Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila Review

The Plata bottling from Olmeca Altos, which was created by bartenders in 2010 as a reasonably priced mixing tequila produced using traditional methods, is still a great value, according to our tasting panel. Although the rounded expression is not a particularly complicated or difficult example of the category, our reviewers find that, for a blanco tequila that performs well in cocktails like margaritas and palomas, its quality-to-price ratio is still difficult to beat.

Tasting Notes for Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila

Color:

Olmeca Altos Plata tequila presents a clear, pristine appearance in the glass, showcasing its purity and quality.

Nose:

The aroma is invitingly sweet, featuring rich notes of cooked agave, citrus peel, white pepper, vanilla, cinnamon, watermelon rind, lemongrass, and a touch of mint. This complex bouquet creates an enticing introduction to the tasting experience.

Palate:

Expect to find wet cement and lime peel on the palate, along with roasted agave. There are also layers of vanilla extract, jalapeño, and a hint of cinnamon, alongside vegetal notes reminiscent of green bell pepper and artichoke. This balance of flavors offers a unique profile that is both approachable and interesting.

Finish:

Each sip is pleasantly concluded by the medium-length finish, which is characterized by lingering notes of cooked agave and the unique spice of Szechuan peppercorn.

Suggested Pairings and Uses

Similar Bottles:

If you enjoy Olmeca Altos Plata, you might also like these comparable tequilas: Herradura Silver, Lunazul Blanco, Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver, Espolón Blanco, and Cazadores Blanco.

Best Uses:

Olmeca Altos Plata is ideal for crafting classic cocktails like Margaritas and Palomas. It can also be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, especially when you're in the mood for a simpler experience without intricate flavors.

Our Review of Olmeca Altos Plata

Our reviewers unanimously agree that Olmeca Altos Plata offers excellent value as a mixing tequila, although it may lack the complexity desired for sipping neat. Joaquín Simó notes, "Round and soft on the palate, this is a decent entry-level tequila that won’t challenge a drinker. It’s a workhorse mixer, designed for a speedrail or a home bar for entertaining."

The sweetness noted on both the nose and palate is coupled with flavors of roasted apple, citrus, and vanilla, along with hints of vegetal notes like bell pepper. While Simó describes the finish as short and “not terribly interesting,” fellow reviewers Jacques Bezuidenhout and Misty Kalkofen find it to be medium in length.

Bezuidenhout appreciates its medium to full body, stating, “[It has] a nice, spicy, and balanced end,” with cooked agave flavors lingering throughout. However, Kalkofen points out an “unfortunate bitterness” on the finish.

Overall, Bezuidenhout feels that Olmeca Altos Plata is suitable for sipping neat or served on the rocks, while Kalkofen and Simó recommend it primarily for mixing. Simó suggests, “A classic Margarita would be lovely here, with the prominent lime notes providing a delightful foil in a Paloma.” Kalkofen agrees, stating it’s best in a citrus-forward cocktail to balance the earthier notes.

Despite some critiques, all reviewers praise the overall value of this tequila. Kalkofen notes, “It’s a quality choice for this price point, especially compared to other tequilas from transnational corporations. It stands out from both a quality and production practices perspective.” Bezuidenhout emphasizes its affordability, saying, “It delivers more than some tequilas at double its price.”

Production Details

Olmeca Altos Plata is produced at Destilería Colonial de Jalisco in Arandas, located in the Highlands region of Mexico. This tequila is crafted from 100% blue agave sourced from Los Altos. The agave is carefully divided and slow-cooked in traditional brick ovens for about three days.

The production process involves a unique combination of traditional and modern techniques: a mechanized version of the traditional volcanic tahona wheel, paired with a modern roller mill. The resulting mosto, a mixture of liquid and agave fibers, is fermented separately in large open vats using a specific strain of yeast.

Following fermentation, the tequila is distilled twice in copper stills before being blended for Olmeca Altos Plata. This expression is unaged, allowing the vibrant flavors of the apple to shine.

A Brief History of Olmeca Altos

In 2009, renowned U.K. bartenders Dre Basso and the late Henry Besant partnered with global spirits company Pernod Ricard and master distiller Jesús Hernández to launch Olmeca Altos Plata. Their goal was to create a 100% agave tequila that was ideal for mixing. They immersed themselves in traditional tequila production processes in Jalisco, eventually collaborating with Olmeca, a distillery with nearly 50 years of history in the region.

The duo developed a production method combining the traditional tahona and a modern roller mill, allowing them to create a high-quality yet affordable tequila that quickly gained popularity among bartenders, particularly in markets like New York. Olmeca Altos gained broader distribution in the U.S. in 2012.

The Olmeca Altos line also includes aged reposado and añejo expressions, as well as the Olmeca Tezón label, which features 100% tahona liquid.

Conclusion

Olmeca Altos Plata is a well-crafted tequila that offers excellent value for both casual drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts. Its rich flavors and versatility make it a great addition to any home bar, whether you're mixing cocktails or simply enjoying it neat. With a commitment to quality and sustainability, Olmeca Altos continues to stand out in the competitive tequila market