Introducing Tequila El Mexicano Blanco: A Modern Expression Of Traditional Mexican Craftsmanship From The Legendary Bañuelos Family

Jalisco, Mexico (April 23, 2025) –León Jr. and Willy Bañuelos, the grandsons of the renowned founder of Cazadores® Tequila, aren’t convinced younger American spirits drinkers their age know what true tequila should taste like. Today, with the national rollout of Tequila El Mexicano Blanco across the US by importer Foley Family Wines & Spirits, the brothers aim to change that. Tequila El Mexicano Blanco is crafted purely from 100% Blue Weber Agave, using traditional production methods. These practices are a testament to the family’s three generations of expertise. Tequila El Mexicano Blanco embodies the pure spirit of Mexico, redefining the tequila experience for a new generation.

In an era where authenticity and craftsmanship define the world’s finest spirits, Tequila El Mexicano is rooted in heritage and created with uncompromising dedication to time-honored methods at Hacienda El Mexicano (NOM 1588) - the culmination of the Bañuelos family's 50+ year passion for crafting fine tequilas. Inspired by their grandfather, Master Tequilero Don Félix Bañuelos, co-founder of the acclaimed Cazadores tequila, brothers León Jr. and Willy Bañuelos Jr. collaborated with their father, Master Tequilero León Sr., to create Tequila El Mexicano, without any additives that might mask the real agave flavor of true tequila.

Patience is the cornerstone of the Bañuelos production process. Mature agaves, aged a minimum of six years, are hand-harvested from the rich highland terroir, where volcanic soil and a cooler climate yield a naturally sweeter flavor. The Bañuelos family employs a classic "low-and-slow" cooking process to extract even more naturally sweet agave flavors. Open-air fermentation exceeding seven days – one of the industry’s longest - is maintained as a core practice and allows the flavors to develop naturally, fostering a unique flavor profile unattainable through accelerated techniques. Mozart can be heard playing throughout the process, propelling the naturally occurring yeast along in their journey to create a memorable distillate.

León Sr. Bañuelos custom-designed the stainless-steel pot stills himself, exemplifying his commitment to preserving the meticulous artistry that has shaped tequila for generations. The Master Tequilero opted for stainless steel to ensure the true essence of the agave shines through, free from added flavors or aromas that traditional copper stills can impart. While the time-intensive production methods yield smaller batches, the family prioritizes an authentic, traditional agave-forward tequila flavor profile

“El Mexicano Blanco is a versatile spirit that pays respect to the purity of just agave, yeast and water,” says León Bañuelos Jr. “Unlike many tequilas on the market, Tequila El Mexicano is crafted without compromise. We want to highlight and showcase the rich, earthy flavor of agave - whether it’s enjoyed in a margarita or simply sipped neat.”

Tequila El Mexicano Blanco presents with a crystalline color and a bright edge, demonstrating its purity. The nose is dominated by cooked agave at its peak, complemented by secondary notes of yellow lemon, mint, and brine. On the palate, the cooked agave returns, accompanied by sweet citrus fruits and a balanced, herbal finish. The tequila has a medium body and a slightly unctuous mouthfeel, characteristic of a fine Blanco.

With a sleek and minimalist aesthetic to showcase the superior quality and authenticity of the liquid, Tequila El Mexicano’s new, reimagined packaging presents a contemporary interpretation of the brand's established legacy. The colorful neck, inspired by Hacienda El Mexicano's tilework, pays homage to the brand's roots. Three concentric arches, integrated into the glass, represent the three generations of tequila producers within the Bañuelos family and the iconic Hacienda’s archways. A glass symbol depicting an agave field, complete with a piña and the setting sun, acknowledges the distinctive Jalisco highlands terroir.

Tequila El Mexicano Blanco is available for purchase nationally (SRP $40). The Tequila El Mexicano US portfolio also includes a Reposado (SRP $45) and Higher Proof Blanco 90 (SRP $50) best served in cocktails. Tequila El Mexicano is also available online on the brand's website. 

Tequila El Mexicano joins the global portfolio of distilled spirits from the Foley Family that includes High Ground Estate Vodka, Minden Mill (single estate whiskeys), Charles Goodnight Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Evil Bean Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, Lighthouse Gin from New Zealand, the Loch Lomond Group portfolio of Scotch and spirits, Two Stacks Irish Whiskey and Killowen Distillery.

About Foley Family Wines & Spirits

Established by Bill Foley in 1996, Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS) is a portfolio of highly acclaimed wines and spirits from some of the world’s greatest estates. The company owns more than 24 wineries and a distillery, each with its distinct style, legacy, and approach to hospitality. FFWS has expanded its portfolio significantly since its founding, now including such storied brands as Chalk Hill Estate Winery, Sebastiani, Roth, Banshee, Ferrari-Carano, Chateau St. Jean, and Lancaster in Sonoma; Merus, Silverado, and Foley Johnson in Napa Valley; Lincourt, Firestone, and Foley Estates in Southern California; Chalone Vineyard in Monterey County; Four Graces and Acrobat in Oregon; and Three Rivers in Washington. FFWS’s import wines include Lucien Albrecht in France, Nieto Senetiner in Argentina, and 14 wine brands spanning three of New Zealand’s most acclaimed winegrowing regions: Marlborough, Central Otago, and Martinborough. The growing global spirits portfolio includes Minden Mill Whiskeys, High Ground Vodka, Charles Goodnight Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Evil Bean Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, New Zealand’s Lighthouse Gin, El Tequila El Mexicano, the Loch Lomond Group portfolio of Scotch and spirits, and Two Stacks Irish Whiskey and Killowen Distillery.