Sierra Reposado is a mixto-category tequila from Jalisco, Mexico, rested in oak barrels that give it a golden hue and a sweeter, mellower character than the Silver expression. The spirit is produced at the Destilerías Sierra Unidas distillery in Guadalajara, in the state of Jalisco, and the brand is part of the Stock Spirits group portfolio.
The foundation of all Sierra tequilas is the Mexican blue variety of Agave tequilana Weber, also known as blue agave or agave azul. The plants are cultivated in the valleys and highlands around Guadalajara, where they grow at an altitude of around 1,600 metres, in a region renowned for its mineral-rich red soil and a climate favourable to agave azul. It is worth adding the legal context of the category: tequila must contain at least 51% agave juice, while Sierra tequilas contain over 75%.
The production process is based on double distillation. Sierra Tequila Reposado is traditionally distilled twice in copper pot stills, then matured for nine months in toasted oak barrels, which gives it a lustrous, golden colour. Ex-American bourbon casks are used – Sierra employs American bourbon barrels, which lend the tequila a mellower and sweeter character while retaining the brand's characteristic fruitiness.
The profile is dominated by notes derived from oak ageing. The fresh fruitiness of Sierra Tequila Reposado carries delicate accents of vanilla, caramel and herbs, along with aromas of bourbon, smoke and wood. The colour is pale gold, and on the palate there is an elegant presence of wood, herbs and vanilla, together with sweet, fruity notes of orange and caramel. The spirit is bottled at 38%. It works well neat, served in a classic Mexican caballito, as well as a cocktail base, including in Margaritas and Palomas.