Olmeca Altos: The Bartender-Crafted Tequila That’s Bringing Mexico to Mzansi

When bartenders worldwide were asked which tequila they trust most for crafting perfect Margaritas, Palomas, and elevated cocktails, one name kept appearing: Olmeca Altos. Created in 2009 by two world-famous bartenders and a Maestro Tequilero who believed tequila should be made the right way, Olmeca Altos has become the go-to choice for professionals and home enthusiasts who understand that quality matters. Made from 100% blue agave grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, slow-cooked in traditional brick ovens, and crafted using the ancient Tahona stone method, this is tequila that respects tradition while embracing modern mixability. Whether you’re building your home bar, leveling up your cocktail game, or simply discovering what premium tequila should taste like, here’s everything you need to know about Olmeca Altos.

History: From Bartenders’ Vision to Global Success

The story of Olmeca Altos begins with a gap in the market and three visionaries determined to fill it. In 2009, acclaimed UK bartenders Dre Masso and Henry Besant partnered with Jesús Hernández – a Maestro Tequilero with over 17 years of experience and a native of Jalisco – to create something the tequila world desperately needed: a high-quality tequila that captures authentic agave distillation but remains accessible and mixable for bartenders.

Jesús Hernández wasn’t new to the tequila business. He’d been overseeing production at Destilería Colonial de Jalisco (NOM 1111) since the distillery’s construction. The facility itself has fascinating roots: it was purpose-built in the late 1990s by Seagram to meet surging demand for premium tequila, particularly Patrón. Located near Arandas in Los Altos, Jalisco at 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) above sea level, the site was chosen for its proximity to the region’s mineral-rich volcanic red soil and an adjacent 211-meter-deep artesian well with ideal pH and mineral content for fermentation.

When the Patrón distribution deal fell apart just months after the distillery opened in October 1997, Seagram pivoted to producing its own tequila brands, including Olmeca and Mariachi. In 2001, when Seagram merged with French entertainment group Vivendi, the spirits division was sold to Pernod Ricard and Diageo, with Olmeca going to Pernod Ricard.

This is where the Altos story truly begins. Jesús Hernández, Dre Masso, and Henry Besant saw an opportunity: create a premium tequila that bartenders would actually choose. They wanted to fill a noticeable gap – a high-quality tequila that wasn’t priced like luxury but performed like excellence. The trio’s goal was clear: craft tequila that honors centuries-old tradition while being specifically designed for the modern cocktail culture.

The result? Olmeca Altos launched in 2009 and quickly became the only tequila at its price point to use the traditional Tahona method. This wasn’t marketing spin – it was genuine commitment to quality. Jesús Hernández oversees every aspect of production, from harvesting agave to the aging process, ensuring consistency and authenticity.

The accolades came fast. Olmeca Altos Reposado became the brand’s most awarded expression, collecting medals at prestigious spirit competitions worldwide. Bartenders voted it “best tequila” globally, and it became the Margarita champion – the top choice for that classic cocktail. Today, Olmeca Altos stands as proof that when you combine bartender expertise with master distilling and respect for tradition, you create something genuinely exceptional.

From 2009 to 2025, Olmeca Altos has expanded across continents, becoming one of the most respected premium tequilas available. The brand produces at least 5 million bottles across its range (Plata, Reposado, Añejo), making it simultaneously accessible and excellent – precisely what its founders envisioned.

Production Method: Tradition Meets Innovation

What makes Olmeca Altos unique is its commitment to traditional methods at accessible pricing. This starts with the agave itself: 100% Blue Weber agave sourced from the mineral-rich volcanic soil of Los Altos (highlands) region. These plants are grown around 6,890 feet above sea level for 7-8 years before dedicated jimadors hand-harvest them. Each agave plant produces approximately 8 bottles of tequila.

Once harvested, the piñas (hearts of the agave) are cut in half and hand-loaded into 3 traditional brick masonry ovens (called “Mampostería”). The piñas must be carefully stacked to allow steam penetration during cooking. They’re slow-cooked for 36 hours at 200°F (93°C), then left for an additional 8 hours to cool. This patient process allows the sweet agave syrup to be drained and used later in fermentation, maximizing flavor extraction.

Here’s where Olmeca Altos gets special: the distillery operates both a modern roller mill AND a traditional 2-ton volcanic Tahona stone. After cooking, agave is first shredded and pressed using the roller mill. Then, more agave is crushed using the ancient Tahona stone to squeeze out every last flavorful drop. Olmeca Altos is crafted from a blend of two distillates – the pure Tahona juice and the juice from the modern roller mill. This dual-process approach creates complexity impossible with either method alone.

The extracted juices are fermented using organic yeast, converting sugars into alcohol and developing flavor compounds. After fermentation, Olmeca Altos undergoes double distillation in small-batch 100% copper pot stills. Copper is crucial – it removes sulfur compounds that would create unpleasant flavors, resulting in exceptionally smooth tequila.

Olmeca Altos Plata (Silver): Unaged and bottled immediately after distillation at 43% ABV. This expression delivers the purest agave character – aromatic and nutty nose, slightly citric and sweet with herbal notes of cooked agave. Natural smoothness when sipped, but designed as the Margarita champion.

Olmeca Altos Reposado: Aged 6-8 months in 200-litre former American oak ex-bourbon barrels at 40% ABV. Using smaller barrels creates more wood contact and faster aging, producing a more complex profile that’s perfectly balanced while keeping unique tequila taste. Robust yet pleasant body with agave, vanilla, and woody notes. Each barrel contains 380 bottles of Altos tequila.

Olmeca Altos Añejo: Aged minimum 18 months in former bourbon barrels at 40% ABV. Extended aging creates well-balanced, rounded aromas with notes of dried fruit and almonds alongside mature agave character.

Sustainability matters to Olmeca Altos: 98% of all organic waste from production is composted and reintegrated into the soil of agave fields, leaving the land in better shape than they found it. The total amount of non-recycled material per month for the entire distillery would fit in a car trunk.

Alcohol Percentage: Premium Strength for Cocktails

Olmeca Altos Plata is bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof), while Reposado and Añejo are 40% ABV (80 proof). These carefully chosen strengths serve specific purposes.

The 43% ABV on Plata provides:

• Stronger backbone for cocktails – it won’t get lost in mixers
• More pronounced agave character when sipped neat
• Better extraction of botanicals when infusing
• Professional-grade strength preferred by bartenders

At 40% ABV, the aged expressions (Reposado, Añejo) deliver:

• Smoother sipping experience as aging mellows the spirit
• Balanced integration of oak flavors with agave character
• Versatility for both sipping and mixing
• Standard premium tequila strength

For comparison:

• Olmeca Altos Plata: 43% ABV
• Olmeca Altos Reposado/Añejo: 40% ABV
• Standard tequilas: 38-40% ABV
• Jose Cuervo Gold: 35-40% ABV (varies)
• Premium craft tequilas: 40-45% ABV

The slightly higher ABV on Plata is strategic – bartenders specifically requested this strength for cocktails. When mixing a Margarita with fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, and ice dilution, that extra 3% ABV ensures the tequila character shines through. For neat sipping or aged expressions, the standard 40% ABV provides elegance without overwhelming heat.

Number of Calories: Pure Agave Simplicity

As 100% agave tequila with no additives, Olmeca Altos contains calories only from alcohol. Based on standard tequila calculations:

Olmeca Altos Plata (43% ABV):

• 25ml shot: ~61 calories
• 44ml (1.5 oz) shot: ~107 calories
• 50ml double: ~122 calories
• 750ml bottle: ~1,830 calories total

Olmeca Altos Reposado/Añejo (40% ABV):

• 25ml shot: ~56 calories
• 44ml (1.5 oz) shot: ~97 calories
• 50ml double: ~112 calories
• 750ml bottle: ~1,680 calories total

These numbers come from pure ethanol content (7 calories per gram) with zero carbohydrates, zero sugar, zero fat, and zero protein. All calories are from alcohol – nothing else.

For comparison per 44ml (1.5 oz) shot:

• Olmeca Altos Plata (43% ABV): ~107 calories
• Standard 40% tequila: ~97 calories
• Vodka (40% ABV): ~97 calories
• Whiskey (40% ABV): ~97 calories
• Beer (330ml): ~135-150 calories
• Wine (150ml): ~120-135 calories

Olmeca Altos is keto-friendly and low-carb compatible since pure tequila contains zero carbs. However, what you mix it with matters enormously. A classic Margarita made with Olmeca Altos Plata (60ml), agave syrup (30ml), and citrus juice (30ml) delivers approximately 230 calories. A Paloma with 60ml Altos Plata, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, and agave syrup has about 203 calories.

Want to keep calories low? Mix Olmeca Altos with club soda, fresh lime, and a splash of grapefruit juice for a “skinny” serve at approximately 130-180 calories.

Tasting Notes: Highland Character in Every Sip

Olmeca Altos Plata

Appearance: Crystal clear with brilliant transparency Nose: Aromatic and nutty with roasted agave, citrus (lime), and herbal notes. Clean agave-forward character with subtle sweetness Palate: Slightly citric and sweet with prominent cooked agave flavors. Herbal notes, natural smoothness, and that distinctive highland minerality. Great balance between sweet and spicy Finish: Clean, smooth, well-balanced with lasting agave character Best for: Margaritas, Palomas, cocktails, shots with lime and salt

Olmeca Altos Reposado

Appearance: Pale golden-straw color from barrel aging Nose: Agave forward with vanilla, light oak, and dried fruit notes. Subtle caramel and toast Palate: Robust yet pleasant body with agave sweetness balanced by vanilla and woody notes from bourbon barrels. Fuller texture than Plata with creamy mouthfeel Finish: Smooth, rounded, with vanilla and oak lingering alongside agave Best for: Sipping neat, elevated cocktails, Old Fashioneds, Manhattan variations

Olmeca Altos Añejo

Appearance: Rich golden amber from extended aging Nose: Well-balanced and rounded with dried fruits (apricot, fig), toasted almonds, vanilla, and mature agave Palate: Complex integration of oak and agave – caramel, vanilla, nuts, dried fruit, with underlying agave sweetness. Velvety smooth texture Finish: Long, elegant, with oak spices and fruit notes fading slowly Best for: Sipping neat or on the rocks, special occasion cocktails

Across all expressions, Olmeca Altos showcases that distinctive highland character: mineral-rich soil creates brighter, more citric, herbaceous agave profiles compared to lowland tequilas. The use of Tahona juice adds depth and complexity you won’t find in standard roller-mill-only tequilas.

Best Served With: Bartender-Approved Serves

Classic Cocktails

Margarita (The Champion):

• 60ml Olmeca Altos Plata
• 30ml fresh lime juice
• 30ml Cointreau or Triple Sec
• 15ml agave syrup (optional)
• Salt rim, shake with ice, strain into salt-rimmed glass

Paloma (Refreshing Alternative):

• 60ml Olmeca Altos Plata
• 60ml pink grapefruit juice
• 30ml fresh lime juice
• 15ml agave syrup
• Top with soda water, serve over ice

Tequila Old Fashioned:

• 60ml Olmeca Altos Reposado
• 1 tsp agave syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel
• Stir with ice, serve in rocks glass with large ice cube

Food Pairings

Olmeca Altos Plata:

• Mexican: Tacos, ceviche, guacamole, salsa verde
• Seafood: Grilled fish, prawns, calamari
• Fresh: Citrus salads, fresh vegetables, light dishes

Olmeca Altos Reposado:

• Grilled meats: Carne asada, chicken, braai boerewors
• Cheese: Aged cheddar, manchego, gouda
• Desserts: Flan, tres leches cake, caramel-based sweets

Olmeca Altos Añejo:

• Rich meats: Ribeye steak, lamb chops, beef stew
• Dark chocolate: 70%+ cacao, chocolate desserts
• Cigars: Premium hand-rolled (for special occasions)

Serving Temperature

Serve chilled or at room temperature. For cocktails, use Plata well-chilled. For sipping aged expressions, room temperature or slightly chilled reveals more complexity.

Where to Buy: Widely Available Across South Africa

Specific Retailers

Woolworths Product: Olmeca Altos Reposado Tequila 750ml Available: Woolworths stores with liquor sections nationwide Website: woolworths.co.za Note: Premium quality, consistent stock

Norman Goodfellows Multiple locations: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban Products: Olmeca range including Altos Plata, Reposado Website: ngf.co.za Contact: Check website for nearest location

Captain Liquor Distributors Product: Olmeca Altos Reposado Tequila 750ml Item code: OLMEAR750 Website: shop.captains.co.za

Bar Keeper (Cape Town) Product: Olmeca Blanco Tequila 750ml Location: 103 Strand St, Cape Town Contact: 021 422 1024 Website: barkeeper.co.za

Solly Kramers (Parkhurst) Product: Olmeca Gold Tequila 750ml Location: Johannesburg, Parkhurst Website: sollykramersparkhurst.co.za

PicardiReBEL (Online) Product: Olmeca Altos Blanco 750ml Website: picardirebel.co.za Delivery available

Harrington Liquors Product: Olmeca Tequila Silver 750ml Price: R169.50 Website: harrington-liquors.co.za

Liquor.co.za (Online) Product: Olmeca Reposado 750ml Website: liquor.co.za

Makro Available: Selected Makro stores with liquor sections Check: In-store availability for Olmeca range

Pick n Pay Available: Selected Pick n Pay liquor stores Check: Local store availability

Prices (South Africa, 2025)

Retail Bottle Prices (750ml):

• Olmeca Altos Plata: R350-R450
• Olmeca Altos Reposado: R380-R480
• Olmeca Altos Añejo: R450-R550
• Olmeca Silver (standard, not Altos): R169-R220
• Olmeca Gold: R180-R240
• Olmeca Reposado (standard): R200-R280

Club/Bar Pricing (per shot/cocktail):

• Olmeca Altos shot (25ml): R35-R55
• Olmeca Altos Margarita: R65-R95
• Olmeca Altos Paloma: R70-R100
• Premium cocktail bars: R80-R120

Pricing Notes:

• Olmeca Altos is premium-priced compared to standard Olmeca (which costs R169-R240)
• The Altos range justifies higher pricing through 100% agave, Tahona method, and bartender-grade quality
• Prices vary by retailer and region
• Watch for promotional bundles at major retailers
• Import costs and rand/dollar exchange rates affect pricing

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Olmeca Altos

What’s the difference between Olmeca and Olmeca Altos? Olmeca is the standard range (Silver, Gold, Reposado, Añejo) using traditional methods but priced accessibly at R169-R280. Olmeca Altos is the premium line created specifically for bartenders, using 100% agave (standard Olmeca may be mixto), the traditional Tahona stone method, and higher quality standards. Altos costs R350-R550 but delivers professional-grade tequila. Think of it like Toyota vs. Lexus – same parent company, different quality tiers.

Why do bartenders prefer Olmeca Altos for cocktails? Olmeca Altos was literally created by bartenders (Dre Masso and Henry Besant) working with Maestro Tequilero Jesús Hernández. They designed it specifically for mixing: the 43% ABV on Plata provides stronger backbone in cocktails, the 100% agave ensures clean flavor without additives, the Tahona method creates complexity that shines through mixers, and the pricing makes it accessible for high-volume bars. It’s voted best tequila globally by bartenders because it was made for them, by them.

Is Olmeca Altos 100% agave tequila? Yes! All Olmeca Altos expressions (Plata, Reposado, Añejo) are made from 100% Blue Weber agave with no additives, sugars, or fillers. It’s real tequila meeting strict Mexican regulations for 100% agave spirits. Standard Olmeca (not Altos) may be mixto (up to 49% other spirits), but Altos is pure agave excellence.

What is the Tahona method? The Tahona is a 2-ton volcanic stone wheel (made from Tezontle volcanic rock) used for 500+ years to crush cooked agave piñas. The stone is rolled over the agave, crushing it to extract every drop of sweet juice and fiber. This traditional method creates more complex flavors than modern roller mills alone. Olmeca Altos is the only tequila at its price point using Tahona juice blended with roller mill juice – you get tradition and efficiency combined.

Which Olmeca Altos should I buy first? For cocktails (especially Margaritas), start with Olmeca Altos Plata at R350-R450. It’s the Margarita champion and most versatile. For sipping neat or elevated cocktails, try Olmeca Altos Reposado at R380-R480 – it’s the most awarded expression with beautiful vanilla and oak character. Save Añejo (R450-R550) for special occasions or after you’ve fallen in love with the range.

Can you drink Olmeca Altos neat? Absolutely! All three expressions are smooth enough for sipping. Plata delivers pure agave character (best slightly chilled). Reposado offers vanilla, oak, and agave balance (room temperature or one large ice cube). Añejo provides dessert-like complexity with dried fruits and nuts (neat, room temperature). However, Olmeca Altos was specifically designed for cocktails, so don’t feel guilty mixing it – that’s literally what it’s made for.

Is Olmeca Altos keto-friendly? Yes! Olmeca Altos contains zero carbohydrates, zero sugar, and zero fat – all calories come from alcohol. Pure tequila is one of the most keto-compatible spirits. However, watch your mixers: sugary margarita mixes, agave syrup, and fruit juices add carbs. Mix with club soda, fresh lime, and salt for a keto-friendly serve.

How should Olmeca Altos be stored? Store upright in a cool (15-20°C), dark place away from direct sunlight. Tequila doesn’t age in the bottle like wine, so it won’t improve with storage. Once opened, consume within 1-2 years for optimal flavor, though the high ABV means it won’t spoil. Unopened bottles last indefinitely if stored properly. No need to refrigerate, but serving chilled is fine for Plata in cocktails.

Whether you’re a professional bartender building your back bar, a home enthusiast leveling up your cocktail game, or simply someone who appreciates tequila made the right way, Olmeca Altos delivers exceptional quality at accessible pricing. Created by bartenders for bartenders, this is tequila that respects 500 years of tradition while embracing modern mixing culture.

From the highlands of Los Altos, Jalisco to your glass in South Africa, every bottle represents Jesús Hernández’s dedication to perfection, the visionary collaboration between bartenders and master distillers, and the ancient Tahona method that creates complexity impossible to replicate with modern shortcuts alone.

So grab a bottle of Olmeca Altos Plata, fresh limes, good tequila, and salt. Build the perfect Margarita. Taste the difference that 100% agave, traditional methods, and bartender expertise make. This is what premium tequila should be: authentic, accessible, and absolutely delicious.

Salud (that’s Spanish for “cheers”) – or as we say in South Africa, Gesondheid to good tequila and better cocktails!