Viuda de Martínez Plata

Viuda de Martinez’ Plata 48% delivers bold flavor and offers a story that can open your eyes to the incredible history of a legendary brand.

Viuda de Martinez is arguably the longest linearly operated brand of what we think of as tequila today. Viuda de Martinez can trace its roots back to 1840, which pre-dates when brands even had names. Until the latter half of the 1800’s, the spirit we know today would have been known as vino de mezcal fabrica de ‘distillery name’. That is until Maria Catalina de Jesus Jimenez Jimenez’s husband died and left her the distillery known as La Martinena. She was such a charismatic woman that the product was branded in her honor, the Widow of Martinez.

In a time where women were expected to marry just to pass on their inherited wealth, Maria Catalina grew the brand into a legend that exists to this day. That’s probably more history lesson than you expected, but the character and history of the brand is indelibly part of the flavor and bringing that back to the market is the passion of current owner and family descendent Jose Luis Lara Ruiz.

Jose has brought the brand’s current taste profile together from what is perceived to be very close to the 1970’s profile version. The artwork and the face of the Widow found on the current bottle are derived from artwork the brand used in the 1950’s. The tequila is currently being made at NOM 1608 while Jose rebuilds the distillery on the original grounds. And that’s the perfect point to jump into a taste review.

Viuda de Martinez is currently being made in La Laja, just outside of Guadalajara. The agave are sourced from multiple areas but the water is from a deep well in the central area. They combine to create enjoyably earthy, mineral, and sweet cooked agave-forward aroma and flavor. The supporting cast of flavors are very light cinnamon and baking spices with a touch of citrus and some light apple and fruity notes as well. The earthiness and light spices create a vanilla fragrance and flavor note that almost comes off like milk chocolate. The finish has a touch of heat at 48% but I think I prefer the boldness of flavors the high ABV brings forth.

I really enjoyed this expression from Viuda de Martinez and would highly recommend it. It’s exceptional and I think knowing the history makes me appreciate it even more.

Nose: sweet cooked agave / earth / vanilla / very light vegetal sweetness / hint of fruit / citrus / minerals / very light bell pepper

Taste: big cooked agave forward sweetness / vanilla / earth / very light cinnamon and baking spices / light black pepper / touch of vegetal sweetness / apple / light citrus (lime and sweet tangerine) / light minerals

Finish: very light viscosity that gets across your palate but dissipates quickly / very nice lingering sweetness and citrus notes work with the very light pepper notes to create a minty like freshness at the end of the sip / although it’s a thin mouthfeel, the final tastes are clean and very enjoyable