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Forbes
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Top Reposado Tequila, According To The Beverage Testing Institute
A shot glass of Reposado Tequila with salt and lime getty Eight Reposado Tequilas were awarded Gold Medals at the 2025 Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) Tequila Judging. Tequila Ocho Reposado was the top-rated reposado Tequila. Below is a brief background on each of the gold medalists, along with the official BevTest tasting notes on the Top Reposado Tequilas. Score: 95 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Tequila Ocho is crafted by Carlos Camarena at Tequilera Los Alambiques in Arandas, located in the Jalisco Highlands. Known for pioneering the single-estate tequila movement, Ocho is deeply committed to terroir-driven expressions of agave. Their reposado tequilas rest briefly in used American oak to preserve agave character while gaining subtle richness. A process that Camarena describes as 'being kissed by the oak.' The official BevTest Judging Panel described the Reposado as featuring 'aromas of vegetal agave, delicate oak, and brown banana, followed by marzipan, purple fruits, and white blossoms. Subtle floral notes come through the spicy agave elements in this remarkable, elegant Reposado.' Score: 94 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Produced at El Pandillo distillery by Felipe Camarena, G4 Reposado is recognized for its distinctive water blend, comprising 50% rainwater and 50% spring water. G4 emphasizes mineral purity and pronounced agave flavor. The reposado is aged in used bourbon barrels to develop depth while retaining crisp agave notes. The official BevTest Judging Panel described the Reposado as featuring 'aromas of grilled pomelo, white chocolate, and pastry, followed by flavors of salted cashews, caramel, and cinnamon bark. With the complexity and layered flavors of an Añejo and the minerally citrusy agave shining brightly through of a Blanco, this reposado is the best of both worlds and will elevate any well-constructed cocktail.' Score: 93 - Gold Medal–Exceptional El Ateo is a boutique tequila brand known for its edgy branding and artisanal quality. Its reposado is aged in American oak and prized for its creamy texture and gently spicy finish. The official BevTest Judging Panel described the Reposado as featuring 'aromas of caramel, sandalwood, and limestone, followed by flavors of Fresno chili, light roast coffee, and maple pancakes. Warm, satisfying and lightly spicy, this reposado will add a punch to your margarita and light on its feet richness.' Score: 92 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Seis Puertas blends tradition with contemporary flavor profiles. Known for their commitment to sustainable agave farming and local craft, their reposado strikes a balance between freshness and depth. The official BevTest Judging Panel described the Reposado as featuring 'aromas of limestone, citrus zest, and dried flowers with additional flavors of caramel corn, mango yogurt, and spiced pecans. On the verge of Añejo smoothness and complexity, this Tequila maintains its agave essence - a must-have for a fresh-squeezed lime and agave nectar Margarita.' A bottle of Reposado Tequila and shot glasses. getty Score: 92 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Patrón El Alto is a premium Tequila that showcases meticulous blending and extended barrel aging. Combining highland agave and ex-bourbon cask influence, it emphasizes fruity and floral complexity with a smooth finish. The official BevTest Judging Panel described the Reposado as featuring 'aromas of candied orange, jammy fruits, and vanilla, followed by flavors of apricots, lavender, and coconuts. Delicious and balanced agave and oak notes elevate this reposado to a pleasing sipper. Score: 91 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Distilled at Destilería Cascahuín, Siempre is a contemporary brand that showcases creative cask blending, pushing the style boundaries of Reposado Tequila. The official BevTest Judging Panel described the Reposado as featuring 'aromas of caramel cake, roasted tropical fruits, and cumin accompanied by flavors of caramelized nuts, flan with cayenne, and sweet spices. A robust, flavor-packed reposado with nice depth, length, and warmth.' Score: 90 - Gold Medal–Exceptional 4 Copas was one of the first certified organic Tequilas. Emphasizing organic agave cultivation and minimal intervention, their reposado is aged in American oak barrels for a natural expression of agave and spice. The official BevTest Judging Panel described the Reposado as featuring 'aromas of toasted oats, crushed nuts, and white tea with additional flavors of grilled pineapple, pepper, and date syrup. Toasted nuts, salted caramel, and crisp Granny Smith apples flavors will add a delightful richness to a hand-shaken agave-lime Margarita.' Score: 90 - Gold Medal–Exceptional One of the oldest and most iconic names in Tequila, Jose Cuervo's Tradicional Reposado offers a historic connection to 18th-century Tequila making. This expression is aged in American oak for several months to add flavor complexity while maintaining its core agave character. The official BevTest Judging Panel described the Reposado as featuring 'aromas of burnt sugar, apple compote, and Graham crackers, followed by brown sugar, pink peppercorn, and peanut brittle—a straightforward Reposado with sweet agave and oak notes that enhance the drinking experience. Reposados are among the most intriguing Tequilas available, offering a delicate balance between the vegetative and herbaceous profile of a Blanco, while also providing the complexity and expanded aroma and flavor profile of oak aging. Reposados can be more Blanco-like or more Anejo-like depending on the degree of oak aging. These Reposados are outstanding, offering a broad array of aroma and flavor profiles that range from the fruity and mineral-induced terroirs of the highlands to the vegetative and herbaceous character of lowland agave. Regardless of your taste, you are bound to find a Reposado Tequila that suits your palate.
Forbes
30-03-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The World's Best Tequila—According To Three Top Bartenders
Tequila has never been more popular in the US than it is right now. Since 2002, exports of the celebrated Mexican spirit have grown 180%; an average rate of 6.2% per year, according to the latest numbers from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. There are currently more than 2000 different brands crowding domestic shelves. Yes, it's an exciting time for agave aficionados. But with such a dizzying array of options at your disposal, it becomes increasingly challenging to separate the wheat from the chaff. Or more accurately, the well-matured, masterfully-distilled 100% blue weber agave from the rushed-to-market swill. Fret not. We're here to help, with some valuable insight from the experts. In this case, we've queried three top bartenders from different corners of the country who are all unified in their choice of the top tequila label on shelves today. That honor belongs to Tequila Ocho Plata, an earthy, aromatic blanco distilled from a single estate--meaning all of the agave used was grown in one designated location, not unlike a cru in wine. It also means that the master distiller behind the liquid, legendary 3rd generation tequilero Carlos Camarena, is able to enjoy tight quality control over his supply chain. To make Ocho, he relies exclusively on extra-matured agave grown in the rich volcanic soils of the Jaliscan Highlands, 'Los Altos.' This enviable base ingredient is then readied for wood-vat fermentation using roller mill extraction and then slowly distilled, twice, in a series of copper pots. It's been done this way since the brand was founded back in 2008. Camarena's attention to detail results in a lively spirit that noses soulfully with white pepper and fresh citrus zest. The palate is a medium-bodied balance of earthiness, minerality and menthol. In the finish, all that herb and earth gives way to a subtle serving of tropical fruit. It fades slowly, with purpose. And it's widely available for $43 a bottle. So there's a lot to love. But in case you're still not convinced, here's what the experts have to say… Tequila Plata Single Estate Tequila Ocho
