The Tequila Hall Of Fame: Twenty Top Reposado Tequilas

Here’s a list of the 20 frequently medaled Reposado Tequila expressions. All of them have won gold or higher awards or scored more than 90 points in at least five international spirit competitions over the last decade. Each is worthy of the Tequila Hall of Fame and each is a candidate for World’s Best Reposado Tequila. Each entry includes the competitions where they medaled, a brief note on the distillery where they are produced, and a short tasting note.

Don Julio Reposado, La Primavera Distillery, Atotonilco El Alto Jalisco (NOM 1449).

Awards: Double Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC); Gold, International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC); 95 Points, Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC); Gold, New York International Spirits Competition (NYISC); Gold, London Spirits Competition (LSC).

Founded in 1942, Don Julio is a highly respected name in Tequila, known for its pioneering spirit and premium-quality Tequilas. The Tequila is smooth and rich, with notes of vanilla, honey, and a hint of spice, complemented by oak and a warm, lingering finish.

Patrón Reposado, Patrón Spirits Mexico, Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco (NOM 1492).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; 94 Points, USC; Gold, NYISC; Master, The Tequila & Mezcal Masters (TMM).

Patrón is a globally recognized Tequila brand known for its dedication to quality and traditional production methods. The Tequila is sightly oaked, with hints of citrus, vanilla, and honey, balanced by a smooth, slightly sweet finish.

Herradura Reposado, Brown Forman Tequila Mexico, Amatitán, Jalisco (NOM 1119).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; 96 Points, USC; Gold, LSC; Gold, The Spirits Business Tequila Masters (SBTM).

Casa Herradura is one of Mexico’s most historic distilleries, producing Tequila since 1870 using traditional methods. The Tequila is rich and smooth, with flavors of cooked agave, vanilla, and light spices, followed by a warm, oak-influenced finish.

El Tesoro Reposado, La Alteña Distillery, Arandas, Jalisco. (NOM 1139).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; 94 Points, USC; Gold, LSC; Gold, SBTM.

El Tesoro is produced by La Alteña, a distillery known for its traditional processes, including using a tahona to crush the agave. The Tequila is balanced, with notes of cooked agave, caramel, vanilla, and a hint of pepper, leading to a smooth, lingering finish.

Casa Noble Reposado, La Cofradia, Tequila, Jalisco (NOM 1137).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; 93 Points, USC; Gold, NYISC; Gold, Berlin International Spirits Competition (BISC).

Casa Noble is an organic Tequila producer known for its triple-distilled spirits, which reflect its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The spirit is smooth and complex, with notes of cooked agave, vanilla, honey, and light oak, finishing with a touch of spice.

Tequila Fortaleza Reposado, Tequila Los Abuelos, Tequila, Jalisco (NOM 1493).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; 96 Points, USC; Master, SBTM; Gold, NYISC.

Fortaleza is a small family-owned distillery renowned for its traditional, handcrafted methods of producing Tequila. It’s rich and flavorful, with citrus, cooked agave, vanilla, and butter notes, ending with a smooth, long finish.

Olmeca Altos Reposado, Pernod Ricard Mexico, Arandas, Jalisco (Nom 1111).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; 94 Points, USC; Gold, NYISC; Gold, SBTM.

Olmeca Altos is crafted in the Jalisco Highlands, emphasizing traditional methods and a modern twist to create a premium product. It’s smooth and balanced, with flavors of cooked agave, citrus, vanilla, and a hint of spice, finishing with a warm, clean aftertaste.

Cierto Tequila Reposado, Tequileña, S.A, Tequila, Jalisco (NOM 1146)

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; Gold, NYISC; Gold, TMM; Gold, LAISC

Cierto Tequila has been produced at several different distilleries in Jalisco, Mexico. Most recently at Tequileña. It’s not clear where it is currently produced. The Tequila offers soft caramel and vanilla notes and subtle hints of toasted oak. On the palate, flavors of cooked agave blend with bright citrus, creamy vanilla, and a gentle touch of spice, leading to a long, balanced finish.

Milagro Reposado, Tequilera Milagro, Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco (NOM 1559).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; 92 Points, USC; Gold, LSC; Gold, BISC.

Milagro is recognized for its artistic approach to Tequila production, blending traditional methods with a contemporary edge. The Tequila is smooth and creamy, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and cooked agave, finishing with a subtle oakiness.

Espolòn Reposado, Campari Mexico, San Ignacio Cerro Gordo, Jalisco (NOM 1440).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; 93 Points, USC; Gold, NYISC; Gold, BISC.

Espolòn is known for its vibrant branding and traditional production methods. It produces high-quality, reasonably priced, approachable Tequilas. It’s rich with caramel, vanilla, roasted agave notes, a hint of spice, and some oak, finishing, with a balanced warmth.

Avión Reposado, Productos Finos de Agave, Jesus Maria, Jalisco (NOM 1416).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; 94 Points, USC; Gold, NYISC; Gold, SBTM.

Avión is renowned for its ultra-premium Tequilas, crafted with slow-roasted agave and distilled at low temperatures to ensure smoothness. These Tequilas are smooth, with notes of roasted agave, vanilla, caramel, and a hint of oak, leading to a warm, lingering finish.

1800 Reposado, Casa Cuervo, Tequila, Jalisco (NOM 1122).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; 93 Points, USC; Gold, NYISC; Gold, BISC.

1800 Tequila is a brand that prides itself on tradition and a commitment to craftsmanship. It was among the first producers to age its Tequila in French and American oak barrels. The Tequila is smooth and rich with vanilla, oak, and caramel notes, finishing with a hint of spice and a warm aftertaste.

Clase Azul Reposado, Casa Tradición, San Agustín, Jalisco (NOM 1595).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; 95 Points, USC; Gold, LSC; Master; SBTM.

Clase Azul is synonymous with luxury Tequila, famous for its artisanal, hand-painted ceramic bottles and its rich, smooth Tequila. It’s creamy and rich, with vanilla, caramel, and toffee notes, complemented by a hint of spice and a long, silky finish.

Maestro Dobel Reposado, Casa Cuervo, Tequila, Jalisco (NOM 1122).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; 94 Points, USC; Gold, NYISC; Gold, SBTM.

Maestro Dobel is known for its innovation in the Tequila industry, including being among the first producers to release a crystal-clear (Cristalino) reposado Tequila. It’s smooth and balanced with notes of vanilla, oak, and a touch of honey, leading to a warm and slightly spicy finish.

Tequila Ocho Reposado, Cía. Tequilera Los Alambiques, Arandas, Jalisco (NOM 1474).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; 95 Points, USC; Gold, LSC; Gold, BISC.

Tequila Ocho is known for its single-estate Tequilas, each expression coming from a specific field, showcasing the unique terroir of the agave. It’s rich and complex, with notes of agave, vanilla, and dried fruit, balanced by oak and a hint of pepper, leading to a smooth finish.

Gran Centenario Reposado, Casa Cuervo, Tequila, Jalisco (NOM: 1122).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; 94 Points, USC; Gold, NYISC; Gold, SBTM.

Gran Centenario, founded in 1857, is one of Mexico’s oldest Tequila brands. It’s known for its smooth and refined expressions that embody Mexican tradition. The Tequila is smooth and rich with caramel, vanilla, and oak notes, followed by a touch of spice and a warm finish.

Tres Generaciones Reposado, Tequila Sauza, Tequila, Jalisco (NOM:1102).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; 93 Points, USC; Gold, LSC; Gold, BISC.

Tres Generaciones is a premium line from Sauza Tequila, honoring three generations of Sauza family craftsmanship. It’s full-bodied, with oak, vanilla, and caramel notes, finishing with a hint of spice and a lingering warmth.

Siete Leguas Reposado, Tequila Siete Leguas, Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco (NOM 1120).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; 95 Points, USC; Gold, NYISC; Gold, SBTM.

Siete Leguas is a family-owned distillery committed to traditional methods, including tahona crushing of agave, which lends a timeless and distinctive character to its Tequilas. The Tequila is rich and smooth, with notes of cooked agave, caramel, and vanilla, balanced by oak and a hint of spice.

Corralejo Reposado, Hacienda Corralejo, Abasolo, Guanajuato (NOM 1368).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; 93 Points, USC; Gold, LSC; Gold, BISC.

Corralejo is one of the few Tequila distilleries outside of Jalisco. It is known for its unique production process and vibrant bottle designs. The Tequila is smooth, with rich caramel, vanilla, and oak notes, followed by a warm, spicy finish.

Arette Reposado, Tequila Arette de Jalisco, (NOM: 1109).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; 94 Points, USC; Gold, NYISC; Gold, SBTM.

Arette is a family-owned brand that focuses on traditional production methods and environmental sustainability. It produces high-quality Tequilas with a strong commitment to craftsmanship. The Tequila is balanced and smooth, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and roasted agave, leading to a slightly spicy finish.

These reposado Tequilas are recognized for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship, earning top honors across multiple prestigious international competitions. Each expression offers a unique tasting experience, reflecting its respective distilleries’ rich heritage and dedication. All of them are worth exploring.