About this SPIRIT
Casa Dragones
Casa Dragones is an independent, small-batch Tequila producer. Co-founded and led by CEO Bertha González Nieves, the first female Maestra Tequilera certified by the Academia Mexicana de Catadores de Tequila (Mexican Academy of Tequila Tasters).
Each Casa Dragones Tequila is made from 100% Blue Agave, and these intensely flavoured spirits are designed for sipping and savouring. Each bottle is hand-signed and numbered, hallmarking their commitment to quality.
Mexico
Mexico has a rich tradition of spirit production, focusing on two well-known spirits: tequila and mezcal. Both are distilled from agave plants but have distinct characteristics and production methods.
Tequila is primarily made from blue agave (Agave tequilana); the plants are typically harvested after 8-12 years of growth. The Mexican government regulates production, and it can only be produced in certain regions, primarily in the state of Jalisco and small parts of four other states (Guerrero, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas).
The agave plant leaves are removed during harvesting, leaving the core, called the piña, harvested and traditionally cooked in ovens or autoclaves to convert the starches into sugars. The cooked piñas are crushed to extract the juice and then fermented. This results in a liquid called "mosto", which is then distilled to create tequila. The final product can be either Blanco (unaged), Reposado (rested, aged 2-12 months), Añejo (aged 1-3 years), or Extra Añejo (aged more than 3 years).
On the other hand, mezcal can be made from various agave species, not just blue agave, giving the spirits a broader range of flavours. Production is not as strictly regulated as tequila. It can be produced in several states, with Oaxaca being the most famous.
During harvesting, the leaves are removed to reveal the piñas, typically roasted in underground pits with hot rocks and covered with agave leaves or canvas. This imparts a smoky flavour. After cooking, the piñas are crushed, and the juice is extracted for fermentation. Mezcal is usually distilled in small batches in pot stills made of clay or copper. The final product can vary widely in flavour and intensity.
Both tequila and mezcal hold cultural significance in Mexico, and the artisanal production methods contribute to the distinct qualities of each spirit. Recently, there has been a growing interest in premium and craft spirits, leading to the emergence of small-batch and boutique distilleries producing high-quality tequila and mezcal.
When is a wine ready to drink?
We provide drinking windows for all our wines. Alongside the drinking windows there is a bottle icon and a maturity stage. Bear in mind that the best time to drink a wine does also depend on your taste.
Not ready
These wines are very young. Whilst they're likely to have lots of intense flavours, their acidity or tannins may make them feel austere. Although it isn't "wrong" to drink these wines now, you are likely to miss out on a lot of complexity by not waiting for them to mature.
Ready - youthful
These wines are likely to have plenty of fruit flavours still and, for red wines, the tannins may well be quite noticeable. For those who prefer younger, fruitier wines, or if serving alongside a robust meal, these will be very enjoyable. If you choose to hold onto these wines, the fruit flavours will evolve into more savoury complexity.
Ready - at best
These wines are likely to have a beautiful balance of fruit, spice and savoury flavours. The acidity and tannins will have softened somewhat, and the wines will show plenty of complexity. For many, this is seen as the ideal time to drink and enjoy these wines. If you choose to hold onto these wines, they will become more savoury but not necessarily more complex.
Ready - mature
These wines are likely to have plenty of complexity, but the fruit flavours will have been almost completely replaced by savoury and spice notes. These wines may have a beautiful texture at this stage of maturity. There is lots to enjoy when drinking wines at this stage. Most of these wines will hold in this window for a few years, though at the very end of this drinking window, wines start to lose complexity and decline.
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Description
Wine Enthusiast rated this 96 points—one of that publication’s highest ratings for a Tequila. The bottle’s iconic shape is an homage to a traditional Mexican apothecary bottle. France’s most prestigious luxury award has internationally recognised it for its unique design.
Tasting note
This Joven Tequila shows a subtle floral and citrus aroma with notes of sweet roasted agave. The palate has hints of vanilla and a backdrop of spice showing beautiful complexity. The finish is perfectly balanced, with a myriad of flavours from pear to hazelnut and a rich length. The texture overall is rich and silky. One of the purest agave spirits I’ve had the joy to sample.
Sam Phillips, Commercial Manager - Spirits, Berry Bros. & Rudd
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