Difference Between Anejo and Reposado

Anejo vs Reposado

Anejo and reposado are different Tequila. They are agaves based spirits that is mainly fermented in Tequila city. Though the two spirits are Tequila, they are different in their fermentation, colour and even flavour.

One of the main differences that can be noticed between anejo and reposado is in the aging period. Anejo means vintage or aged and reposado means rested. Anejo is aged more than reposado. When Anejo is aged for minimum one year and not more than three years, reposado is aged just for a minimum two months and not more than a year.

Even in the oak barrels used for keeping the drinks for aging, there is difference. Anejo is kept in small barrels whereas reposado is kept in all types of barrels.
Reposado can be kept in barrels having a capacity of 20,000 litres. On the other hand, Anejo are just kept in barrels that can hold 600 litres.

Oaks from Canada, U S and France are preferred in making reposado. Some companies are known to use barrels that have been used for aging other alcohols like wine, whiskey or scotch. Some people even use barrels made of charred oak to get a smoky flavour. New barrels are also used for aging reposado so that it gets a woody flavour.

When looking at anejo, barrels used come from bourbon or whiskey distilleries and Jack Daniels barrels. As Anejo is more aged, it comes in a complex flavour unlike the Reposado that has a mellow oak flavour

It can also be seen that Anejo comes in darker colour than Reposado. This is because Anejo is aged more. Reposado has a slight yellow colour when compared to the brownish colour of Anejo.

Summary

1. Anejo means vintage or aged and reposado means rested.
2. When Anejo is aged for a minimum one year and not more than three years, reposado is aged just for a minimum two months and not more than a year.
3. Anejo is kept in small barrels whereas reposado is kept in all types of barrels. Reposado can be kept in barrels having a capacity of 20,000 litres. On the other hand, Anejo are just kept in barrels that can hold 600 litres.
4. As Anejo is more aged, it comes in a complex flavour unlike the Reposado that has a mellow oak flavour.
5. Reposado has a slight yellow colour when compared to the brownish colour of Anejo.