Last Updated on: 6th April 2024, 01:43 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 Lunazul Blanco 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
Altos Plata vs Lunazul Blanco: Comparison
Olmeca Altos Plata: Earthy aroma with notes of agave, orange, and mint. Offers an earthy, peppery taste with a warm, complex finish. Best in cocktails.
Lunazul Blanco: Roasted agave aroma with black pepper and vanilla. Bold and agave flavor balanced with spice and mint. Long, warm finish. Ideal for cocktails.
Verdict: Both Olmeca Altos Plata and Lunazul Blanco excel as cocktail components, each bringing unique flavors and aromas that enhance mixed drinks. They offer distinct experiences for enthusiasts exploring tequila-based cocktails, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Tequilas on a Budget
Olmeca Altos Plata: A Unique Tequila for Cocktail Enthusiasts
- Nose: Agave, earth, orange, mint
- Palate: Agave, black pepper, citrus, brine
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Hornitos Plata
Earthy and Complex Aroma:
Olmeca Altos Plata greets you with an intriguing aroma. Earthy and vegetal notes intertwine with subtle hints of agave, orange, and a touch of mint, creating a complex and distinctive first impression.
Bold and Peppery Flavor:
The first sip reveals a burst of robust herbal flavors that transition into a delightful spiciness. A sweet agave undertone adds balance to the peppery kick.
Warm and Peppery Finish:
The finish is characterized by a pleasing warmth, accompanied by a gentle burn and a subtle touch of saltiness. A hint of peppercorn adds another layer of complexity to the overall experience.
More Than Just Sipping:
While the unique peppery and vegetal notes may not be for everyone neat, Olmeca Altos Plata truly shines in cocktails. Its bold flavors stand up well to mixers, making it a great choice for crafting delicious Margaritas.
Traditional Production Methods:
Olmeca Altos Plata takes pride in its traditional production methods. The agaves are crushed using a two-ton tahona stone, preserving the agave sweetness, and cooked in brick and stone ovens, departing from the industrial processes used in many popular tequilas. These methods contribute to the unique character and complex flavor profile of the tequila.
Award-Winning and Backed by Experience:
Olmeca Altos Plata has been recognized for its quality, earning a gold medal at the 2015 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition. Additionally, it is produced by Olmeca, owned by Pernod Ricard, a renowned beverage company with a rich history and extensive portfolio of successful brands.
Lunazul Blanco: A Budget-Friendly Tequila for Cocktails
- Nose: Agave, black pepper, alcohol, vanilla
- Palate: Agave, black pepper, cinnamon, mint
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Teremana Blanco
Aromatic Depth:
Lunazul Blanco offers a rich aroma dominated by roasted agave, with subtle hints of black pepper, vanilla, and a touch of alcohol. This creates a complex and inviting first impression.
Sweet and Spicy Flavor:
The initial sip reveals a sweet agave flavor, followed by a wave of contrasting notes. Black pepper, cinnamon, mint, and a refreshing touch of citrus dance on the palate, creating a unique taste profile.
Long Finish:
The finish is lengthy and slightly warm, leaving a slightly bitter aftertaste with a lingering peppery kick. Adding ice can improve smoothness but doesn’t completely mask the bitterness.
Sipping or Mixing:
While the peppery character and warm finish might not make Lunazul Blanco ideal for sipping neat, it shines in cocktails. Its bold flavors hold their own against mixers, making it a great choice for creating refreshing Mojitos or Mexican Mules at home.
Affordable Tequila with Authenticity:
Being 100% agave and produced in Jalisco, Mexico, Lunazul Blanco represents a budget-friendly option for those seeking an authentic tequila experience without compromising quality. Additionally, its price point makes it a smart choice for those looking to avoid hangovers associated with artificial additives.
Interesting Facts:
- Lunazul translates to “Blue Moon”.
- Founded by a member of the Jose Cuervo family, Lunazul uses agave grown on the Cuervo Estate in Jalisco.
- Despite the connection, Lunazul is distilled at its own facility within the same state.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Olmeca Altos | $30 |
| Lunazul Blanco | $22 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | Altos | Lunazul |
| 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 | Autoclave |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Additives | Unlikely | Unlikely |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |