Tequila production is often a family affair, and as such, it becomes a tradition that’s passed on from generation to generation. One legacy brand paves the way for another, allowing young distillers to break into the industry with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.
It’s a trajectory that rings true with the story behind Tequila El Mexicano, a brand by Jalisco’s Bañuelos family. After founding Cazadores in the early ’70s, building the brand up, and selling it to Bacardi in 2002, it didn’t take long for the family to jump right back into the tequila business. They established a brand new distillery (NOM 1588) in the Jalisco Highlands and launched Tequila El Mexicano within a few short years. Now, the brand is making its debut on the U.S. market, giving Americans the opportunity to experience unique terroir-driven expressions of pure highland tequila.
On this episode of the “VinePair Podcast,” Zach is joined by Leon Bañuelos Jr. to discuss his family’s storied tradition in tequila production and their new venture, Tequila El Mexicano. As part of the third generation of tequileros in his family, Leon discusses the process of building a new distillery from the ground up, what makes agave sourced from the highlands special, and the brand’s three expressions (Blanco, Blanco 90, and Reposado) that are available in the U.S. Tune in for more.
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This podcast is sponsored by Tequila El Mexicano.
