- Founded: 1950
- Owner: Beam Suntory, which is owned by Japanese based Suntory Beverage & Food
- Owner headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
- Cases sold in 2022: 2.1 million
- Bottles sold: 25 million
- Value of retail sales 2022: US$490M
- Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM): NOM-1102
- Distillery: Tequila Sauza, Tequila, Jalisco
- Region: Lowlands
“That’s a shot worth taking.”
Hornitos tagline
Hornitos is the sixth highest selling tequila brand in the world.
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Hornitos Sales Trends
Hornitos tequila sales have grown solidly over recent years with 2.1 million cases sold in 2022. A case is made up of 12 bottles. This represents a growth rate of 10% over 2021. Hornitos has a tequila market share of about 4.5%.
Hornitos Tequila Brand History
Hornitos is one of the tequila brands from Casa Sauza, one of the true pioneers in the tequila industry. The Hornitos range sits between the budget Sauza and the more premium Tres Generaciones in the Casa Sauza line up of tequilas.
Hornitos tequila was founded by Francisco Javier Sauza and debuted in 1950, reportedly in honor of Mexican Independence Day, September 16. The name “Hornitos” means little oven in English. Don Francisco was the first to bake agave in small ovens to better control the roasting process.
Hornitos was one of the first producers to widely sell reposado tequila, although the very first oak aged tequila dates back to 1800.
In 2007 Beam Inc, the company behind Jim Beam, acquired Casa Sauza. In 2014 Japan based Suntory Holdings acquired Beam for US$16 billion. Suntory has the fourth highest sales of tequila of any company worldwide. Its other major tequila brands are Sauza, 100 Años and El Tesoro.
Hornitos Tequila Product Range
Hornitos tequila products include blanco (called Plata), reposado, añejo, cristalino and another añejo further aged in charred barrels aimed at whisky drinkers called Black Barrel Tequila. There is also a salt and lime infused version called Lime Shot. All the tequila products are made from 100% agave.
Hornitos also makes a number of pre-mixed tequila based drinks including a range of seltzers, ranch water and pre-mixed margaritas.
How Much is Hornitos Tequila? Price Guide
How Much is a Shot of Hornitos Tequila at a Bar?
A shot of Hornitos blanco, reposado or añejo costs about $9 at a bar or restaurant in the US in 2024. The price can range from $6 to $14 with the añejo generally being the most expensive.
A shot of Hornitos Black costs around $10, with a range of around $8 to $13. A shot of Hornitos Cristalino costs around $8.
This is based on a review I made of tequila menus from 19 bars and restaurants in different states across the US.
A standard shot is 1.5 ounces, but bars can serve 1 to 2 ounce shots which can impact the price of shot of Hornitos tequila.
How Much is a Bottle of Hornitos Tequila?
Hornitos tequila costs between $24 and $34 per bottle in 2024 for a 750ml bottle in the USA.
- Hornitos Plata (blanco) costs $24 per bottle on average
- Hornitos Reposado costs $24 per bottle on average
- Hornitos Añejo costs $32 per bottle on average
- Hornitos Black Barrel Añejo costs $33 per bottle on average
Further Questions About Hornitos
Who owns Hornitos tequila?
Hornitos tequila is ultimately owned by Suntory Holdings of Japan. Suntory Holdings owns Beam Suntory which owns Casa Sauza. Hornitos is part of Casa Sauza.
Does Hornitos tequila have additives?
Yes Hornitos tequila has additives. Aged expressions are likely to have more additives than the blanco. Additives include caramel coloring, glycerine, sweetener and oak extract.
Where is Hornitos tequila made?
Hornitos tequila is made at NOM-1102 at Tequila Sauza Distillery in the town of Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico.
What Hornitos tequila is the best?
Hornitos añejo and Black Barrel tend to be the highest rated. Hornitos can be sipped but is better suited to mixing or shots.
What type of tequila is Hornitos?
Hornitos tequila is made from 100% agave. The tequila is made using a modern industrial process including a diffuser. This is efficient but removes much of the agave flavor. Additives are used to add flavor back. Hornitos makes blanco, reposado and añejo tequilas, including a cristalino añejo and an añejo aged in freshly toasted barrels (Black Barrel).
Does Hornitos tequila go off?
An unopened bottle of Hornitos tequila will never go off, provided it is stored away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. Once opened Hornitos should be drunk within a couple of years.
Is Hornitos tequila gluten free?
Yes, Hornitos tequila is gluten free. Like all tequilas (including mixtos) Hornitos contains no gluten.
Is Hornitos real tequila?
Yes, Hornitos is real tequila made from 100% agave. However the use of modern methods including a diffusor mean that many would not call it a “true tequila”. Diffusor-made tequila has been likened to “agave vodka” in that most flavors are removed.
Is Hornitos tequila Kosher?
Yes, Hornitos tequila is approved as Kosher.
What is Hornitos tequila ABV?
All Hornitos tequilas sold in the US are 40% ABV (80 proof). In Mexico they are 35%. Almost all tequila sold in the US is 40% ABV.