One of my favorite "go to" tequilas has been Herradura. It is a great product that works well in cocktails as well as being high enough quality that it is enjoyable for sipping as well. What most Americans don't realize is that Casa Herradura is also one of the oldest tequila producers in Mexico. Now, the product that started it all - Herradura Blanco - is available for US consumers. It's nothing short of liquid history in a bottle and for folks like me that love storytelling as much as sipping ... it's a must buy to have on your shelf as a discussion piece. First bottled in 1870, this legendary spirit predates the formal recognition of tequila as a category, helping establish the standards that would define the spirit we know today.
At 46% ABV, Herradura Blanco stands apart from its siblings in the portfolio, offering a more robust expression of traditional tequila craftsmanship. The higher proof isn't just for show - it's a testament to the original recipe that has remained unchanged for over 150 years. Each bottle bears the iconic horseshoe emblem, a symbol synonymous with uncompromising quality in the world of agave spirits.
The team at Casa Herradura slow-cooks 100% blue agave in traditional clay ovens, allowing the sugars to develop gradually and completely. Perhaps most intriguingly, they employ spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts native to their agave plantations - a practice that connects each batch directly to the terroir of Amatitán, Jalisco.
How Does Herradura Blanco Differ From Silver?
When I first told some friends that I was getting a bottle of Herradura Blanco they were unimpressed. This is because for most people that enjoy tequila, the lines between blanco, silver, plata, and platinum ... sometimes you see crystal or crystilano but that's a completely different product that uses filtration to purify an aged tequila.
When I was first asked how Herradura Blanco and Herradura Silver, quite honestly I wasn't completely sure either. The simple answer is that while most Americans use those terms interchably, in this case there are some specific differences aside from the branding. Most notable is the higher proof, 92 vs 46 ABV and that it is bottled directly, without being aged at all.
The distinction between Herradura Blanco and Silver reveals one of the reasons why I'm so passionate about tequila right now. This is a great example of the brand's commitment to delivering diverse expressions of agave craftsmanship ... though in this case, it's literally a back-to-the-future moment of simply bringing something previously considered inferior to a market craving unique experiences and passionate about trying something unique.
Both spirits begin with the same premium 100% blue agave, but their paths diverge significantly in production:
- Aging Process: Herradura Blanco remains completely untouched by oak, presenting agave in its purest form, while Silver undergoes a 45-day rest in oak barrels, introducing subtle woody complexity to the spirit's character.
- Alcohol Content: The Blanco expression stands stronger at 46% ABV, compared to Silver's standard strength, delivering a more intense and defined flavor profile that showcases the agave's natural characteristics.
- Flavor Profile: Blanco offers bright, crisp notes of raw agave with pronounced pepper and citrus, while Silver presents a gentler profile with hints of vanilla and wood from its brief oak contact.
- Historical Significance: Blanco represents Herradura's original 1870 recipe and historical production methods, while Silver emerged later as a modern interpretation of the brand's craftsmanship.
Herradura Blanco Tasting Notes
Herradura Blanco presents a masterclass in unaged tequila, offering a pure expression of heritage agave that has remained unchanged since 1870. Each aspect of the spirit reveals the careful craftsmanship behind this historic recipe:
- Appearance: The liquid shimmers with a sparkling platinum clarity, pristine and bright - a visual testament to its unaged character.
- Nose: Fresh, vibrant agave leads the aromatic profile, followed by an herbaceous bouquet and bright citrus notes that enliven the senses.
- Palate: Complex layers unfold with both toasted and fresh agave at the core, complemented by herbal undertones. Additional layers of spice and fresh fruit notes create a harmonious profile that speaks to the spirit's heritage.
- Finish: Sweet and brilliant, the finale demonstrates remarkable persistence, leaving a lasting impression that invites contemplative sipping.
The vintage-inspired round bottle design is a fitting vessel for this historical spirit, making it as much a conversation piece as a premium tequila.
For enthusiasts of Mexican culture and spirits history, Herradura Blanco stands as a living legacy - a chance to taste a piece of living history that helped shape an entire category of spirits. At $44.99, it offers a compelling value for those seeking to explore tequila's roots while enjoying a masterfully crafted spirit.
Whether you're a seasoned tequila aficionado or simply someone who appreciates the intersection of history and craftsmanship, Herradura Blanco deserves a place in your collection.
