What is Reposado Tequila? Answered (2023 Updated)
Last Updated on November 5, 2023 by Lydia Martin
Tequila is a distilled spirit made from Azul weber agave, and it is well loved for its complexity, versatility, and culture.
There are different types of tequila: Blanco, Extra Añejo, Añejo, and Reposado, but what is Reposado tequila, and how is it different from other tequilas?
Let’s dig deeper to know more.
Understanding Reposado Tequila
Reposado is a Blanco (white) tequila aged for a minimum of two months in oak barrels for a complex flavor profile.
Unlike other tequilas, it should be aged up to eleven months to absorb the oak barrels’ flavor, aroma, and color.
Reposado tequila is a versatile spirit, but most people love to use it in their cocktails because of its unique flavor profile.
What Does Reposado Mean?
Reposado is a Spanish word that means “rested.” The term reposado is commonly used for tequila or mezcal, aged for two months but not more than one year in oak barrels.
Technically, Reposados are just Blancos, but it is rested inside a barrel, and as it ages for no longer a year, they will develop a different flavor profile and appearance.
Interesting Facts
How It Tastes
The aging process affects the taste of the tequila, so you can expect that Reposado tequila is different from Blanco tequila and other types of tequilas.
Since it is aged in barrels (usually American and French), you can taste the flavors of agave and minor oak barrel notes.
Reposado tequila is easier on the palate than Blanco and has caramel and vanilla notes but is not overpowering.
It has a unique blend of citrus flavor, some cocoa, and herbs that complement well with mixed drinks.
How Long It’s Aged
Reposado tequila is aged anywhere from two to eleven months in oak barrels. It should not be aged for a year because it will be considered an añejo tequila.
Reposado tequilas are aged in American or French oak barrels to mellow and have a deeper and more complex flavor profile. The aging process in oak barrels also affects the spirit’s appearance, so you will notice that it has a golden color/hue.
How It’s Made
Reposado tequila is made from a blue agave plant, and the piña or heart is baked or cooked so it would be easier to extract the agave juice. After the juices are extracted, they will be fermented before it is distilled twice to remove the impurities.
The finished product is a Blanco tequila, and for it to become a Reposado, it should be rested in oak barrels for at least two to eleven months.
The aging process will give a golden color and unique characteristics of a Reposado.
Is Reposado Tequila 100% Agave?
Most Reposado tequilas are made from 100% agave, but not all. There are two categories of tequila: 100% agave and mixtos.
Reposado tequilas made from 100% are pure and are high quality, while mixtos are legally considered tequila as long as it contains 51% blue agave.
If you want to ensure that you are drinking a Reposado tequila with 100% agave, check the label of the bottle, as it should contain “100% agave” or “100% puro agave” [1].
If it is labeled “Made with agave,” it is a mixto.
How Do You Drink It?
Reposado tequila is a versatile spirit, so you can drink it neat, on the rocks, or as a base liquor for cocktails.
Most people love to consume it neat, but most bartenders prefer to use it as a cocktail base.
Reposado tequila makes a great margarita, but it is a versatile spirit so that you can mix it with other complex spirit-forward drinks.
What Mixes Well With Reposado Tequila?
Reposado tequila is a complex spirit, and it mixes well with grapefruit juice, citrusy sodas, orange juice, pineapple juice, and agave syrup.
Citrus juice compliments well with the flavor profile of aged tequila, plus it is refreshing to drink. Moreso, you can pair it with sparkling water and club soda.
But does tequila give you a hangover?
FAQs
Is Reposado tequila better for Margaritas than Blanco tequila?
Yes, Reposado tequila makes better margaritas. Blanco tequila makes margarita clean and agave-forward, but Reposado tequila makes it smoother and more flavorful.
Is Reposado a sipping tequila?
Yes, Reposado is a sipping tequila. Based on Walter Easterbrook of Arte Agave, Reposado has more spice and sweet aromatics that you can enjoy neat.
In Summary
Reposado tequila is a versatile spirit aged two to eleven months in oak barrels. The flavor and appearance are directly proportional to the aging period of tequila, so you will notice that it has a light gold appearance.
Reposado tequila is an aged Blanco tequila, and its aging process makes the spirit deeper, complex and mellow.
Aside from the agave taste, Reposado features a caramel and vanilla flavor as it is rested in oak barrels for less than a year.
Reference:
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-tequila-is-produced-4064741
