Camarena Reposado 750ML is a 100% blue agave reposado tequila from the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof). Aged for 60 days in Tennessee whiskey barrels — an uncommon choice in the reposado category — this expression earned a Silver Medal and 87 points at the 2024 Bartender Spirits Awards.Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof) | Origin: Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico | Reposado — Aged 60 Days | Distillery: Casa Tequilera Herencia de Los Altos (NOM 1596)Production & HeritageCamarena Reposado is produced at Casa Tequilera Herencia de Los Altos, S.A. de C.V. (NOM 1596 CRT), a distillery located just southeast of Arandas in Jesús María, Jalisco — deep in the highland region known locally as Los Altos. The tequila is made from 100% blue Weber agave sourced from this elevated terrain, where red iron-rich soils and cooler temperatures produce agave plants with higher sugar content. What distinguishes this reposado from many competitors is its 60-day rest in Tennessee whiskey barrels, which imparts a particular sweetness and subtle char influence rarely found in the category.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with a medium-light fragrance of cooked agave and fresh pear, followed by hints of apple and soft vanilla. A gentle undercurrent of oak and mild spice rounds out the bouquet without overpowering the agave character.Taste: On the palate, natural agave sweetness arrives first, transitioning into creamy vanilla and caramel at the mid-palate. Toasted oak, cinnamon, and a touch of dark chocolate emerge as the tequila develops, with a peppery spice adding structure. Subtle notes of toasted banana and burnt orange lend complexity that reflects the Tennessee whiskey barrel influence.Finish: The finish is relatively short and warm, driven by agave and mild fruit tones. A peppery kick gives way to a lingering vegetal agave aftertaste with traces of mint and tobacco ash.How to Drink Camarena ReposadoNeat or over a single large ice cube is the most direct way to appreciate the interplay between highland agave sweetness and the Tennessee barrel character. A few drops of water can open up the vanilla and caramel notes further. For cocktails, this reposado performs well in a Paloma, where the agave sweetness balances grapefruit bitterness naturally; a Tequila Old Fashioned, where the existing oak and caramel notes complement the cocktail's framework without added complexity; and a Mexican Mule, where the peppery spice and vanilla pair effectively with ginger beer and lime.Best For Introducing a tequila-curious friend to the reposado category Building a home bar with versatile, agave-forward mixing tequila Casual weeknight sipping over ice after dinner Exploring how barrel type affects reposado character — comparing Tennessee whiskey barrels against bourbon-barrel-aged expressions Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Camarena Reposado taste like? Camarena Reposado leads with natural blue agave sweetness, followed by soft vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak from its time in Tennessee whiskey barrels. Peppery spice and subtle dark chocolate add depth, finishing with a warm, mildly vegetal agave aftertaste.How does Camarena Reposado compare to Cazadores Reposado? Both are 100% blue agave highland reposados at 40% ABV, but Camarena delivers a stronger, more prominent agave flavor profile. Cazadores tends to lean slightly more toward oak and spice, while Camarena's Tennessee whiskey barrel aging contributes a distinctive vanilla-caramel sweetness not found in Cazadores' standard American oak approach.Is Camarena Reposado good for cocktails? Yes — its balanced agave sweetness and moderate oak influence make it a reliable cocktail base, particularly in Palomas, Margaritas, and spirit-forward drinks like a Tequila Old Fashioned. The 40% ABV holds up well when diluted with mixers and ice.Where is Camarena Reposado made? Camarena Reposado is produced at Casa Tequilera Herencia de Los Altos (NOM 1596 CRT) in Jesús María, Jalisco, Mexico, situated just southeast of the highland town of Arandas in the Los Altos region.What foods pair well with Camarena Reposado? Grilled chicken with mole sauce complements the tequila's chocolate and spice notes. Carne asada tacos with fresh salsa match the peppery agave character. Aged Manchego or Oaxacan cheese echoes the caramel and vanilla tones. Grilled pineapple or stone fruit desserts highlight the fruit notes on the nose. Dark chocolate with sea salt mirrors the toasted, bittersweet elements on the palate.What sizes does Camarena Reposado come in? Camarena Reposado is available in the standard 750ml bottle, and is also commonly found in 1L and 1.75L formats.Is Camarena Reposado worth the price? Camarena Reposado positions as an entry-level to mid-range 100% blue agave reposado, competing in a value tier where many brands use mixto formulations. Its Silver Medal at the 2024 Bartender Spirits Awards (87 points) suggests quality that punches above its price class within the category.Why Camarena Reposado?The defining feature here is the 60-day aging in Tennessee whiskey barrels — a deliberate departure from the bourbon and American oak barrels that dominate the reposado landscape. That choice imparts a charcoal-filtered sweetness and vanilla richness that reads differently than a typical bourbon-barrel rest, giving Camarena a signature character within an increasingly crowded category. The 2024 Bartender Spirits Awards Silver Medal confirms that industry professionals recognize the quality at this price point. For anyone building a tequila collection or looking for a highland reposado that foregrounds agave flavor while delivering genuine barrel complexity, this expression delivers a distinct profile worth exploring.
