Last Updated on April 2, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Celebrities owning tequila brands are all the rage now – from George Clooney and Kendal Jenner to Michael Jordan.
There’s nothing wrong with American celebrities being involved in the tequila world, but wouldn’t it be better if we give attention to traditional Mexican producers and their authentic tequila?
Get your hands on high-grade tequilas with our Mexican owned tequila list. Read on.
Table of Contents
ToggleTop 30 Mexican Owned Tequila Brands To Try
30. 1800
1800 is a fine sipping tequila brand and a major player in the tequila industry. The Beckmann family owns 1800, and it was launched in 1975.
The Mexican-owned tequila brand has been imported to the US since 2008 and has taken home different prestigious awards for being a high-quality tequila.
29. Maestro Dobel
Maestro Dobel is a Mexican-owned tequila brand named after Juan Domingo Beckmann Legorreta (DOBEL).
It is one of the tequila brands owned by the Beckmann family, established in 2008. The production of Maestro Dobel happens in their own distillery (NOM 1122).
28. Gran Centenario
Gran Centenario is one of the oldest tequila brands in the market today. It was established in 1857 by Master Distiller Lázaro Gallardo, and it was the first distillery to use the production process called Seleccion Suave.
Today, both the distillery and the brand are owned by Jose Cuervo [1].
27. Camarena
Camarena has a unique, long history and is considered one of the best Mexican-owned tequilas today.
It is family owned by the Camarena family, and now, Carlos Camarena Curiel is the third-generation Master Distiller of the premium tequila.
26. Siete Leguas
Siete Leguas is one of the best Mexican-owned tequilas in the tequila world today. It was founded by Ignacio González Vargas in 1952, and it was named after the horse of General Francisco Villa.
If you have a soft spot for drinking tequila, their Añejo is a must-try.
25. Fortaleza
Fortaleza is a family-owned distillery that stretches back five generations and is originally known as La Perseverancia. Unlike other tequila companies, the great tequila brand resisted being purchased by foreign conglomerates.
Every bottle of Fortaleza is made from pure blue agave from Jalisco Highlands.
But which country drinks the most tequila per capita?
24. Corazon
The family of Carmen Villareal has owned Corazon for over 130 years. It is one of the best brands with a unique flavor profile because it follows an original tequila [2] family recipe today.
23. Tequila Corralejo
Corralejo is a tequila brand that uses cooked agave plants from the agave fields of Jalisco. The agave-based tequila brand originated from Hacienda Corralejo before Leonardo Rodriguez gained ownership in 1994.
It is one of the Mexican-owned tequilas that features an array of original tequila (double distilled agave) selections.
22. Volcan de mi Tierra
Trent Fraser owns Volcan de mi Tierra, and since day one, he has overseen tequila’s production and the aging process.
The brand uses the best agave plants and traditional Tahona milling to extract the agave juices from the agave heart.
21. Tequila 29 Two Nine
Tequila 29 Two Nine is owned by Alberto Rubio. While their brands do not have a family tradition or decades of experience, it has attracted the European market.
Its Reposado rested in American oak barrels for eight months and is a must-have because of its rich flavor.
20. Casa Mexico Tequila
Casa Mexico is rich in flavor and history as they use the tradition of authentic Mexican distillery to craft the amazing and crisp flavor of the tequila.
The tequilas are made from 100% agave plant, and Eric “Don” Buccio owns it. He has partnered with Mexican-American boxer Oscar De La Hoya and Mexican-American actor Mario Lopez.
19. Tequila El Jefe
El Jefe is a family-owned tequila brand operated by Mexican-American father-daughter duo Mario and Samantha Gonzalez. The luxurious spirit is manufactured in Tequilera Las Juntas in Jalisco, Mexico.
Moreso, it is made from 100% blue agave and won multiple international awards.
18. Tequila Tromba
Tromba is a family legacy made by Father-son duo Marco Cedano and Rodrigo, named after the storms that came down on Jalisco.
The brand is adamant about respecting the past of Mexican culture and embracing the possibilities of the future. It offers three varieties of tequila: Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo.
17. Casa Noble Tequila
Casa Noble is an organic spirit and is well appreciated by many tequila lovers because of its exceptional taste.
Like other brands, it offers Blanco tequila, Reposado, and Añejo. The tequilas are made from 100% blue agave and aged in oak barrels for a great flavor profile and rich aroma.
16. Tequileño
Don Jorge Salles founded El Tequileño in 1959; today, his grandson is in charge of the business. It is one of the well-known brands in Mexico, and it offers nine different expressions, including a double wood Reposado.
15. Tequila Cazcabel
Tequila Cazcabel is named after the famous poisonous rattlesnake, and the brand features Blanco tequila and other flavor-infused tequilas.
This spirit is made in Arandas in Jalisco, Mexico, founded by Don Cazcabel and overseen by the Vazquez family.
14. Tequila Don Sueños
Don Sueños is a Mexican-owned tequila that falls in the super-premium category. It is run by a family that has grown agave for over four decades, and Charlie Sheen (an American actor) joins the brand as co-owner.
13. Tequila San Matias
San Matias is a Mexican-owned tequila brand known for perfecting Blanco tequila and Reposado. For more than 136 years, the brand has continuously operated and uses copper pots for distillation.
12. Tequila La Malinche
Tequila La Malinche has a rich history, tradition, and process for over 70 years. The brand uses agave plants from Jalisco and sticks true to the culture and tradition of Mexican tequila.
Every bottle is crafted in Tequilas del Señor and was named after an indigenous woman who worked as the conquistadores’ translator.
11. Casa Dragones
Casa Dragones is numbered and hand signed to ensure the authentic taste of Mexico. Mexican craftsmanship undergoes a modern process.
Every bottle is rich and unmatched. Bertha González Nieves was born in Mexico and worked at Jose Cuervo before creating the brand.
10. Jose Cuervo
Jose Cuervo is the world’s first tequila producer, and until today, it has been owned by the same Mexican family since 1812.
Unlike other tequila companies, Jose Cuervo produces mixto tequila, but most of its expressions are 100% blue agave.
9. Tequila Moderno
Moderno is a new brand of tequila owned by a Mexican. Unlike other brands that are family-owned and traditional, Tequila Moderno was founded by a young Mexican entrepreneur.
It has five expressions, and most reviewers particularly note the high-end taste and affordability of the spirit.
8. Sotol Hacienda de Chihuahua
Sotol Hacienda de Chihuahua is slightly different from other tequilas as distillers create Sotol with dasylirion found in Chihuahuan in Northern Mexico. The distillery is located in Delicias, Chihuahua, Mexico, and Vinomex operates it.
7. Tequila Espinoza
Tequila Espinoza is crafted in small batches at a micro-distillery, and to live up to the quality of its name, the brand has an external tasting committee. All four tequila expressions are triple-distilled to ensure their purity and high quality.
6. Tequila Pueblo Viejo
Pueblo Viejo has a long-standing history since 1886, and until today, it has grown into a contemporary brand loved by many.
Don Delfino González was over 50 years old when he started the brand, and the exquisite hand-blown glass (purple bottle) is a trademark.
5. La Gritona
Behind every bottle of La Gritona, reposado tequila and other expressions are crafted using the best agave in Jalisco. Melly Barajas Cárdenas owned the La Gritona brand, but before her tequila endeavors, she was a clothing designer.
4. La Gran Señora Tequila
La Gran Señora is one of the finest tequila makers in the world, and it is owned and operated by the Camarena family. Augustin Camarena founded it in 1938, and today, it is led by a matriarch, Doña Elena.
3. Satryna Tequila
Nitzan Marrun founded Satryna tequila, and the small batch tequila producer uses their family’s generation-old recipe. They use 10 to 12-year-old blue agave and claim that more matured agaves prevent hangovers.
2. Prospero Tequila
One of Mexico’s well-known female Master Distillers, Prospero Tequila, was founded by Stella Anguiano.
It was named Prospero to celebrate women and their contribution to society. It has great taste and an affordable price compared to other 100% agave tequilas.
1. Clase Azul
Clase Azul was carefully crafted with a mission to save Mexican artisan culture by using their designs on their artisanal bottles.
The brand offers a flavor for everyone and uses Cenizo agave that grows in Northern Mexico’s Durango. But can you buy Clase Azul reposado at Costco?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which tequila is owned by Mexicans?
Several tequila brands are owned and operated by Mexican companies, reflecting the country’s rich heritage and tradition of tequila production. These brands are deeply rooted in Mexican culture and craftsmanship, with a commitment to quality and authenticity. Some notable tequila brands owned by Mexicans include:
Patrón Tequila: Founded by entrepreneurs John Paul DeJoria and Martin Crowley, Patrón Tequila is now owned by Bacardi Limited. However, it remains deeply connected to its Mexican roots, with its distillery located in Jalisco, Mexico.
Herradura Tequila: Herradura Tequila is one of Mexico’s oldest and most respected tequila brands, dating back to 1870. It is owned by Casa Herradura, a Mexican distillery located in the town of Amatitán, Jalisco.
El Tesoro Tequila: El Tesoro Tequila is produced by La Alteña Distillery, a family-owned operation in Jalisco, Mexico. The brand is known for its traditional production methods and emphasis on quality craftsmanship.
Ocho Tequila: Ocho Tequila is a small-batch, artisanal brand owned by the Camarena family, whose roots in tequila production span several generations. The brand focuses on highlighting the unique terroir of its agave fields in Jalisco.
These are just a few examples of tequila brands that are owned and operated by Mexicans, reflecting the country’s proud legacy in the production of this iconic spirit.
What is the best authentic Mexican tequila?
Determining the “best” authentic Mexican tequila can be subjective, as it often depends on individual taste preferences and the specific characteristics that each person values in a tequila. However, several tequila brands are highly regarded for their authenticity, craftsmanship, and quality. Some of these brands include:
Patrón Tequila: Patrón is renowned for its smoothness and versatility, with a range of expressions that cater to different tastes and occasions.
Herradura Tequila: Herradura is known for its commitment to traditional production methods, including slow-cooking agave in clay ovens and aging tequila in oak barrels.
El Tesoro Tequila: El Tesoro is prized for its artisanal approach to tequila production, with a focus on small-batch distillation and using traditional tahona stone mills.
Fortaleza Tequila: Fortaleza is celebrated for its dedication to traditional methods and handcrafted production techniques, resulting in tequilas with rich, complex flavors.
Tequila Ocho: Tequila Ocho stands out for its terroir-driven approach, with each expression highlighting the unique characteristics of the agave fields where the plants are grown.
Ultimately, the best authentic Mexican tequila is a matter of personal preference, and the ideal choice will vary depending on factors such as flavor profile, aging process, and production methods.
What is Mexico’s #1 tequila?
Mexico’s #1 tequila can be difficult to pinpoint definitively, as it depends on various factors such as sales volume, brand recognition, and consumer preferences. However, some tequila brands are widely recognized and enjoyed both domestically and internationally.
One such brand is José Cuervo, often referred to as the world’s leading tequila producer. José Cuervo has a long history dating back to 1758 and is credited with popularizing tequila around the world. The brand offers a wide range of tequilas, including blanco (unaged), reposado (aged), and añejo (extra-aged) expressions.
Another contender for Mexico’s top tequila brand is Patrón Tequila. While Patrón is now owned by Bacardi Limited, it remains deeply connected to its Mexican roots, with its production facilities located in Jalisco, Mexico. Patrón is known for its premium quality and smooth taste, making it a favorite among tequila enthusiasts worldwide.
Ultimately, Mexico’s #1 tequila may vary depending on different metrics and perspectives, but brands like José Cuervo and Patrón are often among the top contenders in terms of sales, recognition, and reputation both domestically and internationally.
What tequila can I only get in Mexico?
While many tequila brands are available internationally, there are some smaller, boutique tequila brands that may have limited distribution outside of Mexico. These brands often produce artisanal tequilas using traditional methods and may only be available for purchase at local distilleries, specialty shops, or certain regions within Mexico. Some examples of tequilas that are primarily found in Mexico include:
ArteNOM Tequila: ArteNOM offers a range of high-quality, small-batch tequilas sourced from different distilleries across Mexico. These tequilas are known for their unique flavor profiles and craftsmanship.
Tapatío Tequila: Tapatío Tequila is a family-owned brand that produces artisanal tequilas in the Jalisco region of Mexico. Their tequilas are highly regarded for their traditional production methods and authentic taste.
Pasote Tequila: Pasote Tequila is crafted at the renowned El Pandillo distillery in Jalisco and is known for its distinctive bottles and smooth, flavorful tequilas.
G4 Tequila: G4 Tequila is produced at the El Pandillo distillery and focuses on using high-quality, estate-grown agave for their tequilas. Their products are praised for their purity and complexity.
While it may be possible to find some of these tequilas outside of Mexico through specialty importers or online retailers, they are primarily distributed within the country and may offer unique tasting experiences for visitors to Mexico.
Is Jose Cuervo Mexican owned?
Yes, José Cuervo is a Mexican-owned company. It is one of the oldest and most prominent tequila producers in Mexico, with a history dating back to 1758. The company is headquartered in Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico, which is the birthplace of the iconic spirit.
Is Jose Cuervo a Mexican company?
Yes, José Cuervo is a Mexican company. It is one of the largest and most well-known tequila producers in Mexico, with a global presence in the spirits industry. José Cuervo is deeply rooted in Mexican culture and heritage, and it remains a symbol of pride for the country’s tequila industry.
As a Mexican company, José Cuervo is committed to upholding the traditions and craftsmanship of tequila production while also innovating and adapting to changing consumer preferences. The company’s portfolio includes a wide range of tequila expressions, from traditional blanco, reposado, and añejo tequilas to premium and ultra-premium offerings.
Final Verdict: Mexican Owned Tequila List
Every bottle of tequila made in Mexico deserve recognition because they let other people have a taste of an authentic Mexican-owned spirit.
However, foreigners and celebrities are still welcome to be involved in the industry to help traditional Mexican producers produce more bottles.
There is a wide array of tequila brands like El Conde Azul, Don Julio, and other non-Mexican-owned brands. However, you can never go wrong getting the best of the best from Mexican-owned tequila brands.
References: