Last Updated on: 23rd January 2024, 07:47 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 my comprehensive review of all Hornitos Tequila releases, including my recommendations and an assessment of the brand’s quality.
Find out if Hornitos is a good Tequila brand!
Written by: J Highland
Is Hornitos a good Tequila?
“Hornitos falls short as a Tequila brand, with none of its offerings near the top of their categories. Their flavors often appear artificial and hastily produced, lacking the authenticity and craftsmanship of top-quality Tequilas. While their affordability may be a redeeming factor, it cannot compensate for the overall subpar experience they offer.”, mentions Tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Sadly, since being acquired by Beam Suntory, Hornitos has experienced a decline in quality, tarnishing its once respectable reputation.
Consequently, it is now considered one of the worst Tequila brands in the market.
Hornitos Tequila Rankings
I have reviewed every bottle so you choose the the one that better suits you:
Plata
Hornitos Plata’s aroma is sharp, with strong alcohol presence and a hint of fruity sweetness.
On the palate, it’s marked by alcohol burn and prominent peppery notes, with an earthy undertone, artificial fruitiness, and citrus hints.
Unfortunately, the alcohol and pepper overpower any sweetness.
The finish is short, warm, and dominated by lingering pepper, leaving a mulch-like aftertaste.
Regrettably, Hornitos falls into the category of one of the worst Tequilas available today, with no redeeming qualities beyond being 100% agave and less likely to result in a severe hangover.
It tastes like a chemical imitation of Tequila and is only suitable for those seeking intoxication without regard for taste or quality.
Reposado
Hornitos Reposado presents a mild oak aroma with fruity hints of banana and mango, along with a subtle alcohol presence.
On the palate, it offers jalapeno and mild black pepper flavors, followed by oak, alcohol, and an earthy undertone.
The finish is short, and warm, with a touch of caramel and subtle black pepper.
While it represents an improvement over Hornitos Plata, it’s not exceptional.
It’s more suitable for budget-friendly cocktails due to being 100% agave and less likely to cause headaches.
While not a top-tier Reposado, it’s a decent and affordable option in this category.
Añejo
Hornitos Añejo leads with heavy oak on the nose, accompanied by subtle fruity hints, traces of cinnamon, and a touch of rubbing alcohol.
The palate is dominated by wood, with vanilla and caramel struggling against the overpowering oak, and a late arrival of black pepper adding a subtle spicy element.
The finish is short and sweet, emphasizing oak and a touch of vanilla.
The lack of balance in Hornitos Añejo, where robust oak overpowers other flavors, results in a taste resembling sweet wood.
In its price range, it serves as a decent choice for crafting affordable Añejo Tequila cocktails.
However, it doesn’t quite compete with top-tier Añejo Tequilas available on the market.
Cristalino Añejo
Hornitos Cristalino, essentially the same Tequila as Añejo, undergoes triple distillation and charcoal filtering for a smoother profile, classified as a Cristalino Tequila.
Its subtle aroma, requiring a deeper inhale, reveals hints of alcohol, agave, and vanilla.
On the palate, it delivers pleasant sweetness and smoothness, with initial notes of vanilla and lime followed by agave, oak, and a hint of black pepper.
The finish is short and sweet, lacking significant warmth, making it an easy-to-sip choice, enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
Among Hornitos options, Cristalino is the most approachable, ideal for beginners seeking a smooth, uncomplicated experience.
While not marked by striking tasting notes, it effectively serves its purpose as a reliable choice.
Black Barrel
Hornitos Black Barrel offers a notable aroma with bourbon-like vanilla, caramel, oak, and subtle alcohol hints.
On the palate, it feels somewhat thin, lacking full-bodied character. Initially, vanilla and caramel flavors take the stage, followed by charred oak influence.
There’s noticeable warmth, remaining enjoyable and balanced.
The finish, of decent length, introduces a touch of astringency from oak char, resulting in slight bitterness.
Hornitos Black Barrel falls short of expectations, coming across as underwhelming.
It resembles a young, unrefined bourbon with noticeable harshness and bitterness, and the dominant oak spice astringency overpowers other flavors, creating imbalance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Prices and Aging Periods of Hornitos Tequilas?
- Plata: $26, unaged.
- Reposado: $27, aged 2 months.
- Añejo: $31, aged 12 months.
- Cristalino: $32, aged 12 months.
- Black Barrel: $32, aged 16 months.
Which Hornitos Tequila is Best for Sipping?
- Hornitos Cristalino is the top choice for sipping due to its smoothness and easy-to-drink quality.
- It undergoes charcoal filtering, which, while removing rough edges, also diminishes distinct flavors.
Which Hornitos Tequila is Ideal for Margaritas?
- Hornitos Reposado is the best for making Margaritas and a variety of cocktails.
What is the Best for Shots?
- Hornitos Cristalino is recommended for shots, offering a smooth and pleasant experience without harshness.
How to Drink?
- Plata: Best in cocktails.
- Reposado: Suitable for cocktails.
- Añejo: Ideal for drinking on the rocks.
- Cristalino: Enjoyable neat or on the rocks.
- Black Barrel: Best sipped neat or on the rocks.
Ownership
- Hornitos Tequila was introduced in 1950 by Casa Sauza, founded in 1873 by Don Cenobio Sauza.
- It is currently owned by Beam Suntory, based in Chicago, Illinois, which also owns brands like Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark.
- Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings, a major Japanese beverage company.