Tequila Reposado vs Anejo: How They’re Aged

Tequila is one of the oldest types of alcohol in the world, with its origins stemming back thousands of years to religious rituals and special ceremonies in Mexico. This sharp yet smooth drink was born and bred in Mexico from the blue agave plant, which grows in certain regions of  the country.

The making of tequila is considered an art, with longstanding traditions and recipes that have been passed down for generations. It did not become popularized as a distilled drink (especially in America) until the 1900s, specifically after World War II, when the demand grew exponentially. 

The process of making tequila begins with a ripe agave plant, which gets shredded and its juices extracted. It then goes through four steps before the final aging process: cooking, fermenting, distillation, and filtration. After these steps are complete, tequila is ready to be aged. 

All tequila, regardless of the type, is aged the same way. The tequila is stored in wood barrels (oftentimes oak), where it is kept for a certain duration of time. The difference between tequila reposado and tequila anejo is simply how long they are aged in the barrels. The aging process affects two things: the color and taste of the tequila. 

Tequila anejo is darker because it is aged for 12 months or longer (up to three years), whereas tequila reposado is aged for at least two months, but no more than 364 days. At the end of the day, your taste preference is the only thing that matters. For those who prefer a stronger and more flavorful tequila that can be enjoyed on its own, tequila anejo is a great choice. 

Types of tequila reposado

As we mentioned, tequila reposado is a younger variation of tequila that is aged for at least two months, but it cannot be aged for more than 364 days. Otherwise, it will move to the tequila anejo category. Tequila reposado is used in cocktails and shots, along with tequila blanco or silver. 

• Casamigos: This reposado tequila is aged for seven months. It is a light amber color, almost tan, with hints of caramel, cocoa, and oak. It is very silky and smooth. Casamigos also makes other varieties of tequila, with its silver/blanco being the most popular.
• 1800: This tequila is perfect for sipping neat. It is 80 proof and comes straight from Mexico. It has hints of fig and dried grasses that make for a deep overall flavor. It goes down smooth. 
• Espolòn: This tequila begins as a blanco before being put into American oak barrels. The barrels are charred in order to add an element of smokiness. This particular tequila is recommended for cocktails that need a little extra something. 

Types of tequila anejo

This type of tequila must be aged for 12 months but cannot be aged longer than three years. Tequila anejo can be used in cocktails that are darker and smokier, but many people swear by drinking it neat. Typically, if the tequila is darker and aged, it is served neat rather than in a cocktail.  

• Don Julio Añejo Tequila: An even bolder version of the original Don Julio. It tastes sweet with a hint of caramel, but ginger and pepper are also noticeable. Overall it is light, refreshing, and warm. 
• Patrón 7 Años Extra Añejo: This is actually an extra anejo variety that is aged for seven years. It is the rarest version this brand offers. It is made from 100% blue agave and aged in French oak barrels.  

What other types of tequila are there?

We have already talked about reposado and anejo tequila. Below is a list of the other three types of tequila and a bit of information about each one. 

1. Tequila Blanco / Silver Tequila: These two types of tequila are interchangeable. These types are the classic tequilas used in margaritas and most tequila cocktails. They are completely unaged and never see the inside of a wooden barrel. This tequila is typically made from 100% blue agave. 
2. Tequila Joven: Tequila joven is an interesting blend of tequilas. It often uses a small amount of aged tequila that is then mixed with unaged tequila for a unique flavor profile. 
3. Extra Anejo: This type of tequila is similar to tequila anejo, but it is more amber in color, and it is aged for longer. In order to be extra anejo, the tequila must be aged for at least three years but can be aged for many more years than that. The longer it is aged, the rarer the tequila becomes. Anejo or extra anejo tequila is most commonly sipped neat and without add-ins and mixers. 

Conclusion

Tequila is a delicious yet strong liquor that comes in a few varieties. It is used in a range of cocktails and mixed drinks, most notably the classic margarita and the tequila sunrise. Originally used in ancient times, it quickly became popular in the United States and Europe in the 1900s. 

The aging process for all tequilas is the same. The tequila is put into a wood (typically oak) barrel where it is left for specific durations of time, ranging from two months to three years depending on the type. If it is tequila blanco/silver, it is not aged, and the tequila is instead bottled after the distillation and filtration process. If the tequila is extra anejo, it is distilled for a minimum of three years and sometimes longer. 

Tequila acquires its flavor profile and color depending on how long it is aged. It can be anywhere from clear to a dark amber color. Gold tequilas often have a caramel color added to them, but this is not always the case. The natural color variation of aged tequila is shades of amber, not gold.