Throughout the world of agave cocktails, and by extension the area of agave spirits fans, it’s blanco tequila that reigns supreme. Not solely does it type the bottom of tequila’s most beloved classics, however, for those who ask these fans, it is usually probably the most clear lens via which to know the agave plant and the spectrum of earthy, mineral, inexperienced flavors that make tequila, tequila. 

For a lot of, the addition of barrel-aging threatens to masks these flavors, requiring a deft hand with regards to marrying the vanilla and spice flavors imparted by oak to this extra linear, austere greenness. Reposado tequila is an efficient class via which to look at this perceived conundrum. Aged no less than two months, however not than 12 (añejo requires a minimal of 12 months, in contrast), the type is outlined by a producer’s means to capitalize on the aforementioned stress. So, how are a few of tequila’s most revered additive-free producers doing? To search out out, we assembled 15 reposado bottlings underneath $50 for a blind tasting. The questions that guided our course of had been, principally: Is that this good? Will we like this? Is that this a spirit that represents the class effectively? Is that this one thing you’d sip solo and combine into cocktails? Utility is vital. 

Taken as an entire, the 15 bottles we tasted signify a variety of expressions, from people who felt barely aged and thus learn virtually like blancos, to people who clearly allowed the barrel to cleared the path. The 5 we selected beneath had been merely our favorites, however additionally they supply a whole snapshot of this unbelievable vary. 

Editor’s be aware: As a result of costs differ by market, sure bottles listed beneath might retail for barely above $50.