Last Updated on: 13th May 2024, 06:46 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.
Written by: J Highland
Key Takeaways from Olmeca Altos Tequilas
Robust Flavor Profiles for Mixing:
- Olmeca Altos Plata is ideal for craft cocktails due to its earthy, vegetal aroma with notes of citrus and mint, and a palate that features a blend of herbal and spicy flavors, making it a perfect base for mixed drinks.
Traditional Production Enhances Natural Taste:
- Employing traditional methods like the use of a two-ton tahona stone and cooking in brick and stone ovens, Olmeca Altos Plata offers a more authentic and natural flavor, distinguishing it from mass-produced options.
Versatile Reposado with Delicate Oak:
- Olmeca Altos Reposado strikes a balance between the crisp flavors of agave and the subtle warmth of oak aging, making it versatile for sipping neat or mixing in cocktails where its complex character can shine.
Lighter Añejo Perfect for Cocktails:
- Olmeca Añejo, with its lighter and more natural-tasting profile, excels in cocktails, offering a balance of sweet caramel and oak with enough subtlety to mix well without overwhelming other flavors.
Affordable Quality Across Variants:
- The Olmeca Altos range provides good value, offering quality tequilas that are accessible and budget-friendly, making them excellent choices for both casual drinkers and serious mixologists.
Cocktail Compatibility:
- From Margaritas to more sophisticated cocktails like an Old Fashioned with a tequila twist, the Olmeca Altos line is crafted to enhance the cocktail experience without compromising the integrity of the drink's other components.
Comparative Analysis:
- Similar to popular brands like Espolon Blanco and 1800 Reposado, Olmeca Altos variants hold their own in terms of flavor complexity and mixability, appealing to both newcomers and aficionados of tequila.
Conclusion:
Olmeca Altos tequilas are crafted to enrich the cocktail-making experience, boasting robust flavors and traditional production methods that appeal to a broad audience. Whether you're looking to enhance your craft cocktail creations or enjoy a straightforward shot with character, Olmeca Altos offers versatile options that promise both quality and value.
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions from Neil Coleman, and online research, focusing on aroma, taste, finish, and value. In addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller.
Olmeca Altos Plata: A Robust Tequila for Craft Cocktails (and Maybe Shots)
- Nose: Agave, earth, orange, mint
- Palate: Agave, black pepper, citrus, brine
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Espolon Blanco
Altos Plata might not be your go-to for sipping neat, but its bold flavor profile makes it a champion in the world of mixed drinks.
A Profile Packed with Punch:
- Earthy and Vegetal: The aroma is earthy with vegetal notes, hints of agave, orange, and a touch of mint.
- Herbal Spice: On the palate, intense herbal flavors take center stage, transitioning into a wave of spiciness and sweetness from the agave.
- Warm Finish: The finish is warm and peppery with a slight burn and a lingering salty aftertaste.
More Than Just a Margarita Mixer: While Altos Plata's strong character might not be for neat sippers, it shines in cocktails. Its bold flavors can stand up to mixers and other ingredients, making it a great choice for Margaritas, craft cocktails, or even Tequila shooters (if that's your preference).
Traditional Meets Modern: Altos Plata is crafted using a traditional method of crushing agaves with a two-ton tahona stone. This, along with brick and stone ovens, contributes to a more natural taste compared to mass-produced Tequilas.
In short: If you're looking for a Tequila to add complexity and depth to your cocktails, Altos Plata is a great option. Its unique flavor profile might not be for sipping neat, but it can elevate your mixed drink experience.
Olmeca Altos Reposado: Agave Forward with a Hint of Oak Finesse
- Nose: Fruity notes, agave, oak
- Palate: Agave, oak, caramel
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: 1800 Reposado
Olmeca Altos Reposado strikes a delightful balance between the classic agave taste of Tequila and subtle hints of oak aging.
Aromatic Introduction: The nose is dominated by agave, with delicate whispers of vanilla and oak adding complexity.
Flavorful Journey: On the palate, crisp apple and lime flavors lead the way, transitioning into a bold and sweet blue agave experience. The finish is warm and inviting, featuring gentle oak spice and a touch of caramel.
Sipping or Mixing: Olmeca Altos Reposado is versatile. Enjoy it neat to appreciate its full flavor profile, or use it as a base for Reposado cocktails where its complex notes can truly shine.
A Word on Margaritas: Be aware that Reposado Tequilas can make Margaritas appear slightly cloudy compared to those made with silver Tequila. This doesn't affect the taste, but it's a consideration if appearance is important to you.
Reliable Reposado: Overall, Olmeca Altos Reposado delivers a well-balanced and flavorful experience within its price range. It offers a satisfying agave-forward profile without any harshness, making it a reliable choice for your Reposado Tequila needs.
Olmeca Añejo: A Natural Añejo for Budget-Conscious Mixers
- Nose: Caramel, oak, raisin, vanilla
- Palate: Ripe fruit, vanilla, caramel, oak
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Gran Centenario Añejo
Olmeca Añejo stands out in the world of affordable Añejo Tequilas for its focus on natural flavors and mixability.
A Lighter Añejo: Compared to some Añejos that can be heavy on oak influence, Olmeca Añejo offers a lighter and more natural-tasting profile. This makes it a great choice for those who appreciate the agave character of Tequila alongside subtle aging notes.
Aromatic Allure: The sweet aroma features earthy undertones and a hint of fruit with rich notes of oak and vanilla.
Flavorful Journey: Sweet caramel takes center stage on the palate, accompanied by hints of oak char, almond, cinnamon, and a touch of mint. The finish has a decent length with lingering caramel and oak notes.
The Mixing Maestro: This Añejo truly shines in cocktails. With its focus on natural flavors and a restrained sweetness, it mixes beautifully. If you're looking for a Tequila to create an Old Fashioned with a twist, substituting bourbon with Olmeca Añejo is a great option.
Less Añejo, More Mixology: While some Añejos boast a strong oak presence, Olmeca prioritizes a lighter profile, making it a favorite among those who use Añejo Tequila for mixing. The lack of overpowering flavors allows the Añejo notes to complement other ingredients in cocktails without dominating them.
Budget-Friendly Añejo: Another perk? This Añejo falls on the more affordable side, making it a great choice for budget-conscious mixologists who don't want to sacrifice quality.
In short: If you're looking for a natural-tasting Añejo Tequila that excels in cocktails, Olmeca Añejo is a great option. Its lighter profile and focus on agave make it a versatile mixing ingredient without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Overview
- Olmeca Altos offers a range of quality Tequilas at affordable prices, suitable for both beginners and seasoned Tequila enthusiasts.
- These Tequilas are versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, with Olmeca Altos Plata being a great choice for Margaritas.
- While Olmeca Altos is good, it is not considered a premium Tequila, but its quality and value make it a great choice for affordable mixed drinks.
Pricing
- Olmeca Altos Plata: Approximately $28
- Olmeca Altos Reposado: Approximately $29
- Olmeca Altos Añejo: Approximately $38
- Given the quality at this price point, Olmeca Altos stands out in a market where similarly priced Tequilas often lack quality.
Drinking Guide
- Olmeca Altos Plata: Best in a Cocktail (Margarita)
- Olmeca Altos Reposado: Enjoyable on the Rocks or in a Cocktail
- Olmeca Altos Añejo: Ideal for Old Fashioned
Olmeca Altos and Margaritas
- Olmeca Altos Plata is an excellent choice for making Margaritas, offering a fantastic blend of flavors for the cocktail.
Ownership and Production
- Olmeca Altos is owned by the French company Pernod Ricard.
- It is produced in Arandas, Jalisco, at a distillery owned by Pernod Ricard, which also owns other spirit brands like Avion Tequila and Del Maguey Mezcal.
Crafting Method
- Olmeca Altos is crafted using 100% blue Weber agave, harvested in the Jalisco Highlands.
- Traditional production methods include slow-cooking in brick ovens and crushing the agave with a tahona stone, preserving ancient techniques.
Specs
- 100% Agave: Yes
- Gluten-Free: Yes
- Keto-Friendly: Yes (zero carbs)
- Vegan: Yes
- Kosher for Passover: No
- Calories: 97 per shot
- Alcohol Content: 80 proof (40% ABV)