9 Mexican-Owned Tequilas to Check Out This National Tequila Day
Art by Stephany Torres for Remezcla
The summer’s most important holiday, National Tequila Day, is celebrated on July 24th, and we’re rounding up our favorite tequilas that are made in Mexico, and made by Mexicans.
Mexico owns the legal rights for tequila, meaning that nothing that is distilled from Blue Weber Agave outside of the country, or more specifically-within the five states in Mexico, can be legally recognized as tequila. The geographical parameter has not stopped celebrities and wealthy investors from co-opting tequila and feeding into the surge of celebrity-owned tequila brands.
Consumers have caught on to the disconnect, labeling celebrity tequilas as disingenuous, and disrespectful to actual Mexican tequila brands. One Latino owned tequila brand, Más Vida Tequila, is among a new wave tequila founded by second-gen immigrants. And they were one of many that saw the gap in the market, stating “Not enough Latino brands (are) telling their own story in this space.”
On this National Tequila Holiday, we’re highlighting nine Mexican-owned tequilas that can be taken neat or integrated into your favorite cocktail. Cheers!
Tequila Cascahuín
If you’re looking for legacy in a bottle, look no further than Tequila Cascahuín. Founded by Salvador Rosales Briseño, Cascahuín derives from pre-hispanic language, translating to “cerro de luz” or “fiesta en el cerro.” The Cascahuín family offers 6 variations of tequila, ranging from reposado to extra añejo.
Gran Dovejo
Producing a distinctive tequila that emits passion and commitment to the handcraft process was the guiding light for founder Frank Mendez, who created Gran Dovejo Tequila in 2009. Gran Dovejo is a small-batch, traditionally-crafted tequila grown in the highlands of Jalisco, which is known for its acidic and iron-rich soil. Gran Dovejo offers four expressions of its hand-crafted tequila.
Lost Lore Tequila
Founded by Mexican-American duo Arturo Lamas III and Sarah Lamas, Lost Lore is aligning with a new wave of tequila production that favors additive-free recipes and traditional production methods. With over 15 tequila offerings, Lost Lore has also partnered with organizations such as Migrant Freedom, and Hasta La Raiz in support of immigrant rights.
Leyenda de México Tequila
Leyenda de Mexico is a premium tequila brand that honors Mexico’s history, roots, and cultural folklore. Owned by the “Queen of Tequila,” Melly Barajas, the brand offers six expressions, all thoughtfully paired with a symbol of Mexican history. Leyenda de Mexico also offers a special-edition Extra Anejo tequila, carefully hand-beaded by women in the huichol community in Jalisco known as Wixaricas.
Tapatío Tequila
Tapatío is the first tequila created at La Alteña Distillery in Jalisco, Mexico in 1937 by Don Felipe Camarena. To this day, Tapatío remains family-owned and operated, now by Don Felipe’s Granddaughter Jenny Camarena. Tapatío is crafted with 100% blue weber agave, and is one of the only tequilas still using the labor-intensive Tahona Method of production. Customers have also praised Tapatío for its premium flavor of sweet, ripe agave that makes Tapatio’s offerings the best “bang for your buck.”
Más Vida Tequila
Más Vida Tequila was born out of a need to connect and honor life. Founded by a group of Latino, Second-generation friends of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent, Más Vida Tequila is crafted sustainably and without additives in a striking chrome bottle, which even won a silver medal Agavo Award for its bottle design.
Tequila Arette
Tequila Arette is owned and operated by brothers Eduardo and Jaime Orendain. The family is from Jalisco, Mexico, and the distillery sits directly above the foothills of the Tequila volcanos, giving them access to mineral-rich volcanic water. Arette offers a line of artisanal and classic tequilas that reflect a respect for traditional methods that maintain the essence of agave in every sip.
Dos Adelas
Dos Adelas is a tequila that pays homage to Las Adelitas, the iconic Mexican figures who played a crucial role in Mexico’s fight for independence. The small-batch farm-to-bottle tequila is female-founded by Brittany Fletes and Michelle Olivares. The Blanco tequila offers a pure essence, perfect for sipping neat or as a foundation to your favorite cocktail.
Don Fulano Tequila
Originally founded 140 years back in Atotonilco, Jalisco, Sergio Mendoza and Enrique Fonseca revived a family dynasty to bring forth five generations of agave farmers. Derived from natural spring volcanic waters, Don Fulano offers Blanco, fuerte, and reposado, along other aged expressions.
