Tequila

Tequila is Mexico’s most famous spirit, deeply rooted in tradition and protected by strict regulations that preserve its authenticity. Made exclusively from the Blue Weber agave plant (Agave tequilana), tequila can only be produced in designated regions of Mexico, primarily the state of Jalisco and select areas in Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. Its history stretches back hundreds of years, evolving from indigenous fermented agave drinks to the refined distilled spirit recognised worldwide today.

The heart of tequila lies in the piña, the core of the agave plant. Blue Weber agave takes between 6 and 8 years to mature, storing complex sugars in its starchy heart. Once harvested by skilled jimadores using a specialised coa blade, the piñas are slowly cooked to convert these starches into fermentable sugars. This cooking can be done in traditional brick ovens for a soft, caramelised sweetness, or in modern autoclaves for efficiency while still preserving flavour.

After cooking, the piñas are crushed, traditionally with a stone tahona wheel or more commonly with mechanical shredders, to extract their sweet juice, known as aguamiel. Fermentation follows, often in stainless steel or wooden vats, using either wild or cultivated yeast. The resulting low-alcohol wash is then distilled twice (sometimes three times) in copper pot stills or stainless steel column stills, producing the clear, pure spirit known as blanco tequila.

Only tequila made from 100% Blue Weber agave can be labelled “100% de agave”, ensuring purity of origin. Other bottlings, labelled simply “tequila,” may contain up to 49% non-agave sugars, known as mixtos, and generally have a lighter body and flavour.

Terroir plays an important role:
• Highland (Los Altos) tequilas often have a softer, fruitier profile with floral and citrus notes.
• Lowland (El Valle) tequilas tend to be earthier, more herbaceous, and pepper-forward.

Tequila’s versatility makes it suitable for sipping neat, especially in the case of premium blancos, reposados, and añejos, or as the base for classic cocktails like the Margarita, Paloma, and Tequila Sunrise. Modern bartenders are also experimenting with aged tequilas in Old Fashioneds and other whisky-based recipes.

Our Tequila selection celebrates this diversity, featuring expressions from small artisanal producers and larger heritage brands alike. From crisp, peppery blancos that showcase pure agave freshness, to rich extra añejos with layers of oak-aged complexity, each bottle offers a taste of Mexico’s craftsmanship, culture, and landscape. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned agave enthusiast, exploring tequila is a journey into one of the world’s most distinctive and storied spirits.