El Bandido Yankee Plata 750ML

El Bandido Yankee Plata 750ML is an unfiltered, additive-free blanco tequila bottled at 47% ABV (94 proof) from the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. In a category dominated by 80-proof bottlings, this overproof expression preserves volatile agave aromatics that standard dilution strips away, resulting in a more intense and complex blanco experience.

Quick Facts: ABV: 47% (94 Proof)  |  Origin: Los Altos, Jalisco, Mexico  |  Blanco / Plata (Unaged)  |  Distillery: El Viejito (NOM 1107)

Production & Heritage

El Bandido Yankee Plata is produced at El Viejito Distillery (NOM 1107) in the Highlands of Jalisco under the direction of Master Distiller Karina Rojo. The 100% Blue Weber Agave is slow-roasted in traditional brick hornos for 40 hours, naturally fermented, and distilled in small batches through classic copper pot stills. The spirit is bottled unfiltered and without additives, a transparency that sets it apart from the majority of commercially available blancos. The decision to bottle at 94 proof rather than the industry-standard 80 proof retains a fuller spectrum of cooked agave character and aromatic complexity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Buttery, slow-cooked agave leads the nose, followed by bright citrus zest and delicate honeysuckle. A thread of white pepper and clean minerality emerges as the spirit opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is bold and immediate — rich cooked agave hits first, then gives way to orange zest, cracked black pepper, and a saline mineral quality at mid-palate. The elevated proof provides warming intensity without overwhelming the palate, keeping the agave flavor vivid and central through every sip.

Finish: Long and spicy, with lingering agave sweetness balanced by a touch of saline earthiness. White pepper heat recedes gradually, leaving a clean mineral trail.

How to Drink El Bandido Yankee Plata

The 94-proof backbone and unfiltered character reward neat sipping at room temperature; a few drops of water can open up the floral and citrus aromatics without diminishing intensity. The higher ABV also makes this an exceptional cocktail tequila that holds its agave presence where standard-proof blancos disappear.

• Margarita: The 47% ABV punches through citrus and triple sec, keeping agave flavor front and center rather than getting buried.
• Paloma: Its saline minerality and pepper spice complement grapefruit soda beautifully, adding depth to the classic highball.
• Batanga: The spirit's raw intensity and earthy finish match the cola-and-lime simplicity of this underrated Mexican cocktail.

Best For

• Tequila enthusiasts exploring overproof, additive-free blancos
• Gifting to someone who values craft production and Highland agave character
• Building cocktails that demand a tequila with enough backbone to carry the drink
• Side-by-side tastings comparing 80-proof versus overproof blanco expressions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does El Bandido Yankee Plata taste like? It delivers bold cooked agave, citrus zest, cracked black pepper, and a distinctive saline minerality. The 94-proof strength amplifies those flavors while the finish lingers with spice and earthy agave sweetness.

How does El Bandido Yankee Plata compare to Fortaleza Blanco? Both are craft 100% agave blancos from Jalisco, but El Bandido Yankee's 47% ABV delivers more immediate intensity than Fortaleza Blanco's standard 40% ABV bottling. Fortaleza tends toward a softer, rounder profile from its tahona-and-copper-pot production, while El Bandido Yankee favors raw power and directness.

Is El Bandido Yankee Plata good for sipping neat? Absolutely — the unfiltered, additive-free production and 94-proof bottling create a rich, aromatic sipping experience that reveals complexity with time in the glass. A few drops of water can further open the floral and citrus layers.

Where is El Bandido Yankee Plata made? It is produced at El Viejito Distillery (NOM 1107) in the Los Altos (Highlands) region of Jalisco, Mexico, under Master Distiller Karina Rojo.

What foods pair well with El Bandido Yankee Plata? Ceviche and raw oysters complement its saline minerality; grilled fish tacos with lime mirror its citrus brightness; carne asada matches the peppery intensity; aged Manchego or Cotija cheese balances the agave sweetness; and fresh fruit with Tajín seasoning echoes its spice-and-citrus character.

What sizes does El Bandido Yankee Plata come in? The standard widely available format is the 750ml bottle.

Is El Bandido Yankee Plata worth the price? It positions as a premium craft blanco, competing alongside artisanal overproof expressions rather than mass-market 80-proof tequilas. The additive-free, unfiltered production and 94-proof bottling deliver tangible quality that justifies the step up from standard-tier blancos.

Why El Bandido Yankee Plata?

The clearest reason to reach for this expression is its commitment to full-strength, unmanipulated agave character. While the vast majority of blanco tequilas are diluted to 80 proof and often include undisclosed additives, El Bandido Yankee Plata arrives at 94 proof, unfiltered, and verified additive-free. That production philosophy preserves aromatic compounds — the honeysuckle, the citrus oils, the peppery bite — that simply do not survive in a standard bottling. Produced in small copper-pot batches at NOM 1107 from 40-hour horno-roasted Highland agave, this is a blanco built for drinkers who want to taste everything the plant has to give.