A Million Milestones in Mexico
We had 1,000,000+ reasons in mind when we planned a business trip to Mexico last week… and each one pertained to our incredible tequila brands!
History tells us that tequila production in Mexico might have begun as early as the year 250 AD. It’s an integral part of the pride and legacy of not only Mexico’s economy, but also the people who craft it. When we visit our Lunazul and Tequila OCHO partners, this rich tradition is always at the forefront of our interactions.
Tierra De Agaves Distillery
On this trip to Mexico, our first stop was at Tierra De Agaves Distillery where Lunazul is distilled and bottled with 100% Blue Agave. Tierra De Agaves owner Jorge Beckmann and his family are industry icons with over 200 years of experience making tequila. It’s always a treat when they show us around, and we always learn something new.
Though we have seen the various stages of tequila-making many times, the care that the entire Tierra De Agaves team takes when creating this product never ceases to amaze us. Led by Tierra De Agaves CEO & Master Distiller Francisco Quijano, everyone at the facility meticulously and thoughtfully carries out their craft, whether that be selecting the perfect agave, hand labeling the bottles or anything in between.
Before we departed, we got to celebrate an impressive milestone with the Tierra De Agaves team. A few weeks ago, Lunazul shipped its 1,000,000th case! The Beckmann family had a surprise in store for us, presenting Heaven Hill Brands with a certificate of congratulations.
We couldn’t have been more honored to accept the certificate or more excited to surprise them back with a beautiful carved barrel head to mark the occasion. We know our partnership with Tierra De Agaves will only continue to prosper.
Tequileria Los Alambiques
The celebrations never so much as pause with so many stand-out brands in the Heaven Hill portfolio. We got to spend the second half of our trip stop at none other than the impressive Tequilera Los Alambiques. Located in the highlands region, our partners at Los Alambiques produce our super premium tequila, Tequila OCHO.
We were welcomed with open arms when we arrived. While we were there, we finally had a chance to see the “hand and heart” process we’ve heard so much about come to life. Tequila OCHO is made in a slow, artisanal way which allows an un-masked agave flavor to come through. The proof is in each sip!
The Tequila OCHO team had big plans for the weekend with the opening of their new, state-of-the-art visitor’s center! We were so grateful to be on-site to help Los Alambiques Owner and Master Distiller Carlos Camarena and Samson & Surrey Co-Founders Robert and Juan welcome distributor partners from all over the world for the groundbreaking occasion.
The visitor center was modeled after the Camarena’s own hacienda style home with a gorgeous open patio courtyard. To kick off the opening there was a beautiful, mariachi-serenaded dinner on the patio. Throughout the night, attendees could walk through the visitors’ centers’ cantina bar, full-service gourmet restaurant, tequila library and gift shop of local luxury handcrafts.
Each room was filled with laughter, festivities and world class tequila. It was an event that we will truly never forget. One thing is for sure: OCHO’s future is very, very bright and we greatly look forward to helping more people experience and enjoy its excellence.
We’re so thankful for the time we got to spend at Tierra De Agaves and Tequilera Los Alambiques. It couldn’t have been possible without the help of so many Heaven Hill Brands team members. Until next time, Mexico! We will see you again soon.
