Last Updated on: 15th November 2024, 11:37 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 Herradura Reposado vs Herradura Añejo 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
Herradura Reposado vs Herradura Añejo: Comparison
Herradura Reposado: A classic, with aromas of agave, vanilla, and caramel, leading to a palate rich in sweet agave, oak, and spice. Its long, warm finish and balanced sweetness make it a versatile choice for sipping on rocks. Aged 11 months for a smooth profile.
Herradura Añejo: Showcases vanilla, oak, and caramel on the nose, with a palate dominated by oak and complemented by vanilla and fruit. Aged 25 months, its pronounced oak character appeals to enthusiasts of oaky spirits. Best enjoyed on rocks for a deep, warming experience.
Verdict: Herradura Reposado suits those seeking a balanced tequila with sweetness and subtle oak, while Herradura Añejo is for oak lovers, offering a more intense aged flavor. With a slight price difference, choice depends on preference for aging depth and flavor nuances, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Herradura Tequila Brand Quality
Herradura Reposado Tequila: A Review of Classic Elegance
- Nose: Agave, vanilla, caramel, oak
- Palate: Vanilla, agave, caramel, oak, black pepper
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Herradura Blanco
Aroma: Herradura Reposado opens with a delightful whisper of agave, followed by inviting notes of vanilla, caramel, and a touch of oak.
Palate: This tequila boasts a rich agave flavor with a hint of sweetness and fruity notes. Hints of black pepper and oak spice add complexity without overwhelming the palate.
Finish: The finish is long and warming, carrying the signature Herradura “bite” balanced by a touch of sweet oak that lingers pleasantly.
A Well-Established Reposado: While the landscape of Reposados has evolved, Herradura Reposado remains a reliable and widely available choice.
Balanced and Flavorful: This tequila strikes a pleasing harmony between the natural sweetness of agave and subtle hints of caramel and vanilla, complemented by the warmth of black pepper and oak spice.
Enjoyment Tips: To fully appreciate the flavor profile, consider enjoying Herradura Reposado neat or on the rocks with a large ice cube. The ice helps maintain the flavor without excessive dilution, tempering the heat and enhancing the drinking experience.
Key facts: Aged for 11 months in oak barrels. Historical Note: Herradura holds the distinction of being the first commercially available Reposado, launched in 1974.
Herradura Añejo: A Tequila for Oak Enthusiasts
- Nose: Vanilla, oak, caramel, agave
- Palate: Oak, vanilla, agave, oak, fruit, cinnamon
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Herradura Ultra
Aroma: Herradura Añejo opens with inviting aromas of vanilla and oak, followed by hints of caramel and subtle agave.
Palate: This tequila has a satisfyingly smooth and rounded mouthfeel. The first sip offers a noticeable warming sensation with prominent oak flavors and a touch of spice. As you savor it, notes of vanilla, ripe fruit, and agave emerge, creating a more complex taste profile.
Finish: The finish is long-lasting, pleasantly warm, and rich with oak character.
Aged for Smoothness: Crafted by aging Herradura Silver for 25 months in American oak barrels, this tequila acquires a beautiful amber color and develops pronounced oak notes complemented by vanilla and spice.
Añejo with a Focus on Oak: While smooth and slightly sweet, the oak influence takes center stage in Herradura Añejo, potentially eclipsing the subtler agave flavor some tequila lovers seek. This tequila offers a pleasant warming sensation and a satisfying bite on the finish.
A Choice for Oak Enthusiasts: Herradura Añejo is a well-made tequila enjoyable for those who appreciate a strong oak presence. However, if you prefer a more balanced expression with a more prominent agave character, Herradura Reposado, aged for 11 months, might be a better fit for your taste.
Key facts: Aged for 25 months in American oak barrels.
How do Herradura Reposado and Añejo differ?
The distinction between Herradura Reposado and Añejo lies in their aging process.
Reposado is matured for 11 months, whereas Añejo undergoes a longer aging period of 25 months.
This extended aging contributes to the Añejo’s pronounced oak character and deep amber hue.
Learn more: Herradura Tequila Website
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Herradura Reposado | $36 |
| Herradura Añejo | $45 |
Specs Comparison
| Characteristics | Herradura Reposado | Herradura Añejo |
| Type of tequila | Reposado | Añejo |
| Aging length | 11 months | 25 months |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Roller mill |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | Yes |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | No |
| Cooking method | Stone/Brick Ovens | Stone/Brick Ovens |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Triple-distilled | No | No |
| Additives | Unsure | Unsure |
| Certified organic | No | No |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |