Sauza Hornitos Plata 375ML

Sauza Hornitos Plata 375ML is a double-distilled, 100% blue agave blanco tequila bottled at 40% ABV in a convenient 375ml format. Awarded 88 points by Wine Enthusiast, which highlighted its crisp agave fragrance and smooth citrus character, this expression remains one of the most recognized value-driven blancos on the market.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof)  |  Origin: Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico  |  Blanco (Unaged)  |  Distillery: La Perseverancia (NOM 1102)

Production & Heritage

Hornitos traces its name to an innovation by Don Cenobio Sauza, the founder of Destilería La Perseverancia, who pioneered the use of small brick ovens — called hornitos, or "little ovens" — to cook blue agave piñas rather than roasting them over open flame. This slower, more controlled cooking method yields a fresher, brighter spirit. Hornitos Plata is made from 100% blue agave harvested in Jalisco, then double distilled and bottled unaged to preserve the natural agave character. La Perseverancia, established in 1873 in the town of Tequila, is now owned by Beam Suntory and holds NOM 1102.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Floral and herbal on the first pass, giving way to light citrus and a subtle vanilla-marshmallow sweetness. A faint clove spice emerges as the glass opens up.

Taste: The entry is smooth and agave-forward, with ripe pineapple and a trace of coconut developing across the mid-palate. Citrus notes — mostly lemon peel — sharpen toward the peak, balanced by a soft almond undertone and a wisp of fresh wood.

Finish: Medium-bodied and warm, with a short but clean exit that leans into dry agave heart and black pepper. A lingering hint of olive oil gives the finish an unexpectedly silky texture.

How to Drink Hornitos Plata

Served chilled or over a single large cube, this blanco lets its agave and citrus notes speak clearly without dilution washing them out. It also works hard in cocktails:

• Margarita: The citrus-forward profile locks in naturally with fresh lime juice and orange liqueur.
• Paloma: Herbal and floral agave notes complement grapefruit soda without fighting for attention.
• Ranch Water: The clean, dry finish makes it an ideal base with Topo Chico and a squeeze of lime.

Best For

• Stocking a home bar with a reliable blanco for everyday cocktails
• Bringing to a small gathering where half-bottle portability matters
• Introducing a friend to 100% blue agave tequila at an accessible price point
• Mixing pitcher margaritas for a weekend cookout

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Hornitos Plata taste like? Hornitos Plata leads with bright agave and citrus — primarily lemon peel and pineapple — supported by floral, herbal undertones and a warm, peppery finish.

How does Hornitos Plata compare to Patrón Silver? Both are 100% blue agave blancos at 40% ABV, but Patrón Silver generally presents a more polished, sweeter agave profile with a longer finish. Hornitos Plata positions itself in a lower price tier with a drier, more citrus-driven character that prioritizes cocktail versatility over sipping complexity.

Is Hornitos Plata good for cocktails? Yes — its clean, citrus-forward flavor and dry finish make it one of the more dependable mixing blancos in its price range, particularly strong in Margaritas and Palomas.

Where is Hornitos Plata made? Hornitos Plata is produced at Destilería La Perseverancia (NOM 1102), located in the town of Tequila in the state of Jalisco, Mexico — the heartland of tequila production.

What foods pair well with Hornitos Plata? Grilled shrimp with lime and chili pairs well with the citrus and pepper notes. Ceviche mirrors the bright acidity. Fresh guacamole and corn tortilla chips complement the herbal character. Chicken tacos al pastor work with the pineapple undertone. A citrus-dressed jicama salad echoes the tequila's clean, zesty profile.

What sizes does Hornitos Plata come in? Hornitos Plata is widely available in 375ml, 750ml, 1L, and 1.75L formats, making it flexible for anything from a personal bottle to large-volume entertaining.

Is Hornitos Plata worth the price? Hornitos Plata positions as an entry-level to mid-range 100% blue agave blanco, and its 88-point Wine Enthusiast rating suggests it punches above its weight in that tier — delivering genuine agave character where many competitors at the same level cut corners with mixto formulas.

Why Hornitos Plata?

The defining edge here is the hornitos oven-cooking method, a technique pioneered by founder Don Cenobio Sauza that produces a noticeably fresher, brighter agave spirit than open-flame roasting. An 88-point score from Wine Enthusiast validates that this approach translates into a quality blanco, not just a marketing story. As one of the few widely distributed blancos that maintains 100% blue agave at its price point, Hornitos Plata delivers honest tequila character without asking drinkers to pay a premium for it. For a half-bottle format, the 375ml is especially practical — enough for a round of cocktails with nothing going to waste.