Crafted at an altitude of 9000 feet above sea level in the Sierra del Tigre mountains, Alto Canto is billed as “Tequila de Altura” — tequila from height. Made with organic agave, the ingredients include only said agave and water: The tequila is wild-fermented, so even yeast is not on the ingredient list.

The operation makes three tequilas, two of which we review here. The third expression (not received) is not an anejo but rather an overproof version of the blanco. Let’s give them a whirl.

Both are 80 proof. NOM 1636. Bottles are individually numbered.

Alto Canto Tequila Blanco Review

Vague tinge of yellow in hue. Briskly green and herbal on the nose, evoking a healthy bell pepper quality the deeper you inhale. Subtle notes of crushed almonds, lime leaf, and grains of paradise add nuance, though peppery agave remains the aromatic focus.

The palate isn’t quite as agave-forward, allowing more of the lime-heavy citrus to do the work, followed by supple notes of brown butter, marzipan, and, later, hazelnuts. Vanilla notes surprise on the finish, suggesting perhaps that this blanco sees just a touch of barrel time before bottling. The finish is clean and racier than its 80 proof would suggest, leaning back into notes of black pepper and jalapeno.

A solid choice for those looking for a bolder, more aggressive blanco.

Reviewed: Lot B-0224.

A- / $80

Alto Canto Tequila Reposado Review

Aged in new American oak barrels for an unstated length of time. The nose is complex, with sharp florals, heavy on marigolds, fading into notes of white pepper and heavier earth tones, including some jalapeno spice. There’s plenty going on, and it successfully builds on the framework laid out by the blanco.

The palate kicks off with the expected sweetness, vanilla-laced along with clear notes of toasted coconut, chased by some citrus — blood orange and grapefruit being the most prominent among them. Sharp and peppery on the finish, the pepper and jalapeno of the blanco are again well-represented here, washing away the sweeter and more fruit-forward elements in short order. As with the blanco, the reposado is quite a journey — an even bolder one.

Reviewed: R-0224

A- / $105

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