Olmeca Altos Tequila launches Añejo expression

Pernod Ricard has extended its Olmeca Altos Tequila range with the launch of an añejo variant, which has been aged for 18 months in oak barrels.

Joining Olmeca Altos’s Plata and Reposado Tequilas, Olmeca Altos Añejo is also a 100% blue agave Tequila and will be available in select US markets from spring this year.

Olmeca Altos Tequila was initially created by late bartender Henry Besant and Dre Masso alongside master distiller Jesús Hernández. The brand’s new Añejo variant was created in collaboration with US bartender Charles Joly and UK Olmeca Altos brand ambassador Matthias Lataille.

“As Tequila continues to grow steadily in the US, Añejo is a long-awaited and exciting addition to the Altos family,” said Clare Kanter, vice president, white spirits and export, Pernod Ricard USA.

“It is crafted with the same traditional techniques revered by Altos drinkers, while enhancing the flavour range for an original and complex taste. We are proud to work with a team that strives to create a superior-quality product and continues to set new standards within the Tequila category.”

Olmeca Altos is created using blue agave cooked at low temperatures and then crushed using a traditional Tahona wheel.

“I’m very excited for the launch of Añejo, as I have used Plata and Reposado at my bars for many years and believe the launch rounds out the Altos family perfectly,” said Joly.

“I’ve had the pleasure of spending a great deal of time at the distillery where Altos is expertly crafted and visited their agave fields so I am confident drinkers will enjoy Altos Añejo in cocktails or when sipped neat.”

Olmeca Altos Anejo is available to on-trade establishments in select markets including California, Colorado, Illinois, Florida, New York and Texas at an RRP of US$34.99 for 750ml.

First launched in global markets in 2009, Olmeca Altos Tequila finally completed its US roll-out in 2013.