Bandero Reposado

Some people just can’t stay away from the tequila business, and John Paul DeJoria is apparently one of them.

After co-founding Patrón tequila, which was eventually sold to Bacardi for an impressive $5.1 billion, DeJoria fulfilled his non-compete agreement and returned to the world of agave spirits. Alongside co-founder Jonathan Kendrick, he embarked on a new venture with Bandero tequila.

But there’s much more to this tequila than the familiar name behind it. Let’s take a look at what’s behind the bottle.

Bandero Premium Limited Edition Reposado is produced at Agroindustrias Amatitán (NOM 1627), located in Los Valles of Jalisco. What’s interesting is that Bandero is the only tequila produced at this distillery. Previously produced at two other distilleries, Bandero made the move to NOM 1627 to gain greater control over its production and support its long-term vision.

Now, let’s talk production.

Bandero begins with mature Blue Weber agaves, at least six years old, sourced from the Highlands of Jalisco. The agaves are transported to Los Valles, where the piñas are cooked in traditional brick ovens for 20–30 hours, followed by a 24-hour resting period.

The cooked agaves are then crushed using a roller mill before fermentation takes place in open stainless steel tanks with a modest amount of agave fibers. The tequila undergoes triple distillation in stainless steel stills with copper coils, followed by chill filtration.

Chill filtration is a process that helps remove certain compounds that can cause cloudiness in tequila. While it creates a visually consistent spirit, it can also influence the final texture and flavor profile.

Now here’s where things get interesting...the barrel program!

Bandero Reposado rests for 11 months in Hungarian, French, and American white oak barrels—just one month shy of becoming an añejo.

This tequila is produced in small batches consisting of approximately 26 carefully selected barrels filled with tequila made using only three ingredients: agave, water, and yeast.

During the eleventh month, master distiller Lee Palleschi tasted every barrel before carefully selecting specific barrels from each lot to create the final blend. The finished Reposado is bottled at 40% ABV.

I find the use of three different types of oak particularly interesting, as each can contribute different aromatic and flavor characteristics to the finished tequila. The barrel selection and blending process also allows the master distiller to create a specific flavor profile from each batch.

And let’s not overlook the presentation.

Bandero comes in a distinctive hand-numbered, canteen-style bottle made from recycled glass and wrapped in locally sourced vegan leather. The bottle’s design was inspired by traditional huarache sandals worn by Indigenous communities in Jalisco, connecting its presentation to the cultural heritage of the region.

Beyond the bottle, Bandero partners with local farmers to advocate for fair wages and invests in sustainable practices. As someone who values both traditional production methods and responsible practices within the tequila industry, I appreciate seeing brands make these commitments.

But I always say, a beautiful bottle and an interesting story may get someone’s attention, but it’s what’s inside the glass that matters most. Now, let’s get to the tasting!

On the nose this reposado opens with a noticeably sweet and inviting aroma. I’m picking up plantain, caramel, cherry, root beer and vanilla. The root beer note adds a nostalgic character alongside the fruit and sweeter barrel-influenced aromas.

On the palate, the sweetness carries through and I also taste the plantain, honey, oak, leather and warm baking spices. There’s a noticeable oak influence, with sweeter flavors creating a rich and approachable profile.

Bandero Reposado is a nice sipper.

I believe the choice of Hungarian, French, and American oak barrels contributes to some of the perceived sweetness, along with the natural sweetness of the cooked agave. With 11 months of barrel aging, there’s definitely an opportunity for the wood to influence the finished spirit and that’s evident in both the aroma and flavor.

I find the attention given to this Reposado’s barrel selection, small-batch production, and the decision to operate from a dedicated distillery intriguing. Especially since this limited release retails for around $36. It’s surprisingly approachable with a price point that has the potential to appeal to a broad range of tequila enthusiasts without putting a big dent in their wallets!

So while Bandero certainly has a great backstory, from its well-known co-founder to its distinctive packaging, the real story is always in the tequila itself. In this case, it’s worth exploring, particularly for those who appreciate a sweeter, oak-forward reposado.

More from Bandero: All of our Bandero coverage, including reviews, lists, scores, and more.