La Altena Distillery
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La Altena Distillery
La Altena Distillery, located in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, is a renowned producer of premium tequila. Founded in 1937 by Don Felipe Camarena, this family-owned distillery has been producing exceptional tequila for over 80 years. With its rich history and commitment to quality, La Altena has become one of the most respected and sought-after tequila producers in the world.
The region of Jalisco, where La Altena is situated, is known as the birthplace of tequila. Its humid climate, red volcanic soil, and high elevation provide the perfect conditions for growing agave, the key ingredient in tequila. The agave used by La Altena is grown on their own estate, ensuring the highest quality and consistency in their tequila production.
La Altena's tequila is made using traditional methods passed down through generations. The agave plants are harvested by hand and cooked in traditional stone ovens for up to 72 hours. The cooked agave is then crushed using a traditional tahona (stone wheel) or modern roller mill, before being fermented and distilled in copper pot stills. This careful and meticulous process results in tequila with a distinct and authentic flavor.
One of the most unique aspects of La Altena Distillery is their use of a rare type of agave called criollo. This variety is known for its complex flavors and is only used by a handful of tequila producers. La Altena's use of criollo agave sets them apart from other distilleries and contributes to the exceptional quality of their tequila.
La Altena produces a range of tequilas, including their flagship brand, Tapatio, which has gained a cult following among tequila enthusiasts. Other popular brands include Ocho, El Tesoro, and Excellia. Each brand has its own distinctive flavor profile, highlighting the versatility and complexity of tequila.
In addition to their dedication to producing
La Altena Distillery
La Altena is a distillery located in Arandas, in the highlands region of Jalisco, Mexico. It is the home of Casa Herradura alumni and master distiller Carlos Camarena, one of the more respected figures in the tequila industry. The distillery produces 100% blue agave tequila and is the source behind several well-regarded brands, including the Excellia label.
The highlands of Jalisco, known locally as Los Altos, sit at elevations above 2,000 metres. The red clay soils and cooler temperatures of this zone tend to produce agave plants with higher sugar content, which distillers often associate with a slightly sweeter, fruitier character compared to lowland expressions. La Altena is known for traditional production methods, including the use of brick ovens for cooking agave and roller mills or tahona for extraction, depending on the expression.
The Excellia range from La Altena includes a Blanco and a Reposado. The Blanco is unaged, expressing the raw character of the cooked agave directly, while the Reposado undergoes a period of barrel maturation of between two and twelve months, which softens the spirit and adds subtle wood influence. The Excellia project has involved collaboration with cognac producers for barrel selection, lending the reposado in particular a distinctive approach to wood ageing.