The Story Behind Olta Whisky: Blending Cultures, Craft & Corn

We sit down with Selene Nestor, founder and CEO of Olta Whisky, to talk about how she’s redefining what it means to craft whiskey with a Mexican soul. Inspired by her daughter’s Mexican and Irish heritage, Olta blends tradition, innovation, and ancestral corn to create a whisky that honors both cultures.Selene shares how her background in hospitality and co-founding the Hispanic Restaurant Association led her to launch Olta, why she chose whisky over tequila or mezcal, and how double distillation and barrel history shape Olta’s distinctive flavor. We also discuss the all-female farming and distilling team in Michoacán, Olta’s recent bronze medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and what’s next for the brand—including upcoming 4-year and 7-year releases.