Centinela tequila is made by Casa Centinela, a distillery that has a rich history dating back to 1904. The distillery is located at Hacienda El Centinela, which is situated on the outskirts of the town of Arandas in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico.
The story of Casa Centinela began in 1890 when the original Cabrito distillery was established in Arandas. This distillery laid the foundation for the creation of Centinela tequila. In 1904, the Torres Perez Vargas family founded Casa Centinela, and they have been producing tequila there ever since.
What sets Centinela tequila apart is the attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into its production. The agave plants used to make the tequila are grown on the estate surrounding the distillery. This allows for complete control over the quality of the agave, ensuring that only the best plants are selected for production.
The agave is harvested by hand, and the piñas (the heart of the agave plant) are cooked in traditional stone ovens. This slow cooking process allows the sugars in the agave to fully develop, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile.
After cooking, the piñas are crushed to extract the juice, which is then fermented using natural yeast. This fermentation process can take several days, during which the sugars in the juice are converted into alcohol.
Once fermentation is complete, the tequila is distilled in copper pot stills. Copper is favored by many distillers as it helps remove impurities and adds a smoothness to the final product. The distillation process is carefully monitored to ensure that only the best flavors and aromas are captured.
After distillation, the tequila is aged in oak barrels. The aging process adds depth and complexity to the tequila, as it absorbs flavors from the wood. The length of aging can vary depending on the desired style of tequila, with options ranging from blanco (unaged) to reposado (aged for a short period) to añejo (aged for a longer period).
Throughout the entire production process, Casa Centinela remains dedicated to preserving the traditional methods of tequila production. They take pride in their heritage and ensure that each bottle of Centinela tequila reflects the craftsmanship and passion that goes into its creation.
Personal experience: I had the pleasure of visiting Hacienda El Centinela and witnessing firsthand the dedication and care that goes into making Centinela tequila. The distillery is nestled in the beautiful highlands of Jalisco, surrounded by fields of agave. The staff at Casa Centinela were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their craft, and it was evident in the quality of the tequila they produced. The tasting room offered a wide range of Centinela tequilas, allowing me to explore the different flavors and aging profiles. It was a truly memorable experience, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the art of tequila making.