5 days ago
The Top Reposado Tequila, According To The Beverage Testing Institute
A shot glass of Reposado Tequila with salt and lime
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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.
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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.
