Last Updated on: 6th April 2024, 01:50 am
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 Altos Plata vs Teremana Blanco in this head-to-head 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
Olmeca Altos vs Teremana: Head-to-Head
Olmeca Altos Plata: Earthy and vegetal with notes of agave, orange, and mint. Palate combines herbal notes, black pepper, and brine. Ideal for cocktails, benefiting from traditional production methods.
Teremana Blanco: Agave-forward with hints of citrus and green peppers. Offers a warm, sweet palate with earthy undertones. Suitable for cocktails and shots, boasting celebrity association with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and a commitment to traditional tequila making.
Verdict: Both Olmeca Altos Plata and Teremana Blanco are excellent choices for cocktail enthusiasts, each bringing a unique flavor profile to the table. Altos Plata excels in herbal and earthy notes, making it a standout for mixed drinks, while Teremana Blanco offers a cleaner, agave-centric taste suitable for a variety of cocktails. Both provide quality and authenticity at a similar price point, catering to different preferences in tequila profiles, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: 100% agave Tequila for hangover-free fun
Olmeca Altos Plata: A Cocktail Champion Tequila
- 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
Earthy & Peppery Profile:
Olmeca Altos Plata presents an earthy and vegetal aroma with hints of agave, orange, and mint. The taste offers strong herbal notes transitioning into spiciness and sweetness from the agave, culminating in a warm, peppery finish with a slight burn and salty aftertaste.
Crafted for Mixing:
While not the smoothest for sipping, its bold flavor profile makes it ideal for cocktails like Margeritas, Ranch Water, or a simple Tequila-pineapple mix. It even works well in tequila shots.
Traditional Production:
Olmeca Altos Plata utilizes a traditional method with a two-ton tahona stone to crush the agave, preserving its natural sweetness better than modern roller mills. Additionally, brick and stone ovens cook the agaves, contributing to a more authentic taste that avoids a mass-produced feel.
Award-Winning & Well-Backed:
Olmeca Altos Plata secured a gold medal at the 2015 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition. The brand is part of Pernod Ricard, a renowned drinks company known for brands like Chivas Regal and Glenlivet.
Teremana Blanco: A Taste of Traditional Tequila
- Nose: Agave, alcohol, citrus
- Palate: Agave, green peppers, citrus
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Casamigos Blanco
Agave Forward:
Teremana Blanco boasts a prominent agave aroma with hints of citrus and a touch of ethanol. The flavor delivers a warmth upon tasting, followed by sweetness from agave and green peppers with earthy and mineral notes. It has a smooth and creamy texture.
Authentic Experience:
This Blanco tequila offers a pleasantly surprising taste, free from artificial additives or sweeteners. It recalls the traditional character of tequila before widespread influence from certain markets.
Versatile Enjoyment:
While not the smoothest, Teremana Blanco still goes down nicely with ice and is well-suited for cocktails. Its peppery notes and ethanol presence can enhance mixed drinks. Additionally, being 100% agave, it can be a good choice for tequila shots without the worry of after-effects.
Celebrity Connection:
Teremana Blanco is associated with actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The brand’s creator, Ken Austin, is also responsible for Proper 12 Irish Whiskey, fronted by MMA fighter Conor McGregor.
Unique Ownership:
Unlike many celebrity tequilas, Teremana owns its distillery in Jalisco, Mexico, ensuring control over the production process. The name “Teremana” combines “Terre” (earth) and “Mana” (Polynesian spirit of the earth).
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Altos Plata | $28 |
| Teremana Blanco | $29 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | Altos | Teremana |
| Type of tequila | Blanco | Blanco |
| Aging length | None | None |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Tahona Stone | Roller mill |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | Yes |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | No |
| Cooking method | Brick Ovens | Brick Ovens |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Additives | Unlikely | Unlikely |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |