El Jimador Tequila is indeed made in Mexico. Specifically, it is crafted at the Casa Herradura distillery in Amatitan, Jalisco. This distillery has a long and storied history in the tequila-making industry, dating back to 1870 when it was founded by Félix López. Being able to visit the Casa Herradura distillery was a truly incredible experience for me as a sommelier and brewer.
Located in the heart of the tequila region, Amatitan is known for its rich volcanic soil and ideal climate conditions for growing the blue agave plant. The blue agave is the key ingredient in tequila production, and it is grown abundantly in the surrounding fields. Seeing row upon row of agave plants stretching out as far as the eye could see was truly awe-inspiring.
At the Casa Herradura distillery, I had the opportunity to witness the meticulous process of transforming these agave plants into El Jimador Tequila. The agave is harvested by hand, with skilled jimadors using a sharp tool called a coa to remove the leaves and cut down to the core, known as the piña. This piña is then cooked in traditional brick ovens for up to 26 hours, allowing the sugars to develop and caramelize.
After the piñas have been cooked, they are crushed to extract the juices, which are then fermented and distilled. The distillation process takes place in copper pot stills, which help to refine and purify the tequila. This dedication to traditional methods and attention to detail is what sets El Jimador apart.
One of the things that struck me during my visit to the Casa Herradura distillery was the emphasis on quality. El Jimador takes great pride in crafting tequila that is accessible to all, without sacrificing on taste or craftsmanship. Whether you're enjoying it neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, you can be assured that each sip of El Jimador Tequila is the result of years of expertise and passion.
El Jimador Tequila is proudly made in Mexico at the Casa Herradura distillery in Amatitan, Jalisco. The commitment to quality and traditional methods is evident in every bottle, making it a tequila that can be enjoyed by all.