Espolòn tequila and the art of tequila production
History
Espolòn’s Master Distiller – or Maestro Tequilero – Cirilo Oropeza spent decades mastering both the science of distillation and the craft of tequila making. He dedicated himself to his dream of creating a superior tequila that would be accessible to everyone. In 1995, he met a fellow Mexican entrepreneur who shared his ambition – and within a year, they had built a new distillery 2,000 metres above sea level in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico.
It was here that Cirilo’s passion came to life, combining his background in chemical engineering with over 50 years of distilling experience. In 1998, the very first bottles of Espolòn began shipping across the globe. Cirilo named his tequila after the spur of the iconic rooster – a historic symbol of strength, nobility, and national pride in Mexico. Created using a combination of traditional and modern techniques, Espolòn is celebrated as a superior tequila and is favoured by bartenders around the world.
Production
From cooking through to bottling, every step of Espolòn’s production takes place in a single facility – Casa San Nicolas in Arandas, Jalisco. Once harvested, the agave is roasted before being pressed using mechanical roller mills to extract the juice that will be fermented. During fermentation, sugars are transformed into alcohol using a strain of yeast that influences body, flavour, and aroma. This process takes approximately 70 to 80 hours.
Next, the agave wort, or mosto, is heated to evaporate the alcohol, which is then condensed and collected. Distillation takes place twice, with the heads and tails removed each time to preserve only the best of the liquid. Espolòn Reposado and Añejo are aged in American oak barrels featuring a lighter No. 2 char, imparting subtle caramel and vanilla notes while allowing the distillate’s flavour to shine. The spirit enters the barrel at 42% ABV – meaning less water is added before bottling – ensuring that when poured, Espolòn’s complex flavour arrives with impact.
Portfolio and Tasting Notes
Espolòn Tequila Blanco is an unaged tequila. It is clear with a platinum sheen and offers aromas of sweet agave, florals, tropical fruit, and lemon zest, with a hint of pepper. It delivers an elegant, clean finish with a touch of spice – perfect for signature cocktails such as the Espolòn Paloma or the Espolòn Margarita.
Espolòn Tequila Reposado is rested for at least two months in American oak barrels, which give it its rich, golden hue. It has a bold, rounded palate with medium-to-full-bodied flavour, featuring notes of roasted agave, sweet tropical fruit, vanilla, and warm spices, with a long, spicy finish. It is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, or in a light cocktail such as a Reposado Mule.
Espolòn Añejo Tequila is aged for at least 12 months in American oak barrels and finished in Wild Turkey bourbon barrels, providing a beautifully bright, reddish-gold colour. This tequila presents a complex aroma and a medium- to full-bodied, balanced palate, with subtle notes of caramel, vanilla, dried fruits, and chocolate. It can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a signature serve such as an Añejo Old Fashioned.
Key Message on the Product
Key points to remember about Espolòn Tequila:
- With over 50 years of expertise, visionary Master Distiller – the late Cirilo Oropeza – was responsible for bringing Espolòn Tequila to the world.
- Espolòn Tequila is a testament to Cirilo’s pioneering spirit and is named after the spur of the rooster – a powerful symbol of Mexican pride.
- The rooster, Ramón, is the icon of Espolòn and appears on the label of every bottle.
- Espolòn is produced in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico – renowned as the premier region for tequila production.
- Only 100% Blue Weber Agave is used – hand-harvested when fully matured and at peak sugar concentration.
- The spirit is crafted from a blend of pot still and column still distillates, resulting in a bright, full flavour with notes of citrus and pepper.
In summary, Espolòn Tequila is a tribute to Mexican culture – honouring the true essence of its people and the land itsel