6 Years Aged But Still Reposado? Here's Why

6 Years Aged But Still Reposado? Here's Why

From Tasting Tequila with Brad by Bradley Niccum

May 3, 2026 · 4 min

About this episode

This episode explains why a 6-year-old tequila can still be classified as a reposado, exploring the factors that influence tequila aging.

Tequila aging explained, reposado vs añejo, how tequila ages, tequila barrel size, oak aging tequila—this video breaks down why a 6-year-old tequila is still a reposado and how aging really works. Most people think older tequila is always better—but that’s not how tequila aging actually works. In this video, we break down why a tequila aged for over 6 years can still legally be called a reposado. Using El Tequileño as a real-world example, we explore how barrel size, oak type, and aging conditions impact the final product. Unlike traditional aging in smaller barrels, this tequila is aged in a massive 25,000-liter American oak tank (pipón), which changes how the spirit interacts with the wood. And because of Mexican regulations limiting añejo and extra añejo classifications to barrels under 600 liters, this unique expression remains a reposado. If you’ve ever wondered: * How tequila aging works * What defines reposado vs añejo vs extra añejo * Why barrel size matters * How oak impacts flavor This video breaks it all down in simple terms. Aging doesn’t automatically make tequila better—it just makes it different. © Tasting Tequila with Brad

People in this episode

Host: Bradley Niccum

Topics covered

  • tequila aging
  • reposado vs añejo
  • barrel size
  • oak aging
  • tequila classification

Keywords

  • tequila aging
  • reposado
  • añejo
  • barrel size
  • oak aging
  • El Tequileño

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Mexican

Products: El Tequileño

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