Olmeca Altos Reposado 750ML

Olmeca Altos Reposado 750ML is a 100% blue Weber agave reposado tequila bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) from the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Distinguished as one of the only tequilas in its price tier to incorporate the centuries-old Tahona stone-crushing method, it has earned a Gold Medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition and multiple awards from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 proof)  |  Origin: Los Altos, Jalisco, Mexico  |  Aged 6–8 Months  |  Distillery: Destilería Colonial de Jalisco (NOM 1111)

Production & Heritage

Olmeca Altos is produced at Destilería Colonial de Jalisco in the town of Arandas, situated 2,104 meters above sea level in the Los Altos highlands — a region prized for yielding sweeter, more aromatic agave due to iron-rich red clay soils and cooler temperatures. Production begins with 100% blue Weber agave slow-cooked in traditional brick ovens, then processed through a dual-extraction technique: a volcanic stone Tahona wheel — a method dating back over 500 years — works alongside a modern roller mill, and the two separate distillates from each method are blended after distillation in copper pot stills. The reposado expression rests for six to eight months in 200-liter white American oak ex-bourbon barrels, which introduce gentle warmth and vanilla character while allowing the highland agave to remain the focal point.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh citrus peel and ripe tropical fruit open the nose, followed by waves of slow-cooked agave and soft vanilla. Subtle woody undertones add depth without overwhelming the bright, inviting opening.

Taste: The entry is silky and sweet, led by cooked agave and a squeeze of orange citrus. At mid-palate the body fills out with caramel, toffee, and toasted nut flavors, while a gentle smokiness and touch of black pepper add complexity. The overall impression is velvety and well-balanced, with the agave remaining front and center throughout.

Finish: Medium in length with a smooth, slightly woody fade. Lingering hints of honey, vanilla, and warm spice close cleanly, leaving a pleasant sweetness on the palate.

How to Drink Altos Reposado

Neat or over a single large ice cube is the most direct way to appreciate the Tahona-influenced texture and layered agave character. A few drops of water can open up the citrus and toffee notes further. Beyond sipping, this reposado is a workhorse in agave-forward cocktails:

• Paloma — the bright citrus backbone of Altos Reposado amplifies fresh grapefruit soda without being overpowered.
• Tequila Old Fashioned — caramel and vanilla notes from the oak aging integrate naturally with agave syrup and Angostura bitters.
• Oaxaca Old Fashioned (split base) — pairing half Altos Reposado with a smoky mezcal leverages the tequila's sweetness against charred, earthy flavors.

Best For

• Bartenders and home mixologists building a versatile agave spirits shelf
• Tequila drinkers exploring traditional Tahona production at an accessible price point
• Hosting a margarita or Paloma tasting night for friends
• Gifting someone transitioning from blanco-only tequila drinking to aged expressions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Altos Reposado taste like? Altos Reposado delivers cooked agave, sweet orange, and caramel up front, with toasted nut, vanilla, and a hint of black pepper adding complexity. The texture is silky and velvety, with a medium-length finish that stays clean and lightly woody.

How does Altos Reposado compare to Herradura Reposado? Both are 100% agave highland reposados, but Altos Reposado is generally milder and more citrus-forward, while Herradura Reposado tends toward a richer, more oak-driven profile with a slightly longer aging period of up to 11 months. Altos also distinguishes itself through its Tahona-plus-roller-mill dual extraction, a process Herradura does not employ.

Is Altos Reposado good for cocktails? Yes — its balanced sweetness, citrus brightness, and smooth body make it one of the most frequently recommended reposados for Palomas, Margaritas, and stirred cocktails like the Tequila Old Fashioned. The moderate 40% ABV integrates easily without dominating other ingredients.

Where is Altos Reposado made? It is produced at Destilería Colonial de Jalisco (NOM 1111) in Arandas, a town in the Los Altos highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, at an elevation of 2,104 meters above sea level.

What foods pair well with Altos Reposado? Grilled shrimp tacos complement its citrus and light smoke; carnitas or slow-roasted pork echo the caramel and toffee sweetness; aged Manchego cheese mirrors the vanilla and nutty oak notes; dark chocolate with sea salt highlights the pepper and agave finish; and ceviche balances the tequila's sweetness with bright acidity.

What sizes does Altos Reposado come in? The standard bottle is 750ml, and it is also commonly available in a 1-liter format and a smaller 375ml size.

Is Altos Reposado worth the price? Altos Reposado positions as an entry-level to mid-range 100% agave reposado, yet its use of the Tahona method — typically reserved for higher-priced bottles — delivers a quality of texture and flavor complexity that punches above its weight class in the category.

Why Altos Reposado?

The defining differentiator here is the dual-extraction process: blending Tahona-crushed and roller-mill distillates creates a richer, more texturally complex spirit than either method alone would produce. At its price tier, no other widely available reposado offers this traditional production step. Multiple Gold medals — including wins at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the International Wine & Spirit Competition — validate that the approach translates into the glass. For anyone seeking a highland reposado with genuine artisanal character that performs equally well neat or in cocktails, Altos Reposado is a benchmark in its category.