Olmeca Altos Plata 750ML

Olmeca Altos Plata 750ML is a 100% blue Weber agave blanco tequila bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) from the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Distinguished by its use of a traditional tahona stone — rare at this price tier — this expression earned a Master medal at The Spirits Business Tequila Masters competition and 92 points from wine and spirits critic Margaret Swaine.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Los Altos, Jalisco, Mexico  |  Blanco (Unaged)  |  Distillery: Destilería Colonial de Jalisco (NOM 1111)

Production & Heritage

Destilería Colonial de Jalisco sits at over 2,100 meters above sea level in the Los Altos highlands of Jalisco, where iron-rich red clay soil and cooler temperatures produce larger, sweeter agave plants. What separates Altos Plata from most blancos in its category is a dual-extraction process: one distillate is produced using a traditional two-ton tahona millstone — carved over four months from a single piece of volcanic rock — that slowly crushes cooked agave with its fibers intact. A second distillate is made using a modern roller mill for cleaner, brighter notes. The two are blended to create a spirit that carries the earthy, textural complexity of tahona-crushed agave alongside the crisp vibrancy of roller-milled juice. The result is a blanco with more depth than most tequilas at a comparable price point.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Cooked agave and fresh citrus lead, followed by herbal notes and a light floral sweetness. Lime zest and straw-like dryness round out the nose.

Taste: The entry is bright and slightly citric, with zesty lime and sweet agave at the front of the palate. Mid-palate, white pepper and sea salt emerge alongside char-grilled green pepper and a mineral undertone. A subtle nutmeg warmth and fruity agave sweetness build toward the peak.

Finish: Clean and medium in length, with lingering sweet pepper and a slightly earthy aftertaste. The tahona influence shows here as a faint textural weight that blancos from roller mills alone rarely achieve.

How to Drink Altos Plata

Sipped neat or over a single large ice cube, Altos Plata reveals its full agave character and tahona-driven complexity. Its bright citrus backbone and peppery bite also make it an excellent cocktail tequila. A Margarita is the natural choice — the lime zest and mineral notes amplify fresh citrus without being overpowered by triple sec. In a Paloma, the herbal-sweet agave profile plays well against grapefruit soda's bitterness. For a Ranch Water, the clean finish and white pepper spice cut through sparkling mineral water with effortless balance.

Best For

• Building a well-rounded home cocktail bar without overspending
• Introducing a friend to quality 100% agave blanco tequila
• Hosting a taco night or Mexican-themed dinner party
• Side-by-side tasting of highland versus lowland tequilas

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Altos Plata taste like? Altos Plata delivers bright lime and citrus up front, transitioning into white pepper, sweet cooked agave, and a subtle mineral earthiness from its tahona-crushed distillate. The finish is clean with a gently sweet, peppery fade.

How does Altos Plata compare to Espolón Blanco? Both are 100% blue Weber agave blancos from Jalisco priced in a similar range, but Altos Plata incorporates tahona-stone extraction, which adds a slightly richer, earthier body that Espolón Blanco's roller-mill-only production does not emphasize. Espolón tends to lean brighter and more purely citrus-forward, while Altos carries a more textured, peppery agave character.

Is Altos Plata good for cocktails? Absolutely — its balanced profile of citrus, pepper, and sweet agave was designed with bartenders in mind, and it performs especially well in Margaritas, Palomas, and other citrus-driven tequila drinks. It also holds up well sipped neat for those who want to appreciate the tahona influence.

Where is Altos Plata made? Altos Plata is produced at Destilería Colonial de Jalisco (NOM 1111) in the Los Altos highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, at an elevation exceeding 2,100 meters above sea level. This highland region is known for producing sweeter, fruitier agave compared to the Tequila Valley lowlands.

What foods pair well with Altos Plata? Ceviche works beautifully, as the tequila's citrus notes mirror the dish's lime-cured brightness. Grilled shrimp tacos complement the white pepper and char-grilled agave character. Fresh guacamole echoes the herbal and green pepper notes. Aged Oaxacan cheese stands up to the mineral earthiness. Grilled pineapple with chili salt highlights the spirit's sweet-spicy balance.

What sizes does Altos Plata come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Altos Plata worth the price? Altos Plata positions as a value-driven entry into premium blanco tequila — it is one of the only expressions in its price tier to use traditional tahona-stone extraction, a process typically reserved for higher-priced bottles. Its Master medal from The Spirits Business and 92-point score reinforce that it punches above its weight class.

Why Altos Plata?

The defining differentiator here is the tahona stone. Most tequilas under the ultra-premium price threshold rely exclusively on roller mills, which are faster and more cost-efficient but produce a narrower flavor profile. Altos Plata blends tahona-crushed and roller-milled distillates, giving it a layered complexity — mineral, earthy, textured — that stands apart from single-method competitors. That production choice has been validated by a Master medal at The Spirits Business Tequila Masters and consistent praise from critics. For drinkers who want a blanco that works equally well in a cocktail shaker and a tasting glass, Altos Plata remains one of the most compelling options in its category.