Tequila Using Authentic Tahona Method Results in Unique Altos Liquid with Fuller, Smoother Taste
New York, NY, (July 1, 2013) – Pernod Ricard USA, a leading producer, importer and marketer of prized spirits brands in the United States, announces the nationwide availability of Olmeca Altos, a distinctly superior 100% Blue Agave Tequila of uncompromising authenticity from the Los Altos region of Jalisco, Mexico. Created by Master Distiller Jesus Hernandez, in a unique collaboration with internationally acclaimed bartenders, the late Henry Besant and Dre Masso, the brand was first introduced to great acclaim in select markets in 2011. Beginning this July, Olmeca Altos will be available at retail and on-premise establishments throughout the country.
Authentically produced, Olmeca Altos is distilled at its own Destileria Colonial de Jalisco in the heart of Los Altos in western-central Mexico. In the Highlands, located over 2,300 feet above sea level, the agaves are harvested and brought back to the distillery for the unique Tahona production process, before being distilled in small copper pot stills. During the Tahona process, the agave is shredded by a Tahona stone after being cooked for 48 hours, exposing the sugars in the agave so they can be fermented. This enhances the sweet, citric taste and aroma, and the result is tequila smooth enough to sip and rich enough to preserve the taste of agave.
“In 2011, I joined forces with Henry and Dre, two of the world’s most prominent mixologists, to create a tequila crafted by bartenders for bartenders in search of a high quality yet profitable tequila that offers consumers a unique value; superior quality at an affordable price,” commented Master Distiller Hernandez. “The result of our collaboration is Olmeca Altos, a truly extraordinary liquid, born of passion, that delivers flavor rich in agave and citrus flavors whether sipped neat or enjoyed in a range of cocktails.”
Olmeca Altos is available in Plata and Reposado. Olmeca Altos Plata offers enticing fresh herbal notes, complemented by green pepper and with a soft citric finish. Its flavor is sweet to taste and slightly smoky with a final soft honey flavor. Olmeca Altos Reposado, aged in American oak barrels for six-eight months, is robust with fresh aromas of sweet orange and grapefruit that compliment notes of cooked agave, vanilla and wood. Its flavor offers an initial sweet sensation with hints of fresh tannins and citrus. The body is full and smooth with a long, elegant and well-balanced finish. It can be enjoyed neat or in a wide range of craft cocktails.
“The U.S. is the world’s largest tequila market. Super-premium tequilas represent 32.6% of total sales and with double digit growth, are outpacing traditional tequila offerings[1]. We are thrilled to now offer our super-premium Olmeca Altos to consumers throughout the U.S. who have a great appreciation for superior tequilas and to bartenders with a known dedication to their craft,” commented Sarah Sercia, Associate Brand Manager for Olmeca Altos, Pernod Ricard USA. “Olmeca Altos is truly a gem that we are excited to share on a larger scale.”
[1] Source: Nielsen XACO+L-Wash Food Eq Vol & $Vol 52wks 2/2/13 vs PY
