reposado, and Anejo. Each type undergoes a distinct aging process, resulting in varied flavor profiles and characteristics.

Blanco (Silver or Plata): Blanco tequila is the youngest and most straightforward type, bottled shortly after the distillation process without any significant aging in oak barrels. This results in a clear spirit with a crisp and vibrant taste, showcasing the natural flavors of the agave plant. Blanco tequila often carries a bold and peppery kick, making it a popular choice for cocktails.
Reposado: Reposado, meaning “rested” in Spanish, is aged for a minimum of two months but less than a year in oak barrels. This short aging period imparts a subtle influence of the wood, rounding out the tequila’s flavor profile. Reposado tequila strikes a balance between the freshness of Blanco and the complexity of longer-aged varieties, offering a smoother taste with hints of vanilla, caramel, and a touch of spice.
Anejo: Anejo tequila undergoes a more extended aging process, resting in oak barrels for a minimum of one year but less than three. This extended aging imparts a rich and complex character to the tequila, with deep flavors of oak, vanilla, and caramel. Anejo is known for its smoothness, making it an ideal choice for sipping and savoring the nuanced notes developed during maturation.

What is Anejo tequila best for?

Anejo tequila is best suited for sipping and savoring, providing a luxurious and refined drinking experience. The extended aging process of Anejo, typically one to three years in oak barrels, imparts a complex and mature flavor profile that sets it apart from younger tequilas.

Due to its smoothness and nuanced characteristics, Anejo is often enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Sipping Anejo allows connoisseurs to appreciate the depth of flavors developed during the aging process, including notes of oak, vanilla, caramel, and subtle spice. The aging mellows the agave spirit, resulting in a velvety texture and a well-rounded taste that lingers on the palate.

Anejo tequila is also an excellent choice for those who appreciate premium cocktails with a sophisticated twist. Its rich and complex profile can elevate classic cocktails like Old Fashioned or Manhattan, adding a unique dimension to the drink. However, many purists argue that Anejo is best experienced on its own to fully appreciate the craftsmanship and aging that contribute to its exceptional quality. Whether enjoyed as a contemplative sipper or as a key ingredient in upscale cocktails, Anejo tequila caters to those seeking a more refined and elevated tequila experience.

Why is Anejo better than reposado?

The assertion that Anejo is better than Reposado is subjective and largely depends on individual taste preferences. However, some enthusiasts argue in favor of Anejo for several reasons.

Anejo tequila is aged for a longer period, typically one to three years, compared to Reposado, which ages for a minimum of two months but less than a year. This extended aging process allows Anejo to develop a more sophisticated and complex flavor profile. The interaction with oak barrels imparts deeper notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice, resulting in a smoother and more refined taste. Anejo is often praised for its velvety texture, which is a testament to the mellowing effects of extended maturation.

Furthermore, Anejo’s longer aging contributes to a richer color and a more mature character, distinguishing it from the youthful vibrancy of Reposado. While both types have their merits, Anejo is often favored for its depth and subtlety, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate the complexities that time and barrel influence can bring to a tequila. Ultimately, whether Anejo is considered better than Reposado is a matter of personal preference and the specific qualities one seeks in their tequila experience.

Why do people like reposado?

People appreciate Reposado tequila for its unique and balanced flavor profile, making it a versatile and widely enjoyed choice among tequila enthusiasts. Reposado undergoes a minimum aging period of two months but less than a year in oak barrels, which imparts a subtle influence of the wood without overpowering the natural agave flavors.

One key appeal of Reposado lies in its ability to strike a harmonious balance between the youthful vibrancy of Blanco (unaged) tequila and the more mature, oaky notes found in Anejo. This balance allows Reposado to retain the freshness of the agave while acquiring additional complexities, such as hints of vanilla, caramel, and a touch of spice from the barrel aging process.

Reposado’s versatility makes it an excellent choice for both sipping and mixing in cocktails. Its nuanced flavors can enhance the depth of classic cocktails like Margaritas or Palomas, providing a more refined and interesting twist. The moderate aging period makes Reposado a crowd-pleaser, appealing to those who enjoy the agave’s natural sweetness and the subtleties imparted by the oak, creating a well-rounded and approachable tequila experience.

Is reposado best for shots? write 200 words

While Reposado tequila can be enjoyed as a shot, whether it’s the “best” choice depends on personal preferences and the desired tequila-drinking experience. Reposado, aged for a minimum of two months but less than a year in oak barrels, possesses a balanced flavor profile with subtle hints of wood, vanilla, and caramel. This makes it a smoother option compared to Blanco tequila, offering a more nuanced taste that can be appreciated on its own.

The moderate aging of Reposado contributes to its versatility, making it suitable for sipping or as a base for cocktails. Some tequila enthusiasts may prefer to savor Reposado’s complexities slowly, appreciating its flavors without the need for additional mixers. However, others may enjoy the balanced and approachable qualities of Reposado in a quick shot, especially when seeking a tequila experience that sits between the freshness of Blanco and the deeper, more aged characteristics of Anejo.

Ultimately, whether Reposado is considered the best choice for shots depends on individual taste preferences and the desired balance of flavors. Experimenting with different types of tequila can help one find the perfect match for their preferred shot experience.

Tequila Reposado vs Añejo, 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!

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