Cava de Oro Plata Tahona Tequila 750ml

Cava de Oro Plata Tahona takes a genuinely deliberate detour toward mezcal-making tradition, and the result is a tequila that tastes noticeably different from most blancos on the shelf. Rather than the more common autoclave or brick-oven cooking, the agave here is roasted in an earthen pit lined with volcanic stone, over direct contact with open wood fire — a technique Master Distiller Alberto Partida borrowed directly from mezcal production, and one that gives this tequila its genuinely distinctive smoky character. As the brand's own copy puts it: "this Plata Tahona takes inspiration from mezcal production methods, employing volcanic stone ovens and direct contact with firewood, resulting in a smoky profile that sets it apart."

The cooked agave is then crushed using a traditional stone tahona — a large volcanic wheel, historically pulled by animals or, in some operations, tractors, that gently grinds the fibers to extract juice without the harsher mechanical shredding a modern roller mill would apply. Following crushing, the agave ferments naturally in wooden barrels for a full 120 hours, using only wild, airborne yeast rather than a cultivated strain, before undergoing direct distillation in traditional copper pot stills over low heat. Cava de Oro is produced by Tequilera Puerta de Hierro (NOM 1477) in El Arenal, Jalisco — known as the "Gateway to Tequila Country" — by the Partida family, one of the oldest and largest agave-growing families in the entire Tequila region, with roots stretching back more than six generations.

This tequila earned a genuine Double Gold Medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Sip Tequila's official tasting notes describe "smoke, green agave, freshly cut grass, and lime" on the nose, developing into "green and cooked agave, smoke, green pepper, and tomatillo" on the palate, closing "quick and bright." Liquor Geeks' extended tasting confirms the same character in more detail: "the aroma of Cava de Oro Plata Tahona is a sensory journey, beginning with smoky notes reminiscent of mezcal. Green agave emerges, accompanied by the freshness of cut grass and the citrusy brightness of lime... the palate is a revelation of both green and cooked agave, a testament to the traditional processing methods. Smoke persists, adding depth and complexity, while green pepper and tomatillo contribute a hint of spice and tanginess." Bottled at a robust 84 proof — notably higher than the 80-proof standard most blancos are cut to — this is genuinely serious, artisanal tequila built specifically for the "Tequila Purist," with a vibrant, earthy, mineral-driven character that sets it clearly apart from more conventional plata expressions.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Cava de Oro Plata Tahona is produced by Tequilera Puerta de Hierro (NOM 1477) in El Arenal, Jalisco, Mexico, by the Partida family — one of the oldest and largest growers of agave in the Tequila region, with a history spanning more than six generations, founded by Gildardo Partida and Leticia Hermosillo. The tequila is made from 100% Blue Weber agave, grown on-site to ensure quality control from field to bottle.

Production follows a deliberately traditional, mezcal-inspired process: agave is cooked in an earthen pit lined with volcanic stone, over direct contact with open wood fire, then crushed using a traditional stone tahona. The resulting mash ferments naturally, using wild airborne yeast, in wooden barrels for 120 hours, before direct distillation in traditional copper pot stills over low heat. The tequila earned a Double Gold Medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Bottled at 42% ABV / 84 proof.

Critics Reviews

Double Gold Medal — San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2021

Tasting Profile

Nose
Smoky notes reminiscent of mezcal lead, joined by green agave, freshly cut grass, and bright lime, alongside roasted agave and fresh herbs.

Palate
Green and cooked agave carry the entry, with smoke, green pepper, and tomatillo adding spice and tang, alongside white pepper, light citrus, and mineral undertones.

Finish
Quick and bright, clean and dry, with the higher alcohol content allowing the diverse notes to linger briefly before fading — genuinely refreshing and complex for a blanco.

Quick Overview

Food Pairings

• Grilled meats and carne asada
• Charred vegetables
• Fresh ceviche
• Spicy Mexican dishes

Serving Note

Enjoy neat, with a few drops of water, or on ice to appreciate its full complexity — also genuinely well-suited to luxurious cocktails.