Last Updated on: 5th April 2024, 11:14 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.
Discover the differences between Cabo Wabo vs Hornitos Plata in this in-depth comparison and decide which Tequila is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Cabo Wabo Blanco vs Hornitos Plata: Head-to-Head
Cabo Wabo Blanco Tequila: Offers a spicy and warm profile with agave, black pepper, and citrus flavors. Best utilized in cocktails, enhancing the drink’s complexity with its bold character.
Hornitos Plata Tequila: Presents a hot and peppery flavor with hints of fruit and citrus, suited for cocktail creations. Its affordable price and agave base make it a versatile option for mixed drinks.
Verdict: Cabo Wabo Blanco Tequila and Hornitos Plata Tequila provide distinct experiences for cocktail enthusiasts. Cabo Wabo Blanco is notable for its spice and warmth, ideal for those seeking boldness in their drinks. Hornitos Plata offers a peppery base for cocktails with a hefty amount of heat. Each serves a purpose in crafting flavorful and dynamic cocktails, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Blanco Tequila Shooters
Cabo Wabo Blanco Tequila: Bold Spice for Cocktails
- Nose: Alcohol, agave, citrus, smoke
- Palate: Alcohol, agave, black pepper, citrus
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Espolon Blanco
Aroma: Cabo Wabo Blanco opens with a bold alcoholic note that mellows over time, revealing hints of agave, citrus, and a touch of smoke.
Taste: The first sip delivers a warming sensation, followed by prominent agave and black pepper flavors with a subtle orange undertone.
Finish: The finish is lengthy and warm, leaving a lingering black pepper kick.
Overall: Cabo Wabo Blanco’s spicy and warm profile might not be ideal for sipping neat due to its price point. However, it shines in cocktails, particularly margaritas, where its bold character complements other ingredients. Additionally, it works well as a silver tequila for shots or simple cocktails like Ranch Water.
Additional Notes:
- Launched in 1996 by musician Sammy Hagar, Cabo Wabo is considered one of the first celebrity-owned tequilas.
- Produced in Jalisco, Mexico, at the same distillery as Tequila Espolon.
Hornitos Plata Tequila: A Focus on Cocktails
- Nose: Nail polish, alcohol, fake fruity notes
- Palate: Alcohol, black pepper, fruit, citrus
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Sauza Silver
Aroma: Hornitos Plata offers a straightforward aroma initially dominated by alcohol, followed by a hint of sweetness and fruity notes.
Taste: This tequila presents a bold flavor profile, featuring upfront warmth and peppery spice alongside subtle earthy and fruity undertones. The sweetness is noticeable but somewhat subdued by the alcohol and peppery notes.
Finish: The finish is short and leaves a lingering warmth and peppery sensation.
Overall: While Hornitos Plata might not be the first choice for sipping neat due to its spicy character, its bold profile and affordable price make it a suitable option for mixing in cocktails. The tequila’s agave base can add depth and complexity to various mixed drinks.
Additional Notes:
- Hornitos Plata is a 100% agave tequila.
- It is produced at the Sauza Distillery, alongside Sauza Tequila and Tequila Tres Generaciones.
- Sauza, founded in 1873, is one of Mexico’s oldest tequila producers, currently owned by Suntory Holdings from Japan.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Cabo Wabo Blanco | $37 |
| Hornitos Plata | $19 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | Cabo Wabo | Hornitos |
| Type of tequila | Blanco | Blanco |
| Aging length | None | None |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Diffuser |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | Yes |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | No |
| Cooking method | Autoclave | Autoclave |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Additives | Unsure | Unsure |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |