Tapatío Tequila, a distinguished tequila brand rooted in tradition- discover the flavor rooted in the legacy.
A Heritage in Jalisco
Tapatío has been distilled at La Alteña Distillery in Arandas, Jalisco since 1937. Don Felipe Camarena established the brand and continues today under the stewardship of the Camarena family, preserving over 85 years of tequila-making tradition. Originally built on agave fields that the family tended long before distilling began, La Alteña produces Tapatío, El Tesoro, and Tequila Ocho exclusively from estate-grown Blue Weber agave. You cannot go wrong with ANY of these tequilas- each brings its own flavor profile and a smooth, delicious treat.
Jenny Camarena—the first female master distiller at La Alteña—has taken the helm, guiding Tapatío forward with both tradition and innovation. We love our ladies in charge!
Traditional Production & Flavor Profiles
- Estate‑built heritage: Tapatío is crafted from 100% Blue Weber agave grown on-site, cooked in stone or brick ovens, pressed with both rollers and the traditional tahona wheel, then fermented in wooden tanks with agave fibers for added depth.
- Copper still double distillation: Each expression undergoes two rounds of distillation in small copper alembic stills to emphasize the bold, natural agave character.
- No additives: The brand prides itself on additive-free, unmanipulated flavor—pure agave essence in the bottle.
Meet the Tapatío Expressions
- Blanco: Bright, peppery, vegetal, and proudly agave-forward. Offers citrus and mineral notes and a long, spicy finish. Loved for its purity and mixability.
- Blanco 110 (High Proof): Bottled at 110 proof (55% ABV), this bold blanco delivers extra heat, intensity, and complexity—perfect in cocktails or neat for the experienced palate,
- Reposado: Rested 4–6 months in ex‑bourbon barrels for a gentle balance of vanilla, cinnamon, light oak while preserving agave backbone.
- Añejo: Aged ~18 months to yield a richer profile—notes of caramel, dried fruit, warm spices, roasted agave, and silky finish.
- Excelencia Extra Añejo: Rare and long‑aged, this limited expression offers deep complexity and nuanced richness for connoisseurs.
A Brand That Adapts and Inspires
- Family‑run: La Alteña remains Camarena family‑owned; with Jenny now Master Distiller and Carlos continuing as advisor, a strong future is secured.
- Innovation meets tradition: While honoring time‑tested production, the distillery is exploring new horizons—especially stronger, high‑proof tequilas across aged expressions.
- Growing accessibility: Since Tapatío’s U.S. debut in 2012, distribution has expanded significantly.
Tasting & Cocktail Tips
- Sipping neat: Try the Blanco, Reposado or Añejo slowly with no distractions to savor the agave depth. Remember, the first taste is just streching, and the second taste is for flavor.
- Cocktails: Blanco is perfect for margaritas or Bloody Marias.
- Tasting flight: Start with Blanco → Reposado → Añejo to appreciate the evolution from raw agave to aged complexity.
- Enjoy responsibly: High‑proof expressions like Blanco 110 deliver intensity—sip water alongside!
Final Word
Tapatío Tequila embodies the essence of highland agave: traditional, family‑driven, and unafraid to speak loud. Whether mixed or sipped neat, it’s a spirited testament to craft and regional terroir. As Jenny Camarena steers the distillery into its next chapter, one can expect the same reverence for agave paired with thoughtful innovation.
So here’s to agave, history, and tequila done right—Tapatío, the real taste of Jalisco in every glass.
Join us for a tasting at any time at Salena’s – a flight, a single taster, or a full pour- whatever your heart desires.