Reposado vs Añejo vs Blanco: Different Tequilas

What distinguishes the different types of tequila? Although all types share the same origin, each variety has its own unique characteristics, from its taste to its colour and ageing time. In fact, this last characteristic is what sets apart Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo tequilas, the three main varieties of tequila.

Tequila is also a drink with a designation of origin, as it can only be produced in certain regions of Mexico. Specifically, these are the states of Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. Additionally, tequila must be made from the blue agave plant, using specific production methods and adhering to strict quality standards.

Differences between Reposado vs Blanco Tequila

In our case, both of these tequilas have the same alcohol content, 38%. However, there are differences in terms of aroma, flavour, tone, and ageing process:

• Blanco tequila, also known as silver or joven tequila, is bottled immediately after distillation and does not undergo any ageing process.
• Reposado tequila, in our case Altos Reposado, is aged in handmade bourbon barrels for between 6-8 months.

Altos Reposado has an aroma with sweet citrus notes of orange and grapefruit. Complementary notes of cooked agave and vanilla are fruity and fresh with a subtle woody touch.

On the other hand, the aroma of Altos Plata has herbal notes of steam-cooked agave and fresh citrus, with sweet tones overall.

Finally, the taste of Altos Plata is sweet on the palate with citrus notes such as lime, lemon, and agave. The aftertaste is pleasant and long-lasting.

Altos Reposado is robust yet pleasant, with tannins and citrus notes, and a long, balanced finish.

As we can see, there are more differences than similarities between gold and silver tequila. It all depends on what you’re looking for and the cocktails you wish to prepare.

But we still have one more main tequila to analyse—the most aged variety, Añejo tequila.

Difference between Añejo vs Reposado or Blanco Tequila

As we’ve already mentioned, Añejo is the tequila that spends the most time ageing. In our case, with Altos Añejo, the drink must spend a minimum of 14 months in handmade bourbon barrels. Here are some other differences compared to other tequilas:

• Its aroma features the presence of sweet cooked agave, enhanced by notes of dried fruits such as raisins and almonds.
• Its taste is both rich and complex, with a silky sensation in the mouth. The combination of woody notes, vanilla, and chocolate blends smoothly and lingers on the palate.

In the industry, it is common for this type of tequila to be aged for one year, but we extend the process to between 14 and 18 months.

Olmeca Altos, the Different Tequila

If you’re wondering which tequila is better—Blanco, Reposado, or Añejo— our answer is simple: Altos Tequila. What truly matters isn’t the type, as each one suits different specific recipes, but rather the quality of the tequila itself. Altos is a brand with the highest quality standards, and our tequilas are made with 100% blue agave, in the heart of Jalisco, Mexico.

So, whichever tequila you choose, Altos will elevate your cocktails to the next level.