The breadth of spirits popping out of Mexico at the moment, from agave distillates to sotol and charanda, make it an interesting time to discover. Whereas nonetheless a drop within the bucket in comparison with tequila or mezcal, Mexican whiskey is beginning to choose up steam, with producers utilizing native elements like ancestral corn. Newer to the market however steadily increasing, ŌLTA Whisky Mexicano out of Michoacán is a scrumptious instance.
Based by Colorado-based Selene Nestor, who additionally co-founded the Hispanic Restaurant Affiliation, ŌLTA Whisky is created from 80 p.c corn and 20 p.c malt in a recipe that took two years of experimentation to dial in. The whisky is aged for 3 years in American oak barrels that initially held American whiskey, then noticed secondary getting older of agave spirits earlier than being enlisted by ŌLTA Whisky. Utilizing regionally sourced heirloom corn, Nestor additionally particularly employs a group of feminine farmers and distillers to make the whisky, which is produced, aged, and bottled in Michoacán.
The title itself is Gaelic, as ólta means, primarily, to inebriate. Nestor selected the title in homage to her daughter’s half-Mexican and half-Irish ancestry and to have fun the mixing of cultures. (For extra fascinating shared historical past between Mexico and Eire, learn up on the story of the San Patricios.) Nabbing a bronze medal on the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competitors, the ŌLTA Whisky is redolent with the aroma of butterscotch, balanced with earthy flavors from the agave and a subtly spicy end. I’d combine it into an Previous Customary with a splash of mole bitters.
At present, Ōlta Whisky is on the market in California and Colorado, with plans to broaden to Texas and Florida. However the distillery may even ship to 48 states. $55, oltawhisky.com
