The breadth of spirits popping out of Mexico right now, from agave distillates to sotol and charanda, make it a captivating 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 components 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 produced from 80 % corn and 20 % 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 growing old of agave spirits earlier than being enlisted by ŌLTA Whisky. Utilizing domestically sourced heirloom corn, Nestor additionally particularly employs a workforce of feminine farmers and distillers to make the whisky, which is produced, aged, and bottled in Michoacán.

The identify itself is Gaelic, as ólta means, basically, to inebriate. Nestor selected the identify in homage to her daughter’s half-Mexican and half-Irish ancestry and to rejoice 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 I’d combine it into an Outdated Customary with a touch of mole bitters.

At present, Ōlta Whisky is out there in California and Colorado, with plans to increase to Texas and Florida. However the distillery can even ship to 48 states. $55, oltawhisky.com