Astral Repo

Astral Repo is a reposado from Esplanda. The name signals an agave spirit that has been rested in oak, which for tequila means at least two months and under a year. The label details supplied here don't list an ABV, an agave source, a cask type or a distillery, so the character below is what reposados typically show, not a measured profile of this bottle. Expect a style that sits between the grassy, peppery bite of an unaged blanco and the heavier vanilla and caramel of an añejo. Typical reposado notes are cooked agave and citrus peel up front, then a soft layer of vanilla, light baking spice and toasted oak, with a mellower finish than a blanco. Because the oak influence is usually restrained, the agave stays recognizable. Neat service at room temperature or slightly cool shows the oak and agave balance best. A tulip-shaped copita or a small snifter concentrates the aroma better than a wide tumbler. If you prefer it chilled, one large cube in a rocks glass dilutes slowly and keeps the spirit from going flat. Skip crushed ice, which waters it down too quickly. In cocktails, reposado suits drinks that benefit from a little wood. A Margarita made with it comes out rounder and warmer than the blanco version. The Paloma is another good fit, since grapefruit and soda play well against vanilla and spice. It also works in an agave-forward Old Fashioned, with agave syrup and a dash of aromatic or chocolate bitters. For food, try carnitas, grilled pork or chicken with a chile marinade, or aged cheeses. Orange slices dusted with cinnamon are a simple match when sipping.