Viuda de Martinez Plata h.p. 48% abv Sample from Brian Hames Agave swappers I generally like hp expressions better than the 40abv from same brand. In this case, this hp version is sweeter than the 40abv version, and I prefer the 40abv slightly

Cooked Agave, sweet potato, bubble gum, fruity and earthy on the nose. Green apple. I enjoy the smell of this one. Very sweet punch in the mouth on the palate. I get the cooked agave and the sweet potato. This does come across as earthy, I also get black pepper and cinnamon. Where I had apple on the nose, I get tangerine on the palate. There are citrus flavors too. Has a decent finish but a little thin on mouthfeel. This is a good tequila that I’d be happy drinking. I think I paid around $60 for this. It does well for an HP at that price.

Sampled at Sabor y Cultura. Fruity and sweet, drinks easier than the proof.

Viuda De Martinez Plata Jose Ruiz has relaunched his grandfather's tequila brand, which started in 1840. It’s currently produced at NOM1608 near Chapala in Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos, Jalisco, MX. The Plata is offered to us at 48%ABV 96 proof. Let’s nose this high-proof blanco. On the nose I’m getting a slightly fruity note of strawberry and juicy fruit. That note is subtle and thin but I noticed it first. Underneath that, I get some bolder notes of dry earthy minerals, brine and green peppers with a sweet agave backbone. The combo of scents is akin to earthy sweet potatoes that have been roasted and split open. Let’s sip some! The alcohol is present and it delivers some nice natural sweetness from the caramelized oven-cooked agaves. The minerals and brine appear before the spicy hot finish. The agave sweetness and peppery finish lingers nicely. Overall I like the agave sweetness and the spicy finish. It gets more complex as the finish sets in. I’m having fun sipping this but I think it’ll do great in my juicy Paloma!

Nice aroma of gravel and chalk. A bit of acetone, not a surprise given the ABV. Huge burst of cooked agave sweetness and fantastic mouthfeel. Almost seems like it was briefly barrel aged. Finishes a little hot but very nice tequila overall. Recommended!

Nose: Opens with clear notes of agave and citrus, followed by a subtle, creamy sweetness that leans earthy, almost like cooked squash or roasted agave fibers. Hints of floral tones, mint, and dry earth round out a layered and inviting aroma. Palate & Mouthfeel: The flavor opens with a strong showing of cooked agave, naturally sweet and well integrated. There’s a gentle earthiness that adds depth, balanced by white pepper, a flash of citrus, and cool mint. Some tart fruit and a touch of cinnamon, keep things lively. The mouthfeel is light but focused, with good structure. Finish: The finish is long, tapering off with a mix of agave, black pepper, and lingering cinnamon, all carried by a steady, clean warmth. Final Thoughts: This one caught me off guard in the best way. A sleeper that delivers quiet complexity and excellent balance. A genuinely well crafted tequila. A bottle worth coming back to.

A little lactic funk, black pepper and lite agave on the nose. On the palate it’s a little hot initially (let it open up). Sweeter than I prefer for a blanco, and a short finish.

Aroma: Out the door, Sweet Cooked Agave and Roasted Sweet Potato. It's very distinct! There is a great mixing of Cinnamon, Citrus, and Butter. I'm not sure if I'm describing the Tequila or Dinner... As this begins to open up a nice touch of Vegetal notes being accompanied by a little Anise, a little Fresh Herbs and Mint. There is also a very nice Minerality and Earthiness too!. After a good 15-20 minutes a Sweet Floral blends in. Taste: This starts off with the Sweet, Sweet Cooked Agave and Sweet Potato are joined by a pleasant Earthiness.A very nice Spicy Cinnamon and Black Pepper help break up the Sweet Agave flavor. An Orange Citrus with a hint of Lime taste is present. The Mineral touch is also very prevalent. Once you get through the sweeter characteristics, The Vegetal, Herbal, Anise and Mint remind you that this is made in the Valley! Finish: Very nice Long Finish with the Cinnamon and Black Pepper hanging around for a good minute!

My favorite out of the five. I get agave and minerals on the nose but the palate gives the same fruit flavors in the finish like the Blanco but it’s a bit more amplified with a longer finish. Crisp fresh green apples, agave, minerals, white pepper and some type of candy.

48% Lote No. L102 104/204, tasted on 11-4-24. Aroma: cooked agave, light acidity, light earthiness, hint of citrus, after 20 minutes in the glass the cooked agave note becomes a tad sweet, light green vegetal notes. Palate: confirms aromas perceived, good sweet & sour balance, light minerality. Light herbal notes through my retronasal. Finish is medium to medium long, light cooked agave with a hint of sweetness, light acidity with citrus notes and a hint of earthiness persists.