El Tequileño tequila available to retail and hospitality sectors exclusively via Ten Locks

Mexico’s best-kept secret lands on UK shores

El Tequileño, one of the world’s most sought-after tequila brands, is now available to retailers and the hospitality sector thanks to a market-first partnership with Ten Locks.

Two expressions – Blanco and Reposado – will be available to retailers and the on-trade in early 2021 and will be a welcome addition to the spirits aisle. The remaining SKUs in the range, Platinum, Reposado Gran Reserva, Añejo Gran Reserva and the world’s first and only Reposado Rare, are expected to land later in the year.

Founded in 1959 by tequila pioneer Don Jorge Salles Cuervo, El Tequileño was named to honour the people of the town of Tequila, Mexico. El Tequileño has since gained a reputation for creating exquisite tequilas through its dedication to craft and quality while using sustainable practices. This includes harvesting only the finest blue agave from the premium growing region-Los Altos de Jalisco, locally sourcing the mineral-rich volcanic spring water from El Volcan de Tequila and distilling in copper pot stills. Combined, these create El Tequileño’s unique character and distinctive taste.

Third generation master distiller, Antonio Salles, still employs the same processes devised by his grandfather to produce these exceptional, authentic tequilas. The range is certified additive-free, and all six expressions are made using sustainable production techniques that will keep the 60-year old distillery active for generations to come; 98 per cent of the residuals from the production process are recycled and turned into natural fertiliser for new agave plants.

El Tequileño is known globally as the tequila of choice at the famous La Capilla Cantina in Tequila. Founded by the late Don Javier Delgado Corona, La Capilla has been listed in the world’s top 50 bars four years in a row. Don Javier chose El Tequileño Blanco as the original tequila in his signature Batanga cocktail and now British cocktail fans will be able to make the original Batanga, and a host of other tequila-based cocktails, with the six expressions of El Tequileño.

Becky Davies, head of commercial at Ten Locks, says: “The arrival of El Tequileño is much-anticipated within the drinks trade; our talks reveal this to be one of the spirit brands really that’s in demand – especially the Reposado Rare. We’re proud to be the first to bring it to the UK and see real promise for the brand as the trade is able to tap into increasing consumer appetite for tequila and unlock the potential of a sector that’s really showing momentum.

“We promised to back brands that present innovation in the drinks industry while striving for positive change. In El Tequileño we have the perfect partner; it has its own 60-year old distillery, employs traditional, sustainable production techniques, and offers a fantastic spectrum of flavours to really showcase how good tequila can be. Sadly, Don Javier, creator of the Batanga cocktail, passed this year at the age of 96, but his legacy of the popular combination of lime juice, salt, El Tequileño Blanco tequila, cola and ice, lives on and can now be recreated in homes and bars across the UK.”

Steffin Oghene, Vice President of Business Development at El Tequileño, says: “Our goal was to find a UK partner who shared our vision and ethics, while understanding the truly special proposition of El Tequileño. In Ten Locks, we have the perfect partner; the team is curating an exceptional portfolio of premium spirits and we’re excited to be among the foremost listings. This is one of our first export projects, and we look forward to being welcomed by the UK drinks sector.”