What's the Difference Between Añejo and Reposado Tequila?

Those who love tequila know that this spirit encompasses a significant variety of expressions that, depending on the process, can acquire different tastes and aromas. Blanco Tequila is just the beginning of the wonderful experiences this beverage can offer us. When you buy tequila online, you will commonly encounter Blanco, but also two other types: Añejo and Reposado. 

All tequila begins its process with the blue Weber agave plant, which, although present in different states with denomination of origin like Michoacán, Nayarit, Tamaulipas, and Guanajuato, it is the state of Jalisco is considered its home. 

The basic Tequila-making process is well known. The jimadores harvest the agave plants that have taken around seven years to mature. They trim the leaves and cook the piñas (the core or “pineapple”) in ovens. 

The pieces are crushed to extract the juice, and the liquid is left to ferment before being distilled, usually in copper stills. At this point, it can be bottled for distillation or aged, leading to the Reposado and Añejo Tequilas. The Tequila Regulatory Council classifies this spirit into five types: blanco, joven, reposado, añejo, and extra añejo. 

While the first offers much more vegetal flavors like citrus or herbs, the last provides a profile with more toasted notes or vanilla, caramel, dried fruits, and spices. That is the range you will find in terms of Tequila flavor and aroma. In short, the aging time affects the flavor of the tequila. Obviously, the longer it stays in the barrels, the more expensive it is, as its quality is much better. 

Reposado tequila has a smoother and fruitier flavor than blanco tequila, which has been recently made, as it absorbs some of the wood's flavors that can be felt and enjoyed on the palate. Añejo tequila has a richer and more complex flavor than reposado tequila because it spends much more time absorbing the flavors of the wood, giving it a rich bouquet and a more lasting taste sensation. 

What causes Reposado and Añejo tequilas to have distinct flavors?  

Reposado Tequila  

Reposado tequila remains in the barrel for a period ranging from two months to a year, depending on the desired flavor profile. Generally, oak barrels that previously held whisky are used. Being in the barrel over time gives it a reddish hue and savory notes that reflect the type of wood used, commonly vanilla and caramel. Reposado tequila is served neat or on the rocks. It’s also used in cocktails, like Margaritas or Palomas. 

Reposado tequila has a light amber color, a smooth and fruity flavor, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and wood. It has an alcohol content of 40 to 46 percent and is the most popular type of tequila in Mexico. You will find many examples in Bottle Barn’s curated tequila department, whether it’s the Arette Artesanal Reposado Tequila, the Cazcanes No.7 Tequila Reposado, or the Clase Azul Tequila Reposado. 

Añejo Tequila  

This type of tequila spends more time in the barrel, ranging from one to three years in oak. An important detail is that the maximum barrel capacity should be 600 liters to maximize the interaction between the wood and the tequila. 

After this time, the tequila emerges with an intense oak flavor and occasionally a hint of flowers in the background, a smooth mouthfeel, and a complex flavor that includes vanilla, caramel, spices, and dried fruits, as well as a much darker golden color.  There are añejo tequilas aged for more than ten years, which are quite expensive. 

Añejo tequila has a dark amber color, a rich and complex flavor, with notes of vanilla, caramel, wood, and chocolate. It has an alcohol content of 40 to 46 percent and is a luxury, served as a long drink and in various cocktails. When you order tequila online at Bottle Barn expect to find dozens of options. For example, the ArteNOM Seleccion de 1146 Anejo, the Don Julio Anejo, or the Chamucos Anejo. 

In addition, the ways of drinking and enjoying reposado and añejo tequilas are different. Reposado tequila is often served neat or on the rocks, while Añejo tequila is prepared as a long drink or in cocktails. So, next time you buy liqour online, consider adding tequila—in all its fantastic variety—to your shopping list. If you need a recommendation, just consult with Bottle Barn’s knowledgeable staff.