Gran Centenario Plata 750ML

Gran Centenario Plata 750ML is a 100% blue Weber agave blanco tequila bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Winner of a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, this expression stands apart from typical unaged blancos thanks to its brief rest in American oak and the brand's proprietary Selección Suave blending process.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 proof)  |  Origin: Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico  |  Blanco (Oak-Rested)  |  Distillery: Ex-Hacienda Los Camichines

Production & Heritage

Gran Centenario traces its origins to master tequilero Lázaro Gallardo, who pioneered the Selección Suave process — a technique that blends newly rested tequilas with the smoothest aged reserves to achieve a rounder, more polished spirit than a conventional silver. The Plata is double-distilled at Ex-Hacienda Los Camichines in the Highlands of Jalisco, where elevated terrain contributes to sweeter, more aromatic blue Weber agave. After distillation, the liquid rests for approximately four to seven weeks in large American oak pipónes with low char, giving it a subtle oak influence rare among blancos. Only three ingredients go into the bottle: agave, water, and yeast.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh agave sweetness leads, followed by herbal green notes reminiscent of rosemary. Soft citrus peel — lime and lemon — drifts in alongside a gentle vanilla accent courtesy of the early barrel contact.

Taste: The entry is clean and smooth, with ripe pear and lime zest arriving first on the tongue. Mid-palate, light grapefruit and gentle caramel develop, balanced by a whisper of white pepper spice that keeps things lively. There is also a fleeting hint of Mexican chocolate that adds unexpected depth for a blanco.

Finish: Moderately long and crisp, with vanilla and cooked agave lingering as the spirit fades. Mild oak tannin provides structure, while a refreshing citrus cool-down closes the experience cleanly.

How to Drink Gran Centenario Plata

Sipping neat or over a single large ice cube lets the oak-softened agave character come through clearly; a few drops of water can open up the vanilla and pear notes further. For cocktails, the Plata's subtle sweetness and citrus profile make it highly versatile:

• Margarita — The pear and lime zest in the spirit echo the cocktail's citrus base, creating a seamless, fruit-forward drink.
• Paloma — Grapefruit soda amplifies the mid-palate grapefruit note already present, producing a balanced and refreshing highball.
• Ranch Water — The crisp finish and clean agave backbone hold up well against sparkling mineral water and fresh lime, keeping the drink light and aromatic.

Best For

• Hosting a taco night or Mexican-themed dinner party
• Introducing friends to premium 100% agave tequila beyond entry-level mixtos
• Building a versatile home bar for agave-based cocktails
• Gifting a tequila enthusiast who appreciates the blanco-to-reposado crossover style

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Gran Centenario Plata taste like? It delivers ripe pear, lime zest, and light grapefruit up front, with gentle vanilla and caramel from its brief American oak rest, finishing crisp with a touch of white pepper.

How does Gran Centenario Plata compare to 1800 Silver? Both are 100% blue Weber agave blancos from Jalisco at 40% ABV, but Gran Centenario Plata undergoes a short oak rest and the Selección Suave blending process, which gives it noticeably more vanilla and caramel character than the brighter, more citrus-driven 1800 Silver.

Is Gran Centenario Plata good for cocktails? Its balanced sweetness, citrus notes, and smooth texture make it an excellent cocktail tequila, particularly in Margaritas, Palomas, and Ranch Water.

Where is Gran Centenario Plata made? It is produced at the Ex-Hacienda Los Camichines distillery in the Highlands (Los Altos) of Jalisco, Mexico, a region known for yielding sweeter, more aromatic blue Weber agave due to its higher elevation and red clay soils.

What foods pair well with Gran Centenario Plata? Ceviche works well, as the spirit's citrus notes mirror the lime in the dish. Grilled shrimp tacos complement its pear and agave sweetness. Aged Manchego or Oaxacan string cheese echoes the subtle caramel undertones. Fresh guacamole with totopos highlights the herbal, green character, and dark chocolate with chili amplifies the Mexican chocolate note on the mid-palate.

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

Is Gran Centenario Plata worth the price? It positions as a mid-range 100% agave blanco, sitting above mass-market mixtos but below ultra-premium small-batch expressions — strong value given its Double Gold from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the added complexity from oak resting.

Why Gran Centenario Plata?

The Selección Suave process — blending freshly rested liquid with aged reserves — is a technique virtually unique to Gran Centenario and gives the Plata a depth uncommon in the blanco category. A Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a Platinum award at the L.A. Spirits Awards validate that approach with independent critical recognition. The brief rest in large American oak pipónes bridges the gap between a sharp, unaged silver and a mellow reposado, resulting in a tequila that works equally well in a shaker or a snifter. For drinkers who want more nuance than a standard blanco without committing to the heavier oak influence of an aged expression, the Plata fills that space convincingly.