Above: Hacienda Corralejo | Featured: Corralejo Tequila Añejo “99,000 Horas” © Daniel Maya
Tequila has long been a symbol of Mexican culture and tradition, and among the myriad labels to choose from, Corralejo Tequila stands out as the quintessence of the country’s rich heritage and meticulous craftsmanship in the art of creating this beloved spirit. From its historic Hacienda Corralejo to the intricate “99,000 Horas” ageing process of its flagship añejo, each element contributes to the brand’s unique identity. Recognised worldwide for its exceptional quality, this tequila seamlessly combines tradition and innovation, creating a product that captivates the senses and tells a story of centuries-old passion, skill and dedication.
A Magical Place
In the heart of Penjamo, Guanajuato, Mexico, lies the historic Hacienda Corralejo, a place deeply rooted in Mexican history and renowned for more than two centuries for its commitment to producing top-shelf tequila. Established in 1700 by Pedro Sanchez De Tagle, a descendant of the Spanish King, the Hacienda has witnessed significant moments in Mexican history, including the birth of Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a key figure in the Mexican War of Independence.
Visitors to Hacienda Corralejo are transported back in time as they explore the cobblestone paths, ancient wells and original stone structures that proudly grace the estate. The Hacienda played a crucial role in the genesis of tequila as we know it today and not only serves as the birthplace of Corralejo Tequila but also stands as a living testament to the brand’s commitment to preserving and honouring Mexican heritage.
Above: The aging cellars at Hacienda Corralejo
Celebrating Time-honoured Craftsmanship
For nearly 250 years, the production methods of Hacienda Corralejo have been cherished, refined and passed down through generations. Putting a strong emphasis on a cooperative spirit and traditional craftsmanship, the brand actively engages with the local community, supporting farmers and artisans who contribute to the production of this extraordinary product.
Corralejo Tequila takes pride in its Super Premium status, made exclusively with 100% hand-harvested Blue Weber agave. The agave plants used in Corralejo Tequila are cultivated by skilled jimadores, showcasing a dedication to traditional farming methods imparted from father to son through the ages. This farming tradition highlights the unmatched know-how of the local community, producing authentic Mexican tequila that captures the essence of the land. In turn, the resultant tequila’s distinctive quality and appearance mirror the historical richness of the region, expressed through the artisan qualities of Corralejo Tequila bottles.
Above: Corralejo’s tequila is aged in American Oak, French Limousin and Mexican Oak-Encino barrels
Tradition Meets Innovation
The crafting of Corralejo Tequila involves a meticulous process that combines traditional techniques with modern expertise. The hands-on approach of skilled artisans ensures that each bottle reflects the authenticity and quality that define Corralejo’s devotion to its heritage.
Corralejo Tequila’s commitment to innovation is exemplified by its Blue Dream glass factory, an endeavour that revolutionised the market. The brand’s mission is to offer quality drinks in creative presentations that highlight their Mexican identity. The bottles, with their unique stamp representing the Independence symbol, are not only a vessel for the tequila but also a tribute to the Insurgentes Movement and the Mexican War of Independence. The brand proudly recycles 70% of the glass, underpinning its dedication to eco-friendly practices.
The brand’s key steps to producing its character-filled tequila include:
Jima / Agave Harvesting: The agave, grown in Guanajuato for 6-8 years until perfectly ripe, is harvested by hand and then undergoes meticulous processing by jimadors using the COA, a special long-bladed artisan knife.
Cooking: Agave piñas are slow-cooked for 30-36 hours in stone clay ovens at Hacienda Corralejo and then left to rest for 12 hours, all according to traditional methods.
Milling: The juice is extracted through milling shredders, resulting in optimal sugar levels for fermentation.
Fermentation: A specially formulated yeast strain, “LCORRA1,” unique to Corralejo, contributes to controlled fermentation that takes place for 36-40 hours at a temperature of 30-35 degrees Celsius.
Distillation: This two-step process, overseen by Corralejo’s master distillers, involves continuous column stills and alembic copper pot stills, enhancing the alcohol content while maintaining consistency and quality. This fusion of methods allows the tequila to capture the spirit of the past while meeting the expectations of today’s discerning consumers.
Ageing: One of the key distinguishing features of Corralejo Tequila is its unique “99,000 Horas” ageing process used for its flagship añejo. This translates to approximately 11 years, highlighting the brand’s dedication to patience and precision in creating an exceptional product. This prolonged maturation period, supervised and certified by the CRT, involves American Oak, French Limousin and Mexican Oak-Encino barrels, allowing it to develop a distinct flavour profile and unparalleled smoothness. This process contributes to the complexity of this Corralejo Tequila, infusing it with notes of vanilla, caramel and oak. The resulting tequila embodies a nectar that encapsulates legends, culture and traditions, represented by the golden hue of the drink.
With an attention to detail that is second to none in the industry, this distinctive production process sets Corralejo apart, making it the ideal choice for those who appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that go into creating a truly exceptional tequila. As a brand that honours its heritage while embracing modern practices, Corralejo Tequila is a true personification of the spirit of Mexico in every drop.
Above: Corralejo Tequila Añejo “99,000” Horas
To find out more Corralejo Tequila, visit the links below:
CORRALEJO TEQUILA
Web: tequilacorralejo.mx | fraternityspirits.com
Instagram: @tequilacorralejo | @fraternity_spirits
Facebook: @tequilacorralejo | @FraternitySpirits