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Reposado vs Anejo – Battle of the Two Tequilas

Will Beck
Last Updated: February 28th, 2023

Do you want to know how the tequilas Reposado and Anejo differ? Although both brands are classified as liquor, their flavors are markedly different due to differences in ingredients and methods of production.

This begs the question of whether Reposado can be substituted for Anejo and when to buy and serve both varieties. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for premium tequila.

What Exactly Is Tequila?

Tequila is a clear, distilled spirit of Mexican origin. Experts use a distinct variety of agave plants called the blue agave, or agave tequilana, to craft this unique liquor. People refer to any variety of spirits derived from the agave plant as Mezcal. Since tequila also comes from agave, it also falls in the category of Mezcal.

What Is The Difference Between Reposado vs Anejo?

The main feature differentiating Reposado and Anejo from each other is that Reposado undergoes maturity for a short duration, between 2 to 12 months, in barrels crafted out of oak.

In the Spanish language, Reposado conveys the meaning “rested”. Owing to brief maturation, Reposado tequila has a mild flavor and smooth texture with subtle hints of caramel, vanilla, and oak.

Contrary to that, Anejo undergoes prolonged aging in oak barrels that lasts between 1 to 4 years. Hence this variety of tequila is called Anejo because, in the Spanish language, Anejo means “vintage” or “old”.

It has a more intense flavor, carrying hints of cinnamon and vanilla. Experts recommend having Anejo tequila cold on its own, so you can appreciate the diversity of its flavor. The two major producers of Tequila are Don Julio and Patron.

How is Tequila Made?

how is tequila made

The making of tequila for Reposado and Anejo is similar. The process includes six steps, which are harvesting, baking, juicing, fermenting, distilling, and aging.

The key ingredient is the blue agave which the companies harvest, and then separate the core from the leaves and roots. The main variation is in the maturation process and flavor. Read below to learn more about the details of the manufacturing process.

Harvesting

Both companies use the conventional method of harvesting the agave. They use a particular knife known as a coa to separate the bulb of the agave, which grows underground from the leaves.

Baking

The companies then bake the bulb to draw out the fermentable sugars. Initially, people baked the pinas in limestone pits. Recently, however, companies have started baking them in hornos, which are ovens lined with brick or clay, or stainless steel ovens.

Shredding

After baking, Reposado and Anejo crush the pinas and shred them to draw out the sweet extract inside. This sweet flavored juice is called mosto and can be removed using one of the two methods.

They either use an industrial shredder, which is mechanical and more effective, or a tahona, a heavy wheel made of stone that grinds the pina to remove the juice.

Fermenting

The mosto undergoes fermentation to form ethyl alcohol to evolve into a spirit. Manufacturers add yeast and water to the mosto in immense stainless steel tanks or barrels of wood where it ferments.

Distillation

After fermentation, the juices undergo distillation, which filters the extract and increases the concentration of alcohol in the beverage.

Tequila usually undergoes distillation twice. After the first time, a hazy liquid called ordinario forms. The second time produces clear silver tequila, which either goes for maturation or packaging.

Aging

This process is different for both.

Anejo

anejo

When it comes to Reposado vs Anejo, Anejo undergoes aging for up to three years in French oak casks, while Extra Anejo requires seven years. As the tequila stays in the wood for a longer time, it turns a rich shade of amber.

Reposado

reposado

Reposado undergoes maturation in wood barrels for two months to a year, after which manufacturers package it for sale. Hence, the liquor has a woodier taste and hardly any herbal flavor.

The Flavor Profile – Reposado vs Anejo

Reposado

This tequila carries a delightful oaky scent with hints of spices and straw. In terms of taste, Reposado supplies notes of black pepper and citrus fruits. Seasoned drinkers can also detect faint layers of caramel in each sip.

Anejo

Anejo Tequila and Extra Anejo tequila have a predominantly sweet flavor coming from the blue agave. It also delivers a unique aroma stemming from vanilla beans and other flowers.

Anejo tequila that ages in oak barrels have reminders of the agave plant and an underlying caramel flavor. There are also notes of Asian spices and chocolate in each sip of Extra Anejo.

What is the ABV level When it Comes to Reposado vs Anejo?

You should always be aware of the alcohol content of the tequila you drink. Consuming an excess amount of alcohol can be dangerous to your health. Tequila that has undergone extensive aging usually has a higher ABV level.

The most potent silver tequila carries 75% ABV, while Añejo and Reposado usually have a 40% ABV making them a much safer option for frequent drinkers.

However, this value can still vary depending on the company and the duration of the aging of the liquor.

Reposado vs Anejo – When to use which tequila?

Reposado

tequila reposado

This works wonderfully well in cocktails because it adds depth and sophistication to the mix, enhancing the cocktail’s flavor. It is ideal if you wish to make Classic Margarita or for mixing into classic beverages like Hennessy Margarita, Grand Marnier Margarita, or Cadillac Margarita.

Reposado also deepens the taste of simple drinks such as Tequila and Ginger Ale.

Classic Margarita recipe

Follow the recipe below for the easiest way to enjoy the revitalizing flavor of a classic margarita.

What you need:

  • 5 oz. Reposado tequila
  • 75 oz lime juice
  • 1 oz. Cointreau

Method:

  1. Line the rim of the glass with salt as it increases the sour and sweet notes of the drink itself and adds to the beauty
  2. Pour the tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice into a cocktail shaker and mix well. Also, add in 4-5 ice cubes
  3. Use a sieve and strain the mixture into a glass. Put in more ice if desired. It is best to use a lowball or old-fashioned glass to serve a classic margarita

Anejo

ei padrino anejo

Since Anejo has a more diverse and intense flavor palate, consumers recommend that you refrain from mixing it with other beverages as that would decrease the depth of its flavor.

Instead, they advise you to enjoy its potent taste on its own with a few ice cubes.

Reposado vs Anejo – Price Comparison

The prices of both forms of tequila vary depending on the size of the bottle and age. The Asombroso Del Porto Extra Añejo has a cost price of roughly $1,897, making it one of the most expensive forms of tequila.

This is because it undergoes prolonged maturation for more than three years, which improves the taste of the liquor resultantly, justifying the steep price.

Additionally, the cost of aged tequila varies depending on the company you choose and the state where you buy it from. One variety of gold tequila called Sol Anejo retails for around $300 because it ages in barrels of French Oak for five years. On the contrary, Tequila Reposado is around $36.

To understand the prices of Reposado vss Anejo, look at the table below, which compares the prices of both varieties in different brands.

Serial No Type of Tequila Volume in ml Price in dollars
1 Don Julio Reposado 750 62
2 Patron Reposado 750 $44.99 – $48.99
3 Don Julio Anejo 750 67
4 Patron Anejo 750 $49.99 – $52.99
5 Patron Extra Anejo 750 $84.99 – $89.99

Conclusion

According to experts, Anejo is the best-aged tequila in the market. It promises a smooth and stimulating experience despite the depth and intensity of its palate.

Reposado is also an excellent beverage and is more pocket friendly than the former. However, it does not deliver a sharp kick like Anejo because it does not mature for that long.

Despite that, both forms of tequila have a distinct aroma and taste that people all over the world enjoy. While comparing Reposado vs. Anejo, people consider both at the forefront of the best tequila available worldwide!

About The Author

Will Beck

Will is a true digital nomad, taking his work on the road at every opportunity. His first love is coffee, with whiskey a close 2nd. He loves nothing more than enjoying a perfectly brewed coffee with spectacular scenery whilst he coordinates behind the scenes of the Drink Stack blog!

Just so you know, if you click on a product on DrinkStack.com and decide to buy it, we may earn a small commission.


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