One of the most popular alcoholic drinks consumed around the world is tequila. You can find tequila behind almost every bar, from top hotels and restaurants across Europe to the mountains of Jalisco, Mexico. There are also several types of tequila, including reposado and blanco.
If you have ever noticed several bottles of tequila behind a bar, you have probably seen that they can range in colour from completely clear to pale yellow and deep gold. Their flavours also vary depending on their colour.
If you are in the mood for a drink but are unsure which one to choose, here is a comparison of the flavour characteristics and tasting notes of reposado and blanco tequila.
Tequila Tastes Change Over Time
Understanding a little about how tequila is produced can help you understand why blanco and reposado tequila have such different flavours. Despite the long and complex process involved in making this popular Mexican spirit, only three main ingredients are needed:
- Weber blue agave
- Water
- Yeast
So, why do reposado and blanco tequila have such different tastes and appearances?
The answer is their age.
Once the distillation process is complete, tequila is ready to be bottled. Blanco tequila can be bottled straight away because it is not aged. Reposado, on the other hand, is aged in barrels for up to eleven months. The longer it remains in the barrel, the darker it becomes and the more flavour it takes on from the wood.
This article from Cierto explains more about how tequila is made and how the ageing process influences its flavour.
What Is the Taste of Blanco Tequila?
Blanco, also known as silver or plata, is clear in colour. As it is not aged, it is considered the purest form of tequila and has the strongest agave flavour. It tastes of pure agave without the influence of ageing changing its natural character.
Blanco has a sharper and crisper taste than aged tequilas such as reposado, añejo, or extra añejo because ageing helps to soften the spirit.
Blanco has a zesty, citrusy and floral flavour. Its sharp taste makes it a good match for a variety of foods, including:
- Grilled prawns
- Oysters
- Sushi
- Young cheeses
When enjoyed neat, blanco has a distinctive flavour, and it also works very well in fresh, zesty cocktails. To discover which brands produce the best blanco tequila, check out this guide.
What Is the Taste of Reposado Tequila?
Reposado means “rested” in Spanish, which describes this type of tequila well. Following distillation, reposado is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months and a maximum of eleven months.
As it ages, it takes on flavours from the barrels in which it is stored. It also develops a light golden colour. The result is a smooth and refined spirit that often has notes of cinnamon, caramel and subtle butterscotch.
These flavours make reposado a good pairing with:
- Beef
- Pork
- Dried and cured meats
- Aged cheeses
Because reposado is aged for less than a year, it retains many of the agave’s natural flavours. For people who have never tried tequila before, reposado can be an ideal introduction. It is slightly smoother than blanco but less complex than añejo, which can be aged for up to three years.
The Greatest Ways to Savor Reposado and Blanco Tequila
Experts suggest that the best way to appreciate any type of tequila is to drink it neat or over ice. This allows you to enjoy its natural and distinctive flavours without the need for mixers. That said, tequila also works well in a variety of cocktails.
Blanco is the most commonly used tequila expression in cocktails. Fresh and refreshing drinks such as Palomas, margaritas and ranch water highlight its natural agave flavours while creating a light and refreshing alcoholic drink.
Reposado, with its pale golden colour, is the preferred choice for Mexican mules and tequila espresso martinis. It also works well in hot margaritas and Palomas made with grapefruit juice and fresh lime, particularly for those who prefer the smoothness of reposado over the sharper taste of blanco.
Choose an Additive-Free Tequila
All tequila is made using three main ingredients: water, yeast and blue Weber agave. Additive-free tequilas use only these ingredients, while many other brands include additional substances.
Oak extract, sugar-based syrups, glycerin and caramel colouring are often added to enhance flavours or make a tequila appear as though it has been aged for longer.
According to professional standards, additive-free tequila is always the better option. Here is a comprehensive list of brands that have been verified as being free from additives.
To Sum Up
Some people prefer blanco, while others favour reposado. Some enjoy their preferred tequila neat, whereas others prefer to mix it into a cocktail.
There are many ways to enjoy tequila, and there is no right or wrong way to drink it. Finding your favourite comes down to personal taste and trying different options. Sip, taste and experiment until you find the tequila that suits you best.
