La Gritona Reposado Tequila

Producer Information: La Gritona Reposado is a subtle and distinctive 100% blue agave tequila distilled by Melly Cardenas at her small distillery (NOM 1533) in Valle de Guadalupe in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. The tequila begins with mature agave grown in the red soil of the Jalisco highlands that has been cultivated at the height of it’s sugar production and is put into our ovens within 24 hours of being cut. Our agave is baked in our thick-walled earthen ovens for 24 hours and then allowed to rest for another 24 hours before crushing. After allowing the collected liquid to naturally ferment a rate that is only dictated by the surrounding air temperature, we distill our fermented liquid twice. It is then rested in reused American whiskey barrels for 8 months before filtering and bottling. Every step of production takes place under one roof and our facility is overseen by a small staff of locals that work each process from start to finish. We currently bottle an average of 12,500 liters per batch. All of the agave remnants that are left over after production are given to local farmers to use as cattle feed. Our bottles are hand blown with recycled glass in the Guadalajara neighborhood of Tlaquepaque, an hour away from the distillery. Available in 50ml, 375ml or 750ml.

Tasting Notes by the producer: We are often asked to describe the tequila and what it is that sets it apart. It is difficult to compare or categorize La Gritona. It’s not too sweet. It doesn’t have the notes that characterize many highland reposados out there…. no vanilla, no chocolate, no pepper, no dulce de leche… just agave. The finish is extremely round with no burn. Our friend Dmitri at the Starlite in San Diego calls it “the session tequila.” People also call it “refreshing” and “vegetal”, unusual adjectives to describe spirits, but we think they are appropriate. We recommend it straight with no ice, lime, salt, or mixer. It’s best when paired it with a nice cold Mexican lager or pilsner.