Laelia Tequila Introduces Añejo, an Expression of Patience and Craft

 “The Añejo represents an evolution of our work at Laelia, an expression that captures the patience, care, and respect that defines our tequila,” says Fernando Pérez Ontiveros, CEO and founder of Laelia Tequila. “By aging in French oak for over a year, we are able to bring forward a complexity of oak and spice, while still letting the agave speak clearly. It’s a tequila that reflects both tradition and time and we’re really excited to share it with the world.” 

Made from fully-mature Blue Weber agave harvested at peak ripeness in the lowlands of Jalisco, Laelia Añejo reflects the region’s longstanding reputation as a pioneering center for tequila production. Following traditional practices, the agave is slow-cooked in brick ovens to preserve its natural sugars, then extracted using a two-ton Tahona stone, a method that gently crushes the fibers to capture the full depth and complexity of the plant. Distillation takes place at Casa Natima–fully owned and operated by a 100% Mexican-led team–in 100% copper pot stills under the guidance of Master Distiller Carlos R. Huizar, ensuring a clean, precise spirit. 

Once in French oak barrels, the tequila is aged for 12–14 months, but the exact timing of release is determined by Laelia’s expert tasting team. The team begins monitoring once the Reposado liquid is in barrel, sampling every one to two weeks as the barrels rest in controlled conditions until reaching the 12–14 months required for the Añejo. From there, the natural evolution of the Reposado is closely observed to achieve the desired Añejo profile. This careful, hands-on evaluation ensures that each batch is pulled at the precise moment when the flavor, balance, and complexity are at their peak, resulting in an Añejo that captures the fullest expression of the agave while reflecting the skill and attention of the team. The resulting expression balances warmth and depth, shaped by time, technique, and the unique terroir of Jalisco.

“Crafting tequila begins long before the barrels,” says Master Distiller Carlos R. Huizar. “From planting and tending the agave to harvesting at peak ripeness, every step demands precision and dedication. Our goal is to honor the plant and the land, ensuring that each bottle reflects the full potential of the agave and the care we put into every stage of its journey.” 

Compared to Laelia Blanco, which is crisp, fruity, and agave-forward, and Laelia Reposado, which develops delicate floral, citrus, and cinnamon notes from 4–6 months of rest in lightly toasted French oak, Laelia Añejo offers a deeper, more robust profile with notes of vanilla, caramel and cooked agave. Its extended maturation delivers a long, balanced finish, designed to be sipped neat or enjoyed in classic, spirit-forward cocktails.

Guided by sustainable practices and innovative techniques that protect both agave and the surrounding environment, Laelia is committed to crafting tequila with deep respect for the land. Agave sourced from Jalisco is overseen by the Casa Natima family and certified by Environmentally Responsible Agave, ensuring it is never planted from deforested areas. Cultivation practices include water conservation, natural composting, and the use of organic fertilizers to maintain soil health. The distillery is powered by renewable energy, with 80% generated from recycled agave fibers (bagasse), and further reduces its environmental impact through a closed-loop water system and solar energy. Laelia continues to advance its sustainability efforts and is on track to recycle and reuse all mineral-rich spring water used in production, ultimately eliminating the need for additional water by 2030. 

Laelia Tequila Añejo (40% ABV) is now available at select retailers in California, New York, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee, as well as nationally online via laeliatequila.com, with a suggested retail price of $79.99. 

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ABOUT LAELIA TEQUILA 

Crafted in the heart of Amatitán, in the lowlands of Jalisco, Laelia Tequila is a premium quality tequila refined by nature. Laelia is rooted in respect for the tradition of Tequila and its heritage, taking inspiration from the Mexican orchid which it is named for and the pre-Hispanic, ceremonial flower songs of the Nahua. Laelia celebrates the terroir of the lowlands of Jalisco, with agave-forward expressions developed through the 100% Tahona-milled traditional technique which extracts agave juices gently to preserve the natural flavor and complexity. Distilled at Casa Natima, and fully owned and operated by a 100% Mexican-led team, Laelia Tequila is founded by Fernando Pérez Ontiveros whose family are fourth generation agave growers. The brand, owned under NOM 1607, offers Blanco, Reposado, and now Añejo expressions. 

Laelia Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo have already been recognized across multiple international competitions, underscoring the brand’s commitment to exceptional quality and agave-forward character. Double Gold Blanco at the 2024 LAWSC, Silver for Blanco at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Gold for both Blanco and Reposado at the 2025 San Diego Wine & Spirits Challenge, Gold Reposado and Silver Blanco at the 2025 Spirits Business Tequila & Mezcal Masters, and Silver for Añejo at the New York World Spirits Competition by Tasting Alliance.