Olmeca Altos from NOM 1111(Pernod Ricard México, S.A. de C.V.) is a rarity in the tequila world. It's a tahona tequila (blended) at a value price. They had a premium 100% tahona brand in Tezon, but that has since stopped production and they are focusing on Olmeca Altos. For $25 or less, this is one of those easy decisions when you know the history and see it on the shelf. Let's hope the taste doesn't make me look dumb(er).

Price: $25/bottle

Aroma: It's odd to say that something smells like a texture, but this one smells oily. It could be from the fact that I know what this smell often means on the palate. It's got a big agave aroma...really nice with a hint of earth.

Initial Taste: A sweet agave entry. A very basic flavor with hints of earth and white pepper, but it's very pure tasting.

Body: Medium bodied. Not quite as oily and creamy as the nose told me it might be, but still a good mouth feel and a really solid flavor.

Finish: A light sweetness and peppery linger last for about an average amount of time. A "B" grade finish.

This is a pretty darn good tequila. Couple with it that it is only $25, it's a great buy. You get some tahona elements and a really pure agave flavor for a bargain price. If you haven't had it and it's available, I highly recommend picking one up.

Tasted on 8/09/14 in a Riedel tequila glass.
Appearance: Bright crystal clear
Aroma: Grassy agave with a hint of citrus
Initial Taste: Nice and smooth, but not bold, sweet agave with a note of fruit
Body: Medium body with light buttery mouthfeel and medium tears on the glass
Enjoyability: Very smooth and enjoyable
Price: Outstanding in the $20-25 range.
Presentation: A nicely designed decanter bottle
This is a very nice “value” tequila if you can find it under $20. It is a nice mixer because it is not too sweet but it is also a good “go to” sipping blanco on those casual nights. It is currently my "House" Blanco.

A simple nose of sweet cooked agave with a hint of banana. A bit of spicy citrus hits the tongue in the taste, with a little mint as well, and there is still a decent sweetness present under it all. The body has a medium weight, but rather dry with the citrus flavor still pertinent. A quick heat in the finish - not much lingering, but what is there is a nice sweet and vegetal flavor.

There's nothing offensive here, although nothing outstanding either. This is strictly a mixer for me, but it serves that purpose quite well. It's priced as a bargain tequila, and that fits it well - high score in that regard. An attractive square bottle with a sturdy screw-on top and wooden cap, this is built for bar duty.

Price and presentation get the overall score to 90, but in reality this is a respectable, high 80s, B+ tequila.

I love tequilas that remember Mexico's past. This tequila is good, but not great. A better mixer than sipper.

Aroma: Pine, grass, and citrus.
Initial taste: A thin mouth feel. A sweet entry with no bitterness. Initial taste of citrus.
Body: A decent highlands agave body. But not very complex.
Finish: A semi heated agave lingering of medium duration.

Recommended by a friend and I really liked this blanco. A nice Agave presence in the aroma and flavor with some smoke and citrus. Kind of a tropical and earthy thing going on. Very nice and inexpensive.