Reposado Tequila vs. Anejo Tequila: What's the difference?

Tequila: Where is it from?

Tequila is from Mexico, specifically from the area surrounding the city of Tequila, 65 km (40 mi) northwest of Guadalajara, and in the highlands (Los Altos) of the central Mexican state of Jalisco. Tequila is made from the blue agave plant, which is primarily grown in this region of Mexico. The town of Tequila and the surrounding region have a long history of producing tequila, and the drink is considered an important part of Mexican culture and heritage.

 

How is Tequila Made?

Tequila is made from the blue agave plant, primarily grown in the area surrounding the city of Tequila, 65 km (40 mi) northwest of Guadalajara, and in the highlands (Los Altos) of the central Mexican state of Jalisco. The process of making tequila involves several steps:

1. Harvesting the agave: The agave plant takes around 8-12 years to mature and is then harvested, removing the leaves to reveal the core, or "piña", of the plant.

2. Cooking the piñas: The piñas are then baked or steamed to convert their complex starches into simple sugars.

3. Crushing the cooked piñas: The cooked piñas are then crushed to extract the sugary juice, called "mosto".

4. Fermentation: The mosto is then fermented, using yeast to convert the sugar into alcohol.

5. Distillation: The fermented liquid is then distilled to increase the alcohol content and produce the final tequila product.

6. Aging (for some types of tequila): Some tequilas are aged in oak barrels to develop a smooth and complex flavor profile. This results in "reposado" or "añejo" tequila.

The final product can range from a clear, white spirit to a rich, golden-brown liqueur, depending on the aging and filtration processes used.

 

What are the most popular types of tequila?

There are several types of tequila, each with its own distinct flavor profile and production methods. The most popular types of tequila include:

1. Blanco (or Silver) Tequila: This is a clear, unaged tequila that is bottled immediately after distillation. It has a strong, bold flavor and is often used as a base in cocktails.

2. Reposado Tequila: This type of tequila is aged for a minimum of two months, but less than a year, in oak barrels. The aging process gives it a smoother flavor and a light golden color.

3. Añejo Tequila: This type of tequila is aged for at least one year, but less than three years, in oak barrels. It has a more complex flavor profile, with notes of wood, vanilla, and caramel.

4. Extra Añejo Tequila: This is the rarest type of tequila and is aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels. It has a rich, smooth flavor profile and a deep amber color.

These are the most popular types of tequila, but there are also specialty and premium tequilas available, such as Mezcal and Joven tequila, which is a blend of silver and aged tequila. The type of tequila you choose will depend on your personal taste preferences and the occasion.

 

And now, the ultimate question, what is the difference between Reposado and Anejo Tequila you ask? Well, we have the answer.

 

Reposado Tequila: The middle child.

 Reposado tequila is a type of tequila that has been aged for a minimum of two months, but less than a year, in oak barrels. This aging process gives the tequila a smoother flavor and a light golden color compared to unaged tequila (blanco or silver tequila). Reposado tequila is often considered a compromise between the bold, strong flavor of unaged tequila and the smooth, complex taste of aged tequila (añejo). It is widely considered as one of the most versatile types of tequila, as it can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base in cocktails. The aging process also adds notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel to the tequila, resulting in a more nuanced and balanced flavor profile.

 

How to Drink Reposado Tequila:

 

Anejo Tequila: The Oldest of the Bunch:

Añejo tequila is a type of tequila that is aged for a minimum of one year, but often for several years, in small oak barrels. This aging process gives the tequila a rich, smooth, and complex flavor, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and wood. Añejo tequila is typically darker in color and has a smoother taste than other types of tequila, such as blanco or reposado. It is commonly enjoyed straight or on the rocks, but can also be used in cocktails. Because of the longer aging process and the use of smaller oak barrels, añejo tequila is typically more expensive than other types of tequila. 

 

How to Drink Anejo Tequila:

Añejo tequila is best enjoyed slowly, savoring its complex and rich flavor. It is typically served neat, or straight up, in a tequila glass, also known as a caballito, or on the rocks in a rocks glass. Some people prefer to mix añejo tequila with a mixer, such as orange juice, grapefruit juice, or lime juice, to make a cocktail like a margarita. However, it is typically considered best to enjoy the natural flavor of añejo tequila by sipping it neat or on the rocks. Drinking añejo tequila neat allows you to fully appreciate the flavors imparted by the barrel aging process, including notes of caramel, vanilla, and wood.

 

Popular Anejo Tequila Brands:

Some popular brands of Añejo Tequila include:

1. Patrón
2. Herradura
3. Don Julio
4. Jose Cuervo
5. Casamigos
6. El Jimador
7. 1800
8. Cazadores
9. Tres Generaciones
10. El Tesoro

These are just a few examples and there are many other high-quality añejo tequila brands available on the market. When choosing an añejo tequila, it is recommended to consider factors such as taste preference and budget, as well as reading reviews and seeking recommendations from experts and other tequila enthusiasts.

 

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