Jon StojanFor many, the tequila experience is often associated with a quick shot accompanied by a sprinkle of salt and a wedge of lime. However, Cazcanes Tequila offers a different, more refined perspective. Beneath its rich and complex taste lie centuries of tradition, perfected over the years by visionaries on the Cazcanes team. Tequila is not a beverage to be hastily consumed but one to be savored and appreciated for its craftsmanship.
What began as a project driven by a love for blending heritage and craftsmanship has evolved into a successful tequila brand distributed in over 35 states and several countries. The founders’ dedication to creating a unique product that offers bespoke experiences with every sip has enabled the company to grow, establishing itself among the most renowned tequila producers globally.
Located in the historic town of Amatitán, Colin Edwards, Co-Founder; Jon-Paul Fortunati, CEO; Edwin Dolgopyat, COO; and Jose Santillan, Co-Founder who oversees Cazcanes’ operations in Mexico, offer tequila enthusiasts a chance to peek behind the curtain of meticulous tequila making. During tours lasting between 1.5 to two hours, guests have the unique opportunity to meet the people behind Cazcanes, learn the step-by-step process of distillation, and savor the five core Cazcanes expressions of tequila in an elegant tasting room that overlooks the barrel aging room, housing over four thousand barrels.
For the founders, these tours symbolize a new level of connection between Cazcanes, seasoned tequila aficionados, and those new to the world of fine tequila. As attendees enter the facility, located in the heart of the Tequila Valley region, they are greeted with the rich aroma of cooked agave that lingers long after the visit.
Central to Cazcanes’ unique flavor is the meticulous harvesting of Weber Blue Agave. These certified organic agaves, grown in volcanic soil and hand-selected during peak sugar levels, ensure the highest quality. Unlike many other producers, Cazcanes retains a portion of the leaves (pencas), adding sweetness and complexity. The bitter “cogollo” (the sprouting shoot of the agave) is carefully removed to avoid imparting bitterness to the tequila. On the tour, participants witness this dedication to quality firsthand.
Another crucial element is the water used in production. Cazcanes sources its natural spring water from the Navichi Springs, located in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range, renowned for its purity. This water plays a vital role in enhancing the unique flavor profile of Cazcanes Tequila. During the tour, visitors can sample this pristine water, gaining a deeper appreciation of its importance in the production process.
Guests also explore the processes of juice extraction, fermentation, distillation, and bottling. The tour culminates in the tasting room, overlooking the barrel room, where visitors can enjoy all five core expressions of Cazcanes tequila. The experience is often enriched with tastings of experimental and limited-edition bottles, such as tequila aged in wine barrels or anything else the Cazcanes team may be dreaming up next. As a testament to their dedication to quality, Cazcanes is verified additive-free by Tequila Matchmaker and is certified organic and kosher.
Tours are available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays and can be booked directly through theCazcanes website.
Jon-Paul Fortunati, Cazcanes’ CEO, shares, “Transparency has been our core value since the beginning, and it is evident during the tours. I believe that the knowledge we share will not only strengthen our bond with customers but also inspire more tequila enthusiasts to appreciate the art of tequila production. We love having this opportunity to connect with our visitors, share our story, and enjoy a glass of tequila with everyone who loves this complex beverage as much as we do. Let’s all discover the corazón (heart) of tequila together and appreciate it as its drinkable art.”