Last Updated on: 5th April 2024, 11:01 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Cabo Wabo Blanco vs Cabo Wabo Reposado in this in-depth comparison and decide which Tequila is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Cabo Wabo Blanco vs Cabo Wabo Reposado: Head-to-Head
Cabo Wabo Blanco: Alcoholic and agave presence with citrus and smoke hints. Offers a spicy, peppery taste with a long finish. Best in cocktails, adding depth to Margaritas.
Cabo Wabo Reposado: Smooth with oak, vanilla, and cocoa notes. Light body with a warm, caramel finish. Ideal for mixed drinks, providing a subtle complexity.
Verdict: Cabo Wabo Blanco and Cabo Wabo Reposado each bring their own flair to tequila-based cocktails, with the Blanco offering boldness and the Reposado delivering smoothness and subtlety. Both are valuable additions to a cocktail enthusiast’s collection, catering to different preferences in drink crafting, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Is Cabo Wabo a Premium Tequila?
Cabo Wabo: A Tequila with Fire and Flavor
- Nose: Alcohol, agave, citrus, smoke
- Palate: Alcohol, agave, black pepper, citrus
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver
Bold Aroma: Cabo Wabo opens with a strong alcoholic note, which mellows with time, revealing a complex blend of agave, citrus, and smoky hints.
Spicy Start: The first sip delivers an undeniable warmth, transitioning into prominent agave and black pepper flavors with a touch of orange.
Long, Peppery Finish: The finish is long and lingering, leaving behind a noticeable peppery sensation.
A Unique Appeal: Cabo Wabo offers a distinct character, defined by its heat and peppery notes. While not necessarily known for smoothness, it is not of poor quality. Enjoying it over ice helps tame the initial intensity, creating a more balanced experience.
Cocktail Champion: Cabo Wabo’s true potential shines in cocktails, particularly Margaritas. Its warmth and peppery character add a lively and punchy dimension to mixed drinks.
Beyond the Bottle: Launched in 1996 by Sammy Hagar (Van Halen), Cabo Wabo holds the title of the first celebrity tequila. Today, the brand belongs to the Campari group, which also owns Espolon Tequila.
Cabo Wabo Reposado: Smooth Tequila for Mixing Magic
- Nose: Oak, agave, vanilla
- Palate: Agave, black pepper, oak, cocoa powder
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Hornitos Reposado
Aroma: Cabo Wabo Reposado greets the nose with a subtle oak scent, interwoven with distinct agave notes and a hint of vanilla.
Taste: While the body is somewhat light, the tequila offers upfront flavors of agave and black pepper, followed by a combination of sweet wood and cocoa.
Finish: The moderately long finish leaves a pleasing warmth with lingering notes of oak spice and caramel.
A Mixing Master: While Cabo Wabo Reposado provides a smooth and enjoyable experience, its lighter body makes it a better choice for mixed drinks than sipping neat.
Value Consideration: It’s important to note that at its price point, other Reposados, like Espolon Reposado (crafted at the same distillery), offer similar taste profiles and greater value.
Cabo Wabo Reposado facts: Aged for 4 to 6 months in American oak barrels, crafted at the Campari Distillery in Jalisco, Mexico, alongside Espolon Tequila.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Cabo Wabo Blanco | $37 |
| Cabo Wabo Reposado | $42 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | Cabo Wabo | Cabo Wabo |
| Type of tequila | Blanco | Reposado |
| Aging length in months | None | 4-6 |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Roller mill |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | Yes |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | No |
| Cooking method | Autoclave | Autoclave |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Additives | Unlikely | Unsure |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |