The Best Reasons Tequila Drinkers Will Fall in Love with El Tequileño Distillery

Known worldwide for the spirit that shares its name, Tequila, Mexico is a town steeped in tradition and rich with history. The charm of region is immediately evident from the moment you arrive, with its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and fields of blue agave as far as the eye can see. I had the privilege of visiting the iconic El Tequileño Distillery, in Tequila, which is not only known for the world famous spirit, but also for its charming boutique hotel as part of the same property, Casa Salles. The two serve as a setting and tone for an immersive experience in the birthplace of tequila.

Immerse Yourself in Tequila’s Rich History

Tequila, Mexico is a small town, but is home to around 30 distilleries, numerous cocktail bars, and several churches, making it a haven for tequila enthusiasts. Casa Salles is a modern botique destination, originally built for the founders of El Tequileño, provides a luxurious base for exploring the magic of tequila production. The property boasts 25 well-appointed guest rooms, a stunning outdoor pool, and the only fine dining restaurant in town. The proximity to the distillery is just a short walk next door, allowing guests to make a seemless transition from from the hotel to an immersive tour of the tequila-making process. From cooking the piñas to milling and fermenting, every step is on full display for all to observe, offering a fascinating glimpse into the craft and quality that define El Tequileño’s brand.

Enjoy Informative and Fun Tastings

No visit to any tasting distillery would be complete without an immersive tasting session of a brand’s portfolio. I had an opportunity to sample a variety of El Tequileño’s offerings including Blanco, Reposado, Platinum, and the world’s first Reposado Rare which might have become my new favorite. Our group even had a chance to blend our own bottles which we would eventually have shipped to us. We were lead by through each tasting by the master distiller, Tony Salles, who personally shared his insights into the production process and nuances of each expression.

Discover the Agave Field Experience

For those looking for an even deeper dive, Casa Salles will arrange day trips to El Tequileño’s agave fields in the Highlands of Jalisco. This day trip offered one of the most adventours highlights of my tour, which took us on an excursion in partnership with Tequila Atanasio. This excursion took us to nearby agave fields, where we learned about the cultivation and care of agave plants. We even tried our hand at replanting hijuelos (baby agaves) and learning about highly physically harvesting process done by local jimadores, using a coa de jima – a razor-sharp circular blade attached to the end of a long wooden staff. The jimador uses the tool to slice off spiky agave leaves, and sever the root, retrieving the piña, the stem of the plant that resembles a giant white pineapple. From there, the pina is brought to the distillery for hydrolysis, extraction, fermentation, and distillation, which all serves as a part of the tequila making process.

During our tour of the fields we enjoyed a traditional jornalero meal of freshly made tacos while we sipped on several different expressions of El Tequileño’s portfolio. The authenticity and the experience of being in the fields, surrounded by beautiful agave plants while enjoying hand made tacos with live, is truly unforgettable and should be

Dining

The on-property restaurant, Mango Cocina de Origen, is a culinary gem. Here, we indulged in Mexican classics with modern twists, such as duck carnitas and crab-filled croquettes. The menu creatively incorporates El Tequileño’s tequilas, adding unique flavors to dishes like bread pudding with Blanco creme Anglaise and canelés with a touch of Reposado. The restaurant’s garden supplies fresh ingredients, enhancing the farm-to-table dining experience. Each meal was a delight, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the region.

The visit also included a relaxing visit to the spa, yoga on the rooftop, a sangrita-making class, and leisure time by the pool surrounded by dozes of fallen mangoes from the trees on the property, making it a perfect blend of relaxation and discovery. If you’re a tequila enthusiast or simply looking for an unique travel experience with the enrichment of increasing your knowledge of tequila, El Tequileño Distillery and Casa Salles offer an unforgettable journey into the heart of tequila craftsmanship.

Plan your visit to El Tequileño and experience the passion and heritage that make this brand a true icon in the world of tequila.