Overview: The Kitchn editorial team evaluated nine tequila brands to determine the superior option for home bars. Hornitos Plata emerged as the unanimous favorite, distinguished by its smooth texture and light floral notes within a budget-friendly price range.
The Full Story
Nine volunteers from Apartment Therapy Media participated in an afternoon happy hour tasting session. Each taster evaluated the spirits without knowing the brand identity, scoring them on look, smell, texture, and flavor using a one-to-five scale. The selection included popular names such as Espolón, Patron Silver, Jose Cuervo Especial, Tequila Reserva 1800 Silver, Tequila Ocho Plata, Casamigos Blanco, and Patrón Silver. Prices for the contenders ranged from $25 to $50, with most bottles hovering around $30.
Hornitos Plata took the crown for the tequila taste test. It earned praise from nearly everyone of the tasters. Maxwell, a company executive, liked it so much that he has since added it to his home bar cart; Greg, a people operations manager, said that it was one of the smoother tequilas out of the bunch; and Mara, a director of groceries and shopping, praised its almost sweet flavor and light floral notes.
Production & Profile
All tested spirits were identified as Blanco or Silver tequilas with a 40% ABV. Originating from Mexico, these agave-based spirits were assessed based on their profile and finish. Hornitos Plata was noted for its balanced sweetness and smoothness. Tequila Reserva 1800 Silver offered a floral flavor but was considered too bitter by some tasters.
Tequila Ocho Plata presented strong agave-forward notes with honey and pepper, though some found it too intense. Casamigos Blanco provided a premium taste with fruity sweetness, while Patrón Silver was described as smooth enough to sip on the rocks despite tasting stronger than others.
Consumer Takeaway
The Hornitos Plata bottle offers a 1.75 L size at $39.99, making it a cost-effective choice for those seeking a smoother experience. It serves as a reliable option for cocktails like margaritas or paloma without the harshness found in other contenders.
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