Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 01:14 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 Sauza Silver vs Hornitos Plata 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
Sauza Silver vs Hornitos Plata: Head-to-Head
Sauza Silver: Offers a light and approachable profile with subtle hints of lime, salt, and agave, finished with a touch of black pepper. Its simplicity and mild flavors make it suitable for uncomplicated mixed drinks, appealing to those looking for an easy mixer without the need for a robust tequila taste.
Hornitos Plata: Characterized by a bold aroma and a lively palate of black pepper and citrus, Hornitos Plata is designed for the party scene. Its straightforward, peppery taste makes it a solid choice for cocktails at lively gatherings, catering to those who prefer a tequila that mixes well without dominating the drink.
Key Difference: Sauza Silver is a mixto tequila (not entirely made from agave), while Hornitos is 100% agave.
Verdict: Both Sauza Silver and Hornitos Plata are tailored for cocktail enthusiasts, offering distinctive qualities that serve well in mixed drinks, each appealing to different preferences in tequila flavor and cocktail composition, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Tequilas to Avoid Hangovers
Sauza Silver: Tequila for Simple Sips and Easy Mixing
- Nose: Alcohol, lime, salt, agave
- Palate: Alcohol, lime, agave, black pepper
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Jose Cuervo Especial Silver
First Impression: Sauza Silver offers a gentle aroma with subtle hints that emerge as you pour.
Taste Experience: This tequila starts with a mild alcohol presence that fades quickly, revealing light notes of lime, salt, and agave. It has a thin and light texture on the palate, and the initial taste is influenced by a subtle alcohol note followed by hints of lime, agave, and a touch of black pepper.
Finishing Touch: The finish is short and slightly warm with a lingering trace of black pepper and a touch of bitterness.
Who might enjoy this? Sauza Silver is a good choice for those seeking a basic tequila for casual mixed drinks, like a simple tequila and pineapple juice combination. While not the smoothest for sipping neat, its light profile can work well in cocktails where a strong tequila flavor isn’t essential.
A little about Sauza:
- Made with 51% agave nectar and 49% undisclosed sugars
- Produced by Beam Suntory, a company known for brands like Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark
- Sauza Distillery, founded in 1873, is one of the oldest tequila makers in Mexico
Remember, taste is subjective! While Sauza Silver might not be top-shelf, it’s a decent option for specific uses.
Hornitos Plata: Tequila for the Party Goer
- 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: Olmeca Altos Plata
First Impression: Hornitos Plata has a bold aroma, with a noticeable alcohol scent and hints of sweet fruit in the background.
Taste Experience: This tequila packs a punch! The initial taste is lively, with a peppery kick and earthy notes. While there are touches of citrus and artificial fruit flavors, the strong peppery character takes center stage.
Finishing Touch: The finish is quick and leaves a slightly warm, peppery aftertaste.
Who might enjoy this? Hornitos Plata is a straightforward tequila, well-suited for mixed drinks and lively gatherings where the emphasis is on having fun rather than sipping and savoring the flavor profile.
A little about Hornitos:
- Made with 100% agave tequila
- Produced at the historic Sauza Distillery, alongside their other well-known tequilas
- Sauza Distillery, founded in 1873, is one of the oldest tequila makers in Mexico
Remember, everyone’s taste buds are different! If you’re curious about Hornitos Plata, give it a try and see if it fits your preferences.
How do they differ?
Hornitos is 100% agave and Sauza is not.
Mexican legislation allows distillers to call Tequila anything using at least 51% agave in the mash.
Personally, I recommend not drinking these second-class Tequilas as they give bad hangovers.
Agave has a unique sugar composition that is headache-free, but once you mix sugar sources things get murky.
Hence the importance of only drinking Tequilas labeled as “100% Agave” and avoiding those marked as “Made from Blue Agave” which is completely misleading.
These Tequilas are made from 51% agave and 49% other undisclosed sugar sources that could well be corn or sugar cane.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Sauza Silver | $17 |
| Hornitos Plata | $26 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | Sauza | Hornitos |
| Type of tequila | Mixto | Blanco |
| Aging length | None | None |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Diffuser | Diffuser |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | Yes |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | No |
| Cooking method | Autoclave | Autoclave |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Additives | Unsure | Unsure |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |