818 Reposado Tequila

818 Reposado is a Jalisco-made tequila from the 818 brand, sitting in the middle of the agave spectrum: past the raw, peppery bite of a Blanco, but short of the heavy oak and dried-fruit depth of an Añejo or Extra Añejo. The listing gives no ABV, so check the bottle label for the exact proof, and no age statement, so the specific time in barrel isn't something we can quote. By category rules, though, a Reposado has rested in oak for at least two months and under a year, and that rest is what defines the style. Expect the agave to stay in front. Reposados in this range usually keep the cooked-agave sweetness, citrus peel and light black pepper of a Blanco, with the barrel adding a rounded layer of vanilla, caramel, toasted wood and a little baking spice. The oak softens the finish and adds some color, but it doesn't bury the plant. The reference copy describes an oak-and-agave balance, which is what the category generally delivers. Compared with a Blanco, you should find it less sharp on entry. Compared with an Añejo, it is lighter and more vegetal, with less leather, dried fruit and tobacco. That in-between profile is why Reposado is so versatile. Neat, it works best in a caballito or a small tulip-shaped tasting glass, served at room temperature so the vanilla and spice have room to show. A rocks glass with one large cube also suits it if you want it slightly cooler and softer. For cocktails, it makes a Margarita with more body than a Blanco: use fresh lime, an orange liqueur, and a salted or half-salted rim, and the barrel notes pair well with the citrus. A Paloma is a good fit too, built tall over ice with grapefruit soda or fresh grapefruit juice and lime, where the oak adds a warm background to the bitter citrus. Ranch Water (tequila, lime and sparkling mineral water in a highball over ice) also works, giving a gentler, rounder result than the same drink made with Blanco. At the table, a Reposado like this pairs well with grilled pork, carnitas, roasted chicken, and dishes with citrus or chile heat. A wedge of orange with a pinch of salt is a traditional alternative to lime if you're sipping it straight.