Tapatio Blanco Tequila
Tapatio · La Alteña Distillery (NOM 1139)
Tapatio Blanco is a masterclass in what highland tequila should taste like when nothing interferes with the agave. Carlos Camarena uses traditional tahona and roller mill extraction, brick ovens, and no additives. This is benchmark blanco tequila at a price that should embarrass the competition.
Nose
Bright cooked agave and wet mineral stone dominate, with citrus zest — lime and grapefruit — weaving through. A subtle herbaceous quality, like fresh thyme, hovers behind the fruit.
Palate
Clean entry with agave sweetness balanced by a distinct peppery bite. Green herbs and citrus carry through the midpalate, while an earthy minerality grounds the profile. The texture is slightly oily, giving weight to an otherwise light spirit.
Finish
Medium, with lingering cooked agave, white pepper, and a pleasant grassy fade.
- Agave
- 100% Blue Weber Agave (Highland, Arandas)
- Production
- Brick oven cooked, tahona and roller mill extraction, natural fermentation
- Region
- Arandas, Jalisco, Mexico
- Cooking Method
- Brick oven cooked, tahona and roller mill extraction, natural fermentation
- Distillation
- Double distilled in small copper pot stills
- NOM
- 1139
- Additives Free
- Yes
Cocktail Suggestion
Paloma Clásica — 2 oz Tapatio Blanco · 0.75 oz fresh lime juice · 0.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice · 0.25 oz agave syrup · Top with 2 oz grapefruit soda · Build in a salt-rimmed highball over ice, stir gently, garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
Food Pairing
Ceviche with fresh serrano chile and avocado
The Camarena family has been distilling tequila in the highlands of Jalisco since 1937, and fourth-generation master distiller Carlos Camarena personally oversees every batch at the small La Alteña distillery.
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