Is Aged Red Wine Tequila Overhyped? Our Top Picks Revealed
The allure of a pink bottle of liquor cannot be dismissed. With the ongoing boom in rosé wines reaching unprecedented billions of dollars, the alcohol sector has been diligently exploring methods to broaden its spectrum of colors across various types. This endeavor has proven more challenging than anticipated. Whiskies finished with red wine—whether they’re appreciated or not—are often prone to becoming excessively bitter and tannic. Similarly, wine-barrel-aged beers remain somewhat unpredictable, and although some gins have experimented with this approach, none have become dominant forces in the marketplace. Eventually, these techniques made their way into the realm of tequila.
These tequilas, known as “rosadas” or “rosas,” generally involve aging agave spirits briefly in used red wine casks, which impart both a striking coloration along with notes of berries, chocolate, and floral undertones. Given this description, it’s clear why this category has gained such popularity rapidly. Both established producers and emerging labels have embraced this trend, flooding stores with numerous varieties of magenta-hued tequillas.
We thought it appropriate to compile a selection of notable examples. Please note that our list isn’t comprehensive but includes products we’ve sampled personally or those receiving favorable critiques from reputable sources. Some additional offerings worth mentioning, despite missing inclusion here due to lack of personal tasting experience, include Montagave Blanco Heritage, Inspiro Rosa Reposado, and Dos Ángeles Caídos Blanco Rosa.
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5. Don Julio Rosado
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Before long, Don Julio, the reigning monarch of luxurious, high-end tequila, ventured into the realm of red wine-barrel-aged spirits. To create this variant, they aged areposadoinRubyPortwine barrels sourced from theDouroValley in northern Portugal. With its sleek bottle design and distinctive pink color, it’s clear that this product was crafted with an eye toward making waves on social media platforms. Embracing this trend wholeheartedly, Don Julio collaborated with notable figures like “Real Housewives” celebrityLisaRinnand“WhitleyLotus”actorLukasGagetopromotetheproductthroughstar-filledlauncheventsacrossthenation. Given the inherently sweet taste associated with bothDonJulioandaRubyPort, the resulting spirit isn’t overly complex. It offers strong, distinctly sugary scents reminiscent ofcottoncandy,perry,gummibearsandsweetcream.Following suit, these flavors carry through to the palette, supplementedbyapple,orange,andsubtleagavenotes.This beverage would appeal particularlytothoseseekinganicedtequiladrinkduringthesummermonths.Onthebasisofitsappealingdesignalone,wewouldnotbesurprisedifithadtobestbestsellingitemalready.4. Calirosa Rosa Blanco
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(Photo: Calirosa)[/caption]
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The first of two celebrity-endorsed tequilas featured here, Calirosa entered the market in 2021 through a partnership between Maroon 5 lead vocalist Adam Levine and his spouse, Behati Prinsloo. Interestingly, this marks Levine’s second attempt at launching a tequila brand; previously, he collaborated with Sammy Hagar on Santo Mezquila during the latter half of the last decade. Although Levine later exited that project—subsequently taken over by Guy Fieri—he soon returned to the scene with another bold entry. Each variant within the Calirosa lineup undergoes aging in wine casks, resulting in hues ranging from light pinks reminiscent of cherry blossoms to deeper shades akin to caramel depending on their maturity level. Even its unaged version can legally see up to two months of barrel time, adding an intriguing dimension to traditional perceptions. Critics generally hold positive views about Calirosa, commending its bouquet featuring notes of hibiscus flowers, lemon zest, strawberry sweetness, and hints of white chocolate. The beverage truly embodies what its appearance suggests, making it well-suited for those who appreciate aesthetics aligning perfectly with taste profiles.3. El Mayor Rosado
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(Photo: El Mayor)[/caption]
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El Mayor has a penchant for special cask finishes. Launched in 1998 under the leadership of the Gonzalez family, their tequila ages in various unconventional barrels including those previously used for port, sherry, rum, and Chardonnay wines. Among these, one standout became a constant presence: the Rosado Reposado, which matures for at least nine months in Cabernet Sauvignon casks known to impart a distinctive taste reminiscent of California’s Napa Valley. This offering stood out as we tasted through many overly sugary options; instead, it offered delightful aromas filled with scents like potpourri, black currants, rose petals, and pastry crust—elements so nuanced they might almost pass for Muscat if not detected carefully enough. On tasting, notes of dried fruits such as raisins mixed beautifully alongside peaches, roasted agave, and macadamias, extending into a lingering aftertaste marked by subtle nutty flavors and touches of white pepper. Occasionally, simplifying things can allow more intricate nuances to emerge clearly. For just $45, this product comes highly recommended whether you’re planning to whip up a refreshing El Mayor-based cocktail like a spritz or Paloma.2. Cazcanes No. 9 Pink Reposado
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Over the last few years, Cazcanes has built a remarkable reputation for producing tequilas without additives. It has carved out a specific space within the agave influencer sphere and frequently appears in "choose this, skip that" style lists. In our opinion, the acclaim is justified. After sampling their range of products, we have grown to deeply appreciate what they offer. Still Strength Number 10 Blanco This exceptionally potent 54% ABV offering balances a fine line between salty and vegetal flavors, making it ideal for those who prefer drinking alone. However, today’s focus will be on something different—a Cazcanes Rosa Reposado matured for 82 days in used Cabernet Sauvignon French oak barrels sourced from Ona Vineyards. Unlike many similar products, Cazcanes opted to bottle this variant at a slightly lower 50% ABV. While some might consider this risky for an expression meant to highlight subtle nuances, the decision ultimately proves successful. Critics commend its warm taste profile featuring cooked agave, orange blossoms, dried fruit, and cherries. Plum-like stone fruits frequently appear in reviews, along with lingering hints of peppery spice and dry tannins. The downside? Cazcanes Rosa Reposado has thus far appeared exclusively through limited-edition releases, making it less accessible than more mainstream options. Prices vary widely—from around $90 to $130—depending on where you purchase it.1. Code 1530 Cowboys and Dreamers Edition Añejo
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