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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
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Best Blanco Tequila According To Some Of America's Top Bartenders
A Shot of Blanco Tequila with Lime and Salt Blanco Tequilas, the largest Tequila category, have been thoroughly explored by America's top bartenders. With the assistance of Bartender Magazine, our survey of these experts' Blanco Tequila picks has produced surprising results and a remarkable consensus on the best available Blanco Tequila. According to Raymond Tremblay, Director of Beverage at Coje Management, Lalo Tequila was the current best Blanco Tequila in the US. He noted: Lalo Blanco Tequila LALO Tequila's founder is the grandson of Don Julio Gonzalez, and this is one of the best new Silver Tequilas I have tasted. They use champagne yeast to bring out the notes of the fully matured highland agaves. It will make a fantastic French 75 if you sub out the gin with Lalo! He added: The tequila reveals a vibrant bouquet of bright citrus, floral, and vegetal notes, characteristic of the iron-rich soil of the highlands. Its texture is luxuriously creamy, yet naturally so, and the flavor profile offers a harmonious blend of cooked agave, tropical fruit, black pepper, and a touch of minerality. This is one of those perfect tequilas, but versatile enough for cocktails. His sentiments were shared by Summer Goff, Bartender, Run For The Roses, Denver, Colorado, who said: If you've been paying attention, you've undoubtedly seen Lalo taking shelves and bars by storm. One of my favorite agave products on the market, I find myself reaching for it time and time again. He also highlighted Tequila Ocho's Puntas overproof bottling: Already a fan-favorite brand, Tequila Ocho drummed up quite the anticipation for the highest-proof bottling in the brand's history. This year's 'Puntas' are produced from a single-field harvest of agaves just outside the brand's new Tequilera in Arandas. He added: Puntas' is the term agave distillers use for a unique cut of spirit that comes just at the end of the heads and the beginning of the hearts. This cut is prized and usually reserved by the distiller for special occasions. It is known to be highly aromatic and flavorful, and the purest expression of harvested agave. This year's release is bottled at 108 proof (54% abv), which means less water is added to proof down the spirit, which translates to more flavor concentration. Lala has also released a High Proof Blanco Tequila at 54% ABV. Kevin Mabry, Director of Operations, BCB3 + Bina Family Hospitality, and Stuart Weaver, Owner & General Manager, Lady Jane, also chose Lalo as their top choice among Blanco Tequilas. Weaver added, 'This additive-free tequila is what tequila should taste like.' Blanco Tequila is poured from a bottle into shot glasses with salt and lime slices. Joe Arakawa, Beverage Director/ Anima by EDO, picked Volcan De Mi Tierra 100% Tahona Blanco as the best new Blanco Tequila, observing: It showcases the agave and provides so much nuance due to its production process of being all Tahona-milled lowland agave. Cooked agave, herbal notes, a subtle brine, and so much more provide a unique Blanco experience like no other. It is an incredible sipping Tequila but also makes a great cocktail that showcases its natural, additive-free, ancestral style. Gio Olivera, Service & Beverage Manager, BACKSTAGE and Sirenetta in Hoboken, NJ, selected Cazcanes No. 9 Blanco Tequila as the top Blanco: Sitting at 100 proof (50% ABV), this tequila drinks with a nice agave sweetness, lovely floral notes, and surprisingly smooth for its proof. Tequila Fortaleza, chosen by Bethany Alyssa Nardi-Bartender at Hawks Restaurant in Granite Bay, CA, as the best new Blanco Tequila, is a brand steeped in history. Although it was launched in 2005, 'it has over 150 years of tradition behind it.' Don Javier sold the family business in 1976, but the family kept the land with their hacienda and distillery. In 1999, Don Javier's grandson, Guillermo, began the process of getting there old distillery up and running again making tequila in the same way it was made over 100 years ago – with a small brick oven to cook the agave, a tahona to squeeze the juices out of the agave, wood tanks for fermentation, and the two original copper pots for distillation. Their goal is to make the best tequila they can, and to this day, they have not changed anything. Finally, Graham Sutton, Director of Operations, BACKSTAGE, Hoboken, New Jersey, picked Casa Don Ramón Blanco, pointing out that it was: One of the smoothest Tequila I've ever had. It is fresh, clean, and vibrant, with notes of citrus, green agave, and a subtle hint of pepper. It's a smooth and crisp tequila, perfect for sipping or mixing in cocktails like margaritas. These six Blanco Tequilas are outstanding, reflecting their terroirs and the essence of the agave from which they are crafted. Several are also higher proof, providing a more intense and flavorful spirit, whether consumed straight up or in a cocktail. If you are a fan of Blanco Tequilas, especially if you consume them straight up, there is much to tempt your palate among these six, cutting-edge Tequilas, and even more to explore. For some insight into the current market dynamics of the Tequila industry and additional recommendations, see also The Most Awarded Tequilas of 2024.
