Reposado Tequila

By now you most likely know this, but in case you are new here, tequila is derived from the blue agave plant, and is Mexico's national drink.  Today I'll share with you my recommendations and picks for the best reposado tequilas.  Of course, these are just my picks based on my own personal preferences.  I urge you to comment below and share your choices with me and the rest of the world.  

Reposado Tequila Aging Process

Reposado means “restful” in Spanish, but tequila's reputation is anything but restful. This type of tequila is aged in a wooden cask for at least two months, and higher quality reposados are aged for up to 364 days. Reposado's robust flavor makes it one of Mexico's best sellers, and they're excellent enjoyed by the sip or in a cocktail.

Tequila isn't just for college students and spring breakers anymore! With the ideas, tips and delicious reposado recipes listed above, you can enjoy a great drink without too much effort.

Sip it Neat, Enjoy it Slowly

For slow savoring, you should choose a tequila that's made only from agave. Some tequilas are referred to as “mixtos”, which means that they may have as little as 51% agave and a lot of added sugar. Many experts and bartenders recommend choosing a reposado made in small batches by a family-owned distillery; they may be more expensive, but they'll taste a lot better.

Sip it With Sangrita

Sangrita derives its name from its color, and the word is from the Spanish for “little blood”. Sangrita is best paired with reposado in a different shot glass, with alternating sips of each. Follow this link to make your own sangrita, which will largely suggest that you combine orange juice, tomato juice, lime juice, grenadine, and hot sauce.

Follow the Rules

If you are a by-the-book person, follow these tips on enjoying a good glass of reposado. Pour an ounce into a snifter, and hold the tequila glassware by the stem. Enjoy the color of the tequila, and swirl it in the glass gently. Take a very small sip, swishing it around for at least ten seconds. Swallow, and repeat as desired.

The Tourist Route – NOT Recommended

If you're going to go the tourist route and shoot your tequila, make sure you choose the right kind. Reposado tequila is the best kind for shooting, in my opinion, but you'll most likely see people shooting the infamous Jose Cuervo Gold tequila, or the more “uppity” people will do a chilled Patron Silver.  I'm a fan of good tequila and largely sip it, but I won't lie to you, I enjoy a refreshing paloma once in a while or other well crafted craft cocktail if sounds appetizing.

The Best Reposado Tequila You Can Buy in 2021

This is my list, and again, your tastes and budgets may vary.  I will say that 80% of what I consume is tequila or mezcal, so I've been around the block and have sampled just about everything.

#1:  G4 Reposado

#2:  ArteNom 1414 Reposado 

#3: Fortaleza Reposado

I'll go on record saying I haven't had any of the Tequila Ocho in this expression, and their Anejo expressions are among my favorites, so I will most likely be adding this to the list soon if I can sample it.

Best Reposado Tequila for Sipping at a Fair Price

For me, this was an easy pick.  The G4 Tequila, made by the well known Camarena family that goes back four generations making tequila, is aged in both American and French oak barrels.  You'll find this sipping reposado offers tastes of cooked agave, oak, vanilla, and pepper.  Lesser featured but commonly mentioned flavors include cinnamon, minerals, (from the mineral-rich spring water used to distill it) caramel, and citrus.

Price:  $59

What Everyone Will Say is the Best Reposado Tequila

If you read the media or follow money-hungry women chasing men around their yachts, you'll often see Clase Azul Reposado tequila being called the best tequila.  While I enjoy the Clase Azul line of tequilas, it's made to be a commercial winner with brand appeal versus something more traditional that will impress the true tequila sippers.

You'll be attracted by the hand sculpted ceramic bottle, and why wouldn't you be? It's a work of art.  Limited releases and special editions are abundant, but being honest here, if you know your stuff, you'll know right away that this is an additive laced tequila.

I want to be clear here, I'm not hating on this tequila, and I'll drink it.  The sweetness is a change of pace and most purists won't touch it, but if I'm with people who are trying tequila for the first time, this is something that will get them into it, and quickly.  However, down the road they will find out the best juice is additive free, but I like people to enjoy themselves and drink what they enjoy, and there is no question that Clase Azul dominates the night life industry and has a lot of people seeking their iconic bottles. No lie, I have several in my collection and find them works of art.

The finish, being smooth and sweet, without any burn, coupled with the sugar-filled aftertaste is what will get any new tequila drinker hooked on this.