Espolòn Tequila

ESPOLÒN IS THE REALISATION OF A LIFELONG DESIRE OF MASTER DISTILLER CIRILO OROPEZA. HIS DECADES-LONG EXPERIENCE AND TALENT FOR THE SCIENCE OF DISTILLATION WERE MATCHED BY A REAL PASSION FOR THE ART OF TEQUILA MAKING. RELYING ON HIS STRICT ATTENTION TO EVERY DETAIL, AND KNOWN FOR HIS UNCONVENTIONAL METHODS, CIRILO PUT THIS DREAM INTO MOTION. HIS GOAL WAS SIMPLE: TO CREATE A TEQUILA SO GOOD THAT HE WOULD BE PROUD TO SHARE IT WITH THE WORLD.

HAILED AS A SUPERIOR TEQUILA, MADE in the proud tradition of Mexico, but with modern techniques.

Espolòn tequila, at its core, is a powerful tribute to Mexican culture. Named for the spur of the iconic rooster, a historic symbol of national pride, the brand is a celebration of Mexico’s cultural heritage.

Inspired by the richness of Mexico’s storied history, Espolòn sought to capture the true essence of the people and land itself. To best bring these true stories of Mexico to life, Espolòn looked to the work of José Guadalupe Posada, the pioneering 19th-century Mexican artist and printmaker. With a proud salute to Posada’s most revered works, the calavera (skulls), the resulting artwork became the outward expression of Espolòn’s guiding principle: to perfectly capture the true spirit of Mexico.

Espolon’s home at the San Nicolas Distillery is located in Jalisco, among the plantations of the Los Altos (Highlands). Known for its highly desired Blue Weber Agave, the region produces agave larger in size and sweeter in aroma and taste. Recognised by many as the “Best Factory in Mexico’, it was designed to Cirilo’s exacting specifications, and is the perfect environment in which to create the rich, flavorful tequilas proudly called Espolòn.

To get the richer, more intense flavours Cirilo demands, Espolòn does things differently: The piñas used to make Espolòn cook for 18 to 20 hours and are distilled longer than most. Espolòn’s production process creates a bright, well-rounded tequila. Perfect for mixing or sipping, it offers a bold, round palate; medium to full bodied with rich roasted agave, sweet tropical fruit, vanilla and brown spices; and a long spicy finish.

Cirilo’s creative approach led to one of the brand’s most anticipated products: Espolòn Añejo Tequila. Launched in the US in 2014, Espolòn Añejo is a traditional Añejo Tequila with a truly unexpected Espolòn twist. As Cirilo often does, he pioneered a technique— the first of its kind in Mexico—where he takes white oak-aged tequila and finishes it for two to three months in heavily-charred American bourbon barrels. The liquid comes to life as it takes on the complex, rich flavour for which bourbon whiskey is famous. Espolòn Añejo Tequila is great in distinctive cocktails, but a tequila this smooth and rich deserves to be sipped on its own. ❧

LEFT: Master Distiller, Cirilo Oropeza.

BELOW: Espolòn’s 100% Agave Blanco (left) and Reposado (right).