Tequila, a spirit deeply rooted in Mexican culture, has gained immense popularity worldwide for its rich flavor profile and versatility in cocktails. Among the numerous tequila brands available, Altos stands out for its exceptional quality and unique characteristics. In this article, we will delve into the world of Altos tequila, exploring its history, production process, and what sets it apart from other tequilas.
A Brief History of Altos Tequila
Altos tequila is a product of the Destilería San Nicolas, a distillery located in the Los Altos region of Jalisco, Mexico. This region is renowned for its rich soil, ideal climate, and abundant water supply, making it the perfect place for growing blue agave, the primary ingredient in tequila production. The brand was created by a group of friends, including Henry Besant, Dré Masso, and Malcolm Gosling, who shared a passion for tequila and a vision to create a premium spirit that would showcase the true essence of Mexico.
The Name “Altos” and Its Significance
The name “Altos” is derived from the Los Altos region, where the distillery is situated. This region is known for its high altitude, which contributes to the unique flavor profile of the tequila. The name also reflects the brand’s commitment to producing a high-quality spirit that embodies the spirit of Mexico.
The Production Process of Altos Tequila
Altos tequila is made from 100% blue agave, which is carefully selected and harvested by skilled jimadores. The production process involves several stages, including:
Cooking the Agave
Unlike some other tequilas, Altos uses a traditional cooking method, where the agave is cooked in brick ovens for 72 hours. This slow cooking process helps to break down the complex sugars in the agave, resulting in a richer, more full-bodied flavor.
Fermentation and Distillation
After cooking, the agave is fermented with a proprietary yeast strain, which contributes to the unique flavor profile of Altos tequila. The fermented mixture is then distilled twice in copper pot stills, resulting in a smooth, crisp spirit.
Aging and Blending
Altos tequila is available in several expressions, including Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. The aging process involves storing the tequila in oak barrels, which impart a rich, complex flavor to the spirit. The Blanco expression is not aged, while the Reposado and Añejo expressions are aged for a minimum of 2 months and 1 year, respectively.
What Sets Altos Tequila Apart
Several factors contribute to the unique character of Altos tequila, including:
Terroir
The Los Altos region, where the agave is grown, has a distinct terroir that contributes to the flavor profile of the tequila. The region’s high altitude, rich soil, and abundant water supply result in a more complex, full-bodied flavor.
Traditional Production Methods
Altos tequila is made using traditional production methods, including cooking the agave in brick ovens and fermenting with a proprietary yeast strain. These methods result in a more authentic, full-bodied flavor.
High-Quality Ingredients
Altos tequila is made from 100% blue agave, which is carefully selected and harvested by skilled jimadores. The use of high-quality ingredients ensures a smooth, crisp flavor.
Altos Tequila Expressions
Altos tequila is available in several expressions, each with its unique flavor profile and characteristics.
Altos Blanco
The Blanco expression is not aged and is bottled immediately after distillation. It has a crisp, clean flavor with notes of citrus and agave.
Altos Reposado
The Reposado expression is aged for a minimum of 2 months in oak barrels, resulting in a smooth, complex flavor with notes of vanilla and caramel.
Altos Añejo
The Añejo expression is aged for a minimum of 1 year in oak barrels, resulting in a rich, full-bodied flavor with notes of oak and spices.
Cocktail Recipes Featuring Altos Tequila
Altos tequila is a versatile spirit that can be used in a variety of cocktails. Here are a few recipes that showcase the unique flavor profile of Altos tequila:
Altos Paloma
- 2 oz Altos Blanco
- 1 oz grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
- Salt for rimming glass
Combine Altos Blanco, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup in a shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a salt-rimmed glass.
Altos Margarita
- 2 oz Altos Blanco
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
- Salt for rimming glass
Combine Altos Blanco, lime juice, and agave syrup in a shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a salt-rimmed glass.
Conclusion
Altos tequila is a premium spirit that embodies the true essence of Mexico. Its unique flavor profile, rich history, and traditional production methods make it a standout in the world of tequila. Whether you prefer the crisp, clean flavor of the Blanco expression or the smooth, complex flavor of the Reposado and Añejo expressions, Altos tequila is sure to please even the most discerning palate.
What is Altos Tequila and what makes it premium?
Altos Tequila is a premium tequila brand that originated in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. It is made from 100% blue weber agave, which is carefully hand-harvested and cooked in traditional brick ovens to bring out the unique flavors and aromas of the agave plant. The brand is known for its commitment to quality and sustainability, using eco-friendly practices and supporting local communities.
What sets Altos Tequila apart from other premium tequilas is its unique production process, which involves a combination of traditional and modern techniques. The brand’s master distiller, Jesús Hernandez, uses a proprietary blend of yeast and a special filtration process to create a smooth and full-bodied tequila that is perfect for sipping or mixing into cocktails. The result is a premium tequila that is rich in flavor and character, with a smooth finish that is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
What are the different types of Altos Tequila available?
Altos Tequila offers a range of premium tequilas that cater to different tastes and preferences. The brand’s portfolio includes Altos Plata, a silver tequila that is perfect for mixing into cocktails; Altos Reposado, a reposado tequila that is aged for 2-3 months in oak barrels to give it a smooth and rich flavor; and Altos Añejo, an añejo tequila that is aged for 1-2 years in oak barrels to give it a complex and full-bodied flavor.
In addition to these core expressions, Altos Tequila also offers a range of limited-edition and specialty tequilas that showcase the brand’s creativity and innovation. These include Altos Extra Añejo, a premium añejo tequila that is aged for 3-4 years in oak barrels; and Altos Cristalino, a cristalino tequila that is filtered to give it a smooth and crystal-clear finish. Whether you’re a tequila connoisseur or just looking to try something new, Altos Tequila has something for everyone.
How is Altos Tequila made?
The production process for Altos Tequila begins with the harvesting of 100% blue weber agave, which is carefully hand-picked by skilled jimadores who select only the ripest and best agave plants. The agave is then cooked in traditional brick ovens to bring out the unique flavors and aromas of the agave plant. The cooked agave is then fermented with a proprietary blend of yeast to create a rich and full-bodied tequila.
After fermentation, the tequila is distilled twice in copper pot stills to give it a smooth and refined flavor. The tequila is then aged in oak barrels, depending on the type of tequila being produced. For example, Altos Reposado is aged for 2-3 months in oak barrels, while Altos Añejo is aged for 1-2 years. The final step is filtration, where the tequila is filtered to give it a smooth and crystal-clear finish.
What are the tasting notes for Altos Tequila?
The tasting notes for Altos Tequila vary depending on the type of tequila being tasted. Altos Plata, for example, has a crisp and clean flavor profile with notes of citrus, green apple, and grassy agave. Altos Reposado, on the other hand, has a smooth and rich flavor profile with notes of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak.
Altos Añejo has a complex and full-bodied flavor profile with notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and spices. The brand’s limited-edition and specialty tequilas also have unique flavor profiles that showcase the brand’s creativity and innovation. For example, Altos Extra Añejo has a rich and velvety flavor profile with notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel, while Altos Cristalino has a smooth and crystal-clear flavor profile with notes of citrus, green apple, and grassy agave.
How should I drink Altos Tequila?
Altos Tequila is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. For those who prefer to sip their tequila, Altos Plata and Altos Añejo are perfect for sipping on their own or paired with a slice of orange or a splash of soda water. For those who prefer to mix their tequila, Altos Reposado and Altos Plata are great for mixing into cocktails such as margaritas, palomas, and tequila sunrises.
Altos Tequila also pairs well with food, particularly Mexican cuisine. For example, Altos Plata pairs well with seafood and salads, while Altos Reposado pairs well with grilled meats and vegetables. Altos Añejo pairs well with rich and savory dishes such as mole and carnitas. Whether you prefer to sip, mix, or pair your tequila with food, Altos Tequila has something for everyone.
Is Altos Tequila sustainable and eco-friendly?
Yes, Altos Tequila is committed to sustainability and eco-friendliness. The brand uses eco-friendly practices throughout its production process, including using solar power to generate electricity and reducing water waste through a state-of-the-art filtration system. The brand also supports local communities by sourcing agave from local farmers and providing jobs and training to local residents.
In addition to its eco-friendly practices, Altos Tequila also partners with environmental organizations to support conservation efforts and protect the natural habitats of the blue weber agave. The brand’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness is reflected in its certification as a sustainable tequila producer by the Tequila Regulatory Council (TRC).
Where can I buy Altos Tequila?
Altos Tequila is widely available in the United States and can be found in many liquor stores, bars, and restaurants. The brand is also available online through various retailers, including Amazon and Drizly. In addition, Altos Tequila has a strong presence in Mexico and can be found in many liquor stores and bars throughout the country.
For those who are looking to try Altos Tequila, the brand offers a range of purchasing options, including bottles, miniatures, and gift sets. The brand also offers a loyalty program that rewards customers for their purchases and provides exclusive access to limited-edition tequilas and special promotions. Whether you’re a tequila connoisseur or just looking to try something new, Altos Tequila is widely available and easy to find.