When it comes to tequila, you have probably come across Añejo and Reposad. Both are great types of tequila, but their differences can be confusing. By understanding those differences, you can elevate your tequila experience, whether drinking it neat or mixing it into your favourite cocktails.
Añejo tequila is aged for at least one year, which allows it to develop deep, rich flavours that showcase the oak barrels it is aged. This results in a smoother, more complex taste, often with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. Reposado tequila is aged for a shorter period, usually between 2 months to a year, which gives it a balanced profile with both the bright agave flavour and subtle oak influence.
So why not make this drinking experience more amazing by knowing the major difference between these tequilas? This will not only help you make the most of the drink but will also assist you in developing your taste in alcohol.
Añejo Tequila
Añejo is a tequila that is aged in oak barrels for at least one year, but usually, it is aged between one to three years. The ageing gives Añejo tequila its rich deep flavours, often with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. The longer the tequila is aged, the smoother and more complex it gets, perfect for sipping neatly or in high-end cocktails. Añejo tequilas have a darker amber colour and smooth finish as the ageing mellows and develop flavours.
Image Credit: Freepik
Reposado Tequila
Reposado, meaning 'rested' in Spanish, is aged for a shorter period, usually between 2 months and 1 year. This ageing gives it a smoother texture and a balanced flavour that has both the natural bright, citrusy notes of fresh agave and the rich, woody flavours from the oak barrel. Reposado tequilas have a lighter golden colour compared to Añejo and their flavour profile is more approachable, with mild spice and subtle oak influence, perfect for cocktails like margaritas and sipping.
Image Credit: Freepik
Differences Between Añejo And Reposado
Ageing
Añejo is aged in oak barrels for at least 1 to 3 years, resulting in deeper, more complex flavours and a smoother finish. Whereas Reposado is aged for a shorter time of 2 months to 1 year in oak barrels. It has a balanced taste with agave freshness and light oak influence.
Image Credit: Freepik
Flavour
The longer ageing process allows Añejo to develop rich flavours, including vanilla, caramel, toffee, and oak. Whereas Reposado has a lighter flavour than Añejo. It keeps the bright agave flavours and subtle oak, light vanilla, and spice. It is a balance between unaged tequila and aged spirits.
Image Credit: Freepik
Colour
Añejo tequila is much darker, from golden amber to deep copper; the longer ageing time in oak barrels gives it a deeper colour. Reposado tequila is golden, usually lighter than Añejo; since it spends less time in the barrels, it is pale gold with some amber undertones.
Taste Profile
With its long ageing process, Añejo tequila is very smooth and full-bodied. The flavours are well integrated and contain elements like dried fruits, dark chocolate and wood. Reposado is lighter and more delicate, with a good balance of agave sweetness and oak. It is less intense than Añejo but still has richness and spice.
Image Credit: Freepik
Best Use
Añejo tequila is best sipped neat or on the rocks to enjoy all the flavours. It is also used in premium cocktails that highlight the tequila, like a tequila old-fashioned. Reposado is versatile and is used for cocktails, especially where you want a balance of smooth agave flavour and light oak influence. It works great in margaritas, tequila sunrises, palomas, or for sipping.
Image Credit: Freepik
Sipping Experience
Añejo tequilas are sipping tequilas, and it has smooth, complex, and rich flavours which are perfect for slow and thoughtful sipping. The longer ageing process gives it a premium drinking experience. Reposado tequilas are sipping and mixing spirits; they are lighter but still flavourful. They are versatile options that work in cocktails and hold up when sipped.
Image Credit: Freepik
Añejo is more expensive due to the longer ageing process, Reposado is a great value with a lower price. Whether you like a cocktail or prefer to sip neat, both types of tequila bring something special for tequila lovers.