In the early 1990’s Iñaki Orozco inherited a very special piece of land, handed down in his family, for over 200 years. When the Guerra de Independencia de México (Mexican War of Independence) was being fought, the highlands of Jalisco had served as a key battlefront. Iñaki’s ancestor, Maria Higinia Gomez served as a high counselor to the Mexican rebel leaders in this time and for her service, she was granted 10,000 acres of land. Most of the land, she gave away to revolutionaries who fought for Mexico’s freedom, but the 250 acres she kept, is the land handed down to, Iñaki, and where he founded Riazul Tequila.
Orozco began by planting agaves and in 2006, harvested his first crop. Today they produce their Tequilas in the highland distillery of Compañia Tequilera de Arandas, NOM 1460, using estate owned agave, and a blend of traditional and modern production techniques. In 2014 Riazul was added to the Terlato Wine & Spirits portfolio.
The aromas and flavors you’ll find in Riazul fall right in line with classic highland style Tequilas, easily sippable, but also full of bright citrus and peppery notes that go well in a cocktail. Their aged expressions each use a different kind of barrel, suited to the category as the distiller sees fit - French oak, American oak, used Oloroso sherry casks, used cognac barrels. For those new to Tequila, Riazul is a great place to start and learn about different aging techniques, and has an approachable blanco to welcome you to the world of agave.
