Tequila & Mezcal Collection
Discover the exceptional world of Mexican agave spirits, from smooth Blanco tequilas and oak-aged Reposados to complex Añejos and artisanal mezcals. Our collection showcases premium expressions from Mexico's finest distilleries, offering outstanding quality at great value prices.
Mexico's Agave Spirit Heritage
Tequila and mezcal represent Mexico's most iconic spirits, with production traditions spanning over 400 years. These distinctive spirits derive from agave plants—tequila exclusively from blue agave (Agave tequilana Weber) and mezcal from various agave species. The spirits' character reflects Mexico's diverse terroirs, traditional production methods, and the unique qualities of the agave plant.
Tequila Production Regions
Jalisco – The heartland of tequila production, Jalisco state encompasses five designated tequila-producing regions, with the highlands (Los Altos) and lowlands (El Valle) creating distinctly different tequila styles.
Los Altos de Jalisco (Highlands) – Located at elevations of 1,800-2,500 metres in northeastern Jalisco, the highlands produce tequila's most aromatic and complex expressions. The region's high altitude, volcanic red clay soils rich in iron, and dramatic diurnal temperature variation create ideal conditions for blue agave cultivation.
The highlands' climate features warm days (averaging 25-28°C) and cool nights (dropping to 10-15°C), with moderate rainfall (700-900mm annually). These conditions allow agaves to mature slowly over 7-10 years, developing high sugar content and complex flavour compounds. Highland tequilas display pronounced floral and fruity aromatics, sweeter agave character, and elegant, refined profiles.
The volcanic soils' mineral richness and excellent drainage contribute to the agaves' distinctive character, creating tequilas with remarkable depth and complexity. Brands like Patrón and Clase Azul source from highland estates, producing premium tequilas of exceptional quality.
El Valle de Tequila (Lowlands) – The valley surrounding the town of Tequila, at lower elevations (1,000-1,500 metres), produces earthier, more herbaceous tequilas. The region's warmer climate, sandy volcanic soils, and lower rainfall create agaves with different sugar profiles and flavour characteristics.
Lowland tequilas tend towards more vegetal, earthy, and peppery notes, with robust agave character and assertive profiles. The warmer temperatures accelerate agave maturation, though plants still require 6-8 years to reach harvest maturity.
Mezcal Production Regions
Oaxaca – The spiritual home of mezcal, Oaxaca state produces over 90% of Mexico's mezcal from diverse agave species. The region's varied topography—from coastal lowlands to mountain valleys—and traditional production methods create mezcals of extraordinary diversity.
Oaxaca's semi-arid climate, with hot days and cool nights, suits numerous agave varieties. The most common is Espadín (Agave angustifolia), which matures in 6-8 years, though wild and semi-wild agaves like Tobalá, Tepeztate, and Arroqueño can take 12-30 years to reach maturity.
Traditional mezcal production involves roasting agave hearts in underground earthen pits lined with volcanic rocks and wood, creating the spirit's characteristic smoky character. This ancient technique, combined with stone tahona crushing, natural fermentation, and copper pot still distillation, produces mezcals of remarkable complexity and terroir expression.
Tequila Styles
Blanco (Silver/Plata) – Unaged tequila bottled immediately after distillation or rested up to 60 days in stainless steel. Blanco showcases pure agave character with bright, fresh aromatics of citrus, pepper, and herbaceous notes. The style displays the truest expression of the agave and terroir, with clean, crisp profiles perfect for cocktails or sipping.
Premium Blancos like Patrón Silver and Espolòn Blanco demonstrate the category's sophistication, offering smooth, complex character despite the lack of oak ageing. Expect flavours of cooked agave, citrus peel, white pepper, and subtle mineral notes.
Reposado (Rested) – Aged 2-12 months in oak barrels, Reposado tequila balances fresh agave character with subtle oak influence. The brief ageing softens the spirit's edges, adds vanilla and caramel notes, and creates golden colour whilst maintaining the agave's distinctive character.
Reposado represents tequila's most versatile category—complex enough for sipping yet retaining the agave brightness that shines in cocktails. Expect flavours of cooked agave, vanilla, caramel, light oak, and subtle spice. Patrón Reposado and Clase Azul Reposado exemplify this balanced style.
Añejo (Aged) – Aged 1-3 years in oak barrels, Añejo tequila develops rich complexity, deep amber colour, and sophisticated character. Extended oak contact creates pronounced vanilla, caramel, toffee, and spice notes whilst the agave character becomes more integrated and refined.
Añejo tequilas are designed for contemplative sipping, offering whisky-like complexity whilst maintaining tequila's distinctive agave soul. The finest examples balance oak influence with agave character, creating harmonious, elegant spirits. Expect flavours of cooked agave, vanilla, butterscotch, cinnamon, dried fruit, and toasted oak.
Extra Añejo – Aged over 3 years, Extra Añejo represents tequila's most luxurious expression, with deep mahogany colour and extraordinary complexity rivalling fine cognac or whisky.
Mezcal Styles
Joven (Young) – Unaged mezcal displaying pure agave and smoke character. Artisanal mezcals showcase the specific agave variety's character alongside the distinctive smokiness from earthen pit roasting. Expect intense agave flavour, pronounced smoke, earthy notes, and complex mineral character.
Ilegal Joven and 400 Conejos Espadín demonstrate mezcal's rustic sophistication, offering complex, layered flavours that challenge and reward adventurous palates.
Tequila Liqueurs & Flavoured Expressions
Premium tequila forms the base for sophisticated liqueurs and flavoured spirits. Patrón XO Café combines ultra-premium tequila with coffee essence, creating a luxurious coffee liqueur. Agavero blends Reposado and Añejo tequilas with damiana flower essence. Flavoured tequilas incorporate natural ingredients like coconut, pineapple, and chilli, creating versatile cocktail bases.
Production Process
Traditional tequila and mezcal production involves meticulous steps:
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Harvesting – Jimadores (agave farmers) harvest mature agaves, removing leaves to reveal the piña (heart)
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Cooking – Tequila: steam-cooked in autoclaves or brick ovens; Mezcal: roasted in earthen pits creating smoke character
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Crushing – Extracting agave juice using modern mills or traditional tahona (stone wheel)
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Fermentation – Natural or cultured yeast converting agave sugars to alcohol
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Distillation – Double distillation in copper pot or column stills creating pure spirit
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Ageing – Resting in oak barrels (for Reposado, Añejo, Extra Añejo)
Climate & Terroir
Mexican agave spirits benefit from unique environmental conditions:
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High elevation – Highland regions' altitude creating dramatic temperature variation
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Volcanic soils – Mineral-rich red clay and sandy soils providing excellent drainage
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Semi-arid climate – Hot days and cool nights with moderate rainfall
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Long maturation – 6-10 years allowing agaves to develop complex sugars
The combination of elevation, volcanic terroir, and climate creates agaves of exceptional quality and distinctive regional character.
Denomination of Origin
Tequila and mezcal are protected by Mexican denomination of origin laws, ensuring authenticity and quality. Only spirits produced in designated regions using approved methods can bear these names, protecting Mexico's cultural heritage and ensuring consumer confidence.
Serving & Cocktails
Blanco tequila shines in margaritas, palomas, and fresh cocktails. Reposado offers versatility for both cocktails and sipping. Añejo and Extra Añejo are best enjoyed neat or with a single ice cube to appreciate their complexity. Mezcal is traditionally sipped neat with orange slices and sal de gusano (worm salt).
Serve premium tequilas and mezcals in narrow glasses (copitas or caballitos) at room temperature to appreciate their aromatic complexity.
Explore our tequila and mezcal collection and discover Mexico's exceptional agave spirits at great value prices.
