Monte Alban Tequila Review

Last Updated on: 16th May 2024, 12:45 pm

Discover everything about Monte Alban Tequila in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!

Written by: J Highland

Monte Alban Tequila: Budget-Friendly Option for Mixing Cocktails (Not Top-Shelf)

Rating: ⭐⭐

Tequila expert Neil Coleman offers a surprising review of Monte Alban Tequila, considering his previous negative experience with their Mezcal. Here's a breakdown of its key characteristics:

Strengths:

• Affordable Price: This tequila is positioned as a very budget-friendly option.
• Moderately Sweet: The taste is described as moderately sweet and easy to drink.
• Good for Beginner Cocktails: This tequila might be suitable for those new to tequila who want to try it in cocktails without a big investment.

Drawbacks:

• Not Top-Shelf: The quality is not considered top-tier.
• Unpleasant Aroma: The tequila has an unfavorable smell.
• Average Taste: The taste is described as decent but unremarkable.

Overall, Monte Alban Tequila is a budget-friendly option for those looking for a mixer in cocktails. While the quality is not top-shelf and the aroma is unpleasant, it avoids being offensively bad, especially considering the low price point. Those seeking a more premium tequila experience for sipping neat or on the rocks might find other options more suitable.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Alcohol, sulfur, vanilla, caramel
• Palate: Vanilla, alcohol, jalapeño
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Cocktails
• Similar to: Hornitos Plata

The initial aroma of Monte Alban presents a strong presence of rubbing alcohol and sulfur, which can be off-putting.

However, as you delve deeper, you will discover underlying notes of vanilla and caramel.

On the palate, the Tequila carries an alcoholic taste but lacks a harsh burning sensation.

The flavor profile reveals hints of vanilla, caramel, and a spicy kick of jalapeño.

The finish is relatively short and accompanied by a slight burning sensation, although not overly unpleasant.

It concludes with a lingering touch of jalapeño spice.

How did I review Monte Alban Tequila?

I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller.

My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and Tequila expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.

I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.

Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.

⭐ - Poor, ⭐⭐ - Average, ⭐⭐⭐ - Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Excellent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alternatives

• Monte Alban, Sam's Club Member's Mark Tequila, and Trader Joe's Tequila share a production facility, offering a similar taste profile with subtle differences. Sam's Club Tequila, available in a larger 1.75ml bottle, presents a more affordable option, while Trader Joe's Tequila distinguishes itself with chemical tasting notes.

How to Drink

• Monte Alban Tequila is best utilized in cocktails rather than sipped neat due to its versatile flavor profile. It complements a variety of mixers well, making it a great choice for Palomas, Ranch Water, or drinks mixed with pineapple juice or lime soda.

Is It Good for Margaritas?

• Expensive Tequilas are not a necessity for crafting delicious Margaritas. The quality of a Margarita hinges more on the freshness of the lime juice and other natural ingredients. Monte Alban can serve well in Margaritas when combined with high-quality components.

Is It Good for Shots?

• Despite its affordability, Monte Alban's relatively smooth taste makes it a suitable option for Tequila shots, offering a decent experience without a significant investment.

Price

• Monte Alban is priced competitively, with approximate costs of $11 at Total Wine and $14 on Drizly, making it an accessible choice for various Tequila-based beverages.

Alcohol Content

• Standard for Tequilas, Monte Alban is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV).

Does It Have a Worm Inside?

• Monte Alban does not include a worm, focusing instead on delivering its flavor without such additives.

Does It Expire?

• Tequila's shelf life is indefinite under proper storage conditions, though its flavor can degrade over time once opened. It's advised to consume it within a few months to a year after opening for the best taste experience.

Does It Freeze?

• While Tequila won't freeze due to its alcohol content, freezing it may dull its flavors and aromas, impacting the drinking experience.

Additives

• The presence of vanilla and caramel flavors suggests the use of additives, which, given Monte Alban's price point, is not uncommon and doesn't significantly detract from its value as a cocktail ingredient.

Where Is It Made?

• Produced at the Gonzalez & Gonzalez distillery in Guadalajara, Mexico, alongside other brands like Member's Mark and Trader Joe's Tequila.

Ownership

• Monte Alban is owned by the US-based Sazerac Company, known for Buffalo Trace among other spirits.

Monte Alban Tequila: Specs

• Type: Blanco
• Proof: 80
• 100% Agave: No
• ABV: 40%
• Double-distilled: Yes
• Aging: None