Gran Centenario Plata Review

Last Updated on: 14th May 2024, 12:36 am

Discover everything about Gran Centenario Plata Tequila in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!

Reviewed by: J Highland

Gran Centenario Plata: A Cocktail Contender, Not a Sipping Star

Rating: ⭐⭐

Tequila connoisseur Neil Coleman suggests Gran Centenario Tequila might be a good guest, but not necessarily a party host for your home bar.

Strengths:

• Decent Mixer: Looking for a reliable tequila to base your margaritas or other cocktails on? Gran Centenario gets the job done without overpowering the drink.
• Smooth and Approachable: The initial taste is smooth and slightly sweet, making it easy to drink for those new to tequila.

Weaknesses:

• Unimpressive Neat or on the Rocks: While smooth upfront, Gran Centenario develops a bitter aftertaste that detracts from the sipping experience.
• Not Top Shelf: Compared to other Blanco Tequilas, Gran Centenario's flavor profile falls short. There are tequilas in a similar price range that offer a more distinct and enjoyable taste.
• Limited Versatility: While it mixes well, other Blanco Tequilas might offer similar mixing capabilities with the added benefit of being more enjoyable to sip neat or on the rocks.

Verdict:

Gran Centenario is a serviceable option for mixing cocktails. However, its unremarkable flavor profile makes it less than ideal for sipping neat or on the rocks. Considering other Blanco tequilas offer similar versatility and potentially better taste, you might want to explore your options before settling on Gran Centenario. There are higher-quality tequilas out there, waiting to elevate your cocktail creations or grace your sipping glass.

Related: Best Gran Centenario Bottle

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Fruit, mint, pepper
• Palate: Vanilla, agave, oak
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Cocktails
• Similar: Gran Centenario Reposado

Gran Centenario Plata smells like Lifesaver candy, with a subtle hint of rubber and baking soda.

On the palate, it initially presents a smooth and sweet flavor with notes of vanilla and oak.

However, it gradually becomes slightly bitter with a lack of body and texture.

The finish is short and unremarkable, with little warmth and a dominant vanilla and black pepper taste.

How did I review Gran Centenario Plata?

I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller.

My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and Tequila expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.

I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.

Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.

⭐ - Poor, ⭐⭐ - Average, ⭐⭐⭐ - Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Excellent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gran Centenario Plata's Tequila Type

• Unique Blanco Tequila: Aged for 28 days in French Limousin oak barrels.
• Color & Flavor: Light amber with subtle oak undertones.
• Comparison: Similar to Herradura Blanco which also undergoes brief barrel aging.

Recommended Consumption Methods

• Versatile in Cocktails: Ideal for Tequila Ranch Water, Tequila & Coke, and mixes with pineapple juice, Sprite, or Paloma.
• Sipping: Not the top choice but still enjoyable.

Suitability for Margaritas

• Margarita Compatibility: Can make a decent margarita, though it lacks warmth and peppery notes.

Appropriateness for Shots

• Shot Quality: Smooth and sweet, a good option for Tequila shots, made 100% from agave.

Alternative Tequilas

• Comparable Brands: 1800 Silver and Jose Cuervo Silver.
• Distillery Sharing: Produced at the same distillery but with distinct flavors due to different production methods.

Manufacturer Information

• Historic Brand: Operating since 1857 in Mexico.
• Ownership: Now under Jose Cuervo, the largest Tequila distiller globally.

Bottle Pricing

• Approximate Cost in USD: Total Wine - $28, Drizly - $31.

Alcohol Content

• Proof and ABV: 80 proof (40% ABV) in the U.S., 70 proof (35% ABV) in Mexico.
• Tax-related Dilution: Lower proof in Mexico due to tax reasons.

Shelf Life and Storage

• Longevity: Long shelf life, best stored in a cool, dark place.
• Post-Opening: Consume within a reasonable time, especially when the bottle is about 25% full.

Freezing Characteristics

• Chilling vs. Freezing: Chills well due to high alcohol content, better than dilution with ice.
• Consumption: Sipping straight from the freezer recommended over on the rocks.

Sugar and Carb Content

• Sugar Level: Low in sugar, ideal for strict diets.
• Carbs and Diet: Carb-free, keto-friendly, but moderation advised due to alcohol content.

Additive Usage

• Additive Disclosure: No guaranteed absence of additives; distillers aren't required to disclose if below 1%.
• Possible Additives: Indications of artificial flavors or additives, affecting aroma and taste.

Origin

• Production Location: Crafted at La Riojeña, Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico.

Product Specifications

• Type: Blanco
• Proof: 80
• 100% Agave: Yes
• ABV: 40%
• Distillation: Double-distilled
• Aging Duration: 28 days
• Quality Assessment: Not top-shelf
• Flavor Profile: Sweet, not warm or smoky
• Beginner Suitability: Yes
• Cocktail Compatibility: Yes
• Calories per Shot: 98
• Gluten-Free: Yes
• Keto-Friendly: Yes