Last Updated on: 5th April 2024, 10:47 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 the differences between Exotico Blanco vs Hornitos Silver 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
Exotico vs Hornitos: Head-to-Head
Exotico Blanco: Features a bold mix of alcohol, grapefruit, and green pepper, best suited for vibrant cocktails. Its peppery and warm finish makes it a budget-friendly choice for those looking to add a bold tequila base to drinks.
Hornitos Plata: Presents strong alcohol and peppery notes with a hint of fruit, designed for cocktail mixing rather than sipping. Offers value for those seeking an affordable tequila that can stand up in mixed drinks.
Verdict: Both Exotico Blanco and Hornitos Plata are priced equally, making them accessible options for crafting bold, flavorful cocktails. While not ideal for neat sipping, their distinct profiles contribute to the creation of intense cocktails, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Budget Tequilas
Exotico Blanco: A Budget-Friendly Blanco for Bold Cocktails
- Nose: Alcohol, grapefruit, agave
- Palate: Alcohol, agave, citrus, green pepper
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Espolon Blanco
Aroma: At first encounter, Exotico Blanco reveals a noticeable alcoholic note. However, airing it out allows refreshing grapefruit and agave aromas to emerge.
Flavor: The first sip provides a mild warmth followed by predominantly peppery flavors with subtle hints of agave and citrus.
Finish: The experience concludes with a warm sensation and a touch of black pepper, though it may come across as slightly harsh.
Overall: While not ideal for sipping neat due to its warming and peppery character, Exotico Blanco offers great value for its affordable price. This makes it a suitable option for mixed drinks seeking a bold tequila base.
Exotico Blanco shines in cocktails like Margaritas, Ranch Water, and Lemonade, where its distinct flavors contribute to vibrant and flavorful creations.
Did you know?
- Crafted by the Gonzalez family at their distillery in Jalisco, Mexico, Exotico Blanco is owned by U.S.-based Luxco. This company’s portfolio includes other well-known spirits like El Mayor, Rebel, Yellowstone, and Ezra Brooks.
Hornitos Plata: Mixing Magic, Not Sipping Bliss
- 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: Milagro Silver
Aroma: Hornitos Plata presents a strong alcoholic presence followed by a fruity scent.
Flavor: The taste is characterized by heat, accompanied by peppery notes and an unpleasant earthy character.
Finish: The experience finishes with a short, warm, and peppery linger.
Overall: While not recommended for sipping, Hornitos Plata offers an affordable option for crafting cocktails with a bold flavor profile.
Did you know?
- Hornitos Plata is crafted at the Sauza Distillery, alongside Sauza Tequila and Tres Generaciones.
- The Sauza legacy dates back to 1873 when Cenobio Sauza established La Perseverancia distillery, making it one of Mexico’s oldest.
- Currently, Hornitos belongs to Beam Suntory, ultimately owned by Suntory Holdings from Japan.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Exotico Blanco | $18 |
| Hornitos Plata | $18 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | Exotico | Hornitos |
| Type of tequila | Blanco | Blanco |
| Aging length in months | None | None |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Diffuser |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | No |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | Yes |
| Cooking method | Autoclave | Autoclave |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Triple-distilled | No | No |
| Additives | Unsure | Unsure |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |