El Tequileño distillery

Introduction to El Tequileño

A destillery with passion for craftsmanship

El Tequileño is a prestigious Mexican tequila distillery nestled in the heart of Tequila, Jalisco – the spiritual home of Mexico’s most famous spirit. This esteemed producer stands as a monument to authentic tequila craftsmanship, creating expressions that showcase the purest characteristics of the blue agave plant and the region’s unique terroir.

Located in the town that gives tequila its name, El Tequileño benefits from the perfect growing conditions for blue agave, with mineral-rich volcanic soil and ideal climate that contribute to its distinct flavor profile.

Why we have a soft spot for El Tequileño

At Vault of Spirits, we cherish distilleries that honor traditional methods while delivering exceptional quality, and El Tequileño embodies this philosophy perfectly. What sets this producer apart is their unwavering commitment to using 100% estate-grown blue agave from the highlands of Jalisco and their unique “Reposado Rare” that’s aged for over six years in an enormous 25,000-liter American oak pipón – making it one of the most distinctive tequilas available.

Their dedication to sustainable practices and meticulous attention to detail at every stage of production results in tequilas that truly represent the authentic character of this iconic Mexican spirit.

The History Behind El Tequileño

Origin and development

El Tequileño was founded in 1959 by Don Jorge Salles Cuervo, a visionary master distiller with tequila coursing through his veins. Established in the town of Tequila itself, the distillery was born from Don Jorge’s dream to create the finest, most authentic expression of Mexico’s national spirit.

The name “El Tequileño” pays homage to the people of Tequila, the town where the distillery is rooted, highlighting the intrinsic connection between the spirit, the land, and its community. Over six decades, the distillery has maintained its independence and family ownership while gaining recognition both domestically and internationally for its exceptional quality.

The people behind

Today, El Tequileño remains in the capable hands of the Salles family, with third-generation Master Distiller Jorge Antonio Salles overseeing operations. The family continues to honor Don Jorge’s legacy by upholding traditional production methods while thoughtfully incorporating modern techniques that enhance quality without compromising authenticity.

The team at El Tequileño includes multiple generations of local craftspeople, many whose families have worked with agave for centuries, ensuring that each bottle embodies generations of knowledge and the true spirit of Tequila, Jalisco.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

El Tequileño’s production begins with blue agave plants grown in the highlands of Jalisco, where they mature for 6-7 years before being hand-harvested by skilled jimadores. After harvesting, the agave hearts (piñas) are cooked in traditional masonry ovens for approximately 36 hours, slowly converting complex starches into fermentable sugars.

The cooked agave is then crushed using a combination of traditional tahona wheels and modern roller mills to extract the sweet agave juice. Fermentation takes place in open wooden vats with proprietary yeasts, allowing the natural environment of Tequila to influence the spirit’s character.

Distillation occurs in copper pot stills, preserving the agave’s essential oils and flavor compounds that give El Tequileño its distinctive character.

Maturation and aging

What truly distinguishes El Tequileño is their extraordinary aging process. While they produce unaged Blanco tequila, they’re particularly renowned for their aged expressions. Their Reposado rests in American oak barrels for six months, while their Añejo spends up to two years developing complexity.

The crown jewel is undoubtedly the “Reposado Rare,” which matures for over six years in a massive 25,000-liter American oak pipón – one of the largest aging vessels in the tequila industry. This unique aging environment allows for a gentle maturation that preserves the agave character while adding subtle oak influences.

Unlike many modern producers, El Tequileño avoids additives, ensuring that what you taste is the pure expression of agave, terroir, and time.

Selected Products from El Tequileño

Platinum – An introduction to the house style

This crystal-clear Blanco tequila is the perfect introduction to El Tequileño’s house style. Rested briefly in oak for 14 days (making it technically a “suave” rather than a blanco), it offers a smooth entry point to the range with bright notes of citrus, fresh agave, mint, and subtle pepper. The gentle oak contact takes the edge off without masking the vibrant agave character.

Reposado Rare – An experience for connoisseurs

El Tequileño’s masterpiece and a true collector’s item, the Reposado Rare spends over six years in an enormous American oak pipón. This extended aging creates a remarkably complex profile with notes of butterscotch, dried fruit, roasted agave, dark chocolate, and subtle spices, all wrapped in a silky, full-bodied texture that lingers on the palate. Despite its age, it maintains remarkable agave character – a testament to the masterful aging process.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

El Tequileño welcomes visitors to their historic distillery in the town of Tequila, offering immersive tours that cover every aspect of their production process. Guests can explore the agave fields, witness traditional cooking methods, and experience first-hand the care that goes into creating each bottle.

Tastings typically include 4-6 expressions from their portfolio, providing an excellent overview of their range and the impact of different aging periods. The visitor experience culminates with a view of their famous pipón, a truly unique sight in the world of tequila.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is El Tequileño?

El Tequileño is a traditional tequila distillery established in 1959 in the town of Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. They produce premium 100% blue agave tequilas with a focus on traditional methods, sustainable practices, and exceptional quality. Their approach honors tequila-making traditions while creating expressions that showcase the true essence of agave and the unique terroir of Jalisco.

Where is El Tequileño located?

El Tequileño is located in the town of Tequila in Jalisco, Mexico – the birthplace of tequila itself. This region is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and provides the ideal growing conditions for blue agave, with volcanic soil and climate that impart specific characteristics to the spirits produced there.

What distinguishes El Tequileño?

El Tequileño is particularly distinguished by its use of a massive 25,000-liter American oak pipón for aging their Reposado Rare tequila, a method that’s extremely rare in the industry. They’re also known for their commitment to additive-free production, ensuring that what you taste is only agave, water, and the influence of oak – never artificial flavors or colors. This adherence to traditional methods results in tequilas that are authentic representations of Mexican craftsmanship.

Where can I buy tequila from El Tequileño?

You can find selected bottles from El Tequileño’s portfolio at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate our selection to offer both their core expressions and special releases, giving you access to these exceptional tequilas that embody the true spirit of Mexico’s most famous distilled beverage.