Mijenta’s New Tequila Explores Agaves Unknown to Liquor Store Shelves

(Photo: Mijenta)

Mijenta is expanding its Maestra Selection series with a liquid testament to Mexican terroir.

On Tuesday, the brand unveiled a limited-edition release blending agaves from all five of Mexico’s legally recognized tequila-producing states. It’s an unusual approach, and almost certainly the first of its kind. Here’s why the distinction matters:

Over 95% of the world’s tequila is made in the state of Jalisco, where the spirit is believed to have originated in the 16th century. The area’s iron-rich highlands and volcanic lowlands are synonymous with the flavor profile that consumers know and love in the spirit. So much so that it’s easy to forget all the other places that tequila can originate from. In addition to Jalisco, the Tequila Regulatory Council recognizes four states under the denomination of origin — those being Michoacán, Tamaulipas, Nayarit and Guanajuato.

Mijenta’s bold idea is to combine all states under the same cork. Bottled at 40% ABV, Mijenta Maestra Selection No.2 aims to highlight the differences in soil, climate and elevation that distinguish Blue Weber agave across the fields of Mexico. Mastera tequilera Ana Maria Romero Mena says that each region contributed its own special element to the final product.

“Beginning my career in wine, I’ve been fascinated by terroir, and I was amazed to see how different the taste profiles are for each state’s agaves as they are shaped by the local environmental conditions,” Romero said in a news release. “From the caramel and spice of Guanajuato, to the citrus and red fruit of Michoacan, to the preserved fruits, herbs and almond of Nayarit, to the mint, fresh grass, sage and spices of Tamaulipas, to the herbal and citrus notes of Jalisco, this tequila is crafted to allow the unique personalities of each state to shine through in every sip.”

According to the brand, the agaves were sourced from a single estate in each of the five territories, distilled separately and later blended into one. The release, now available online at a suggested retail price of $75, is packaged in a five-sided bottle that pays homage to its diverse origins.

It isn’t the first time that Mijenta has experimented with the possibilities. The previous release in the Maestra Selection series made use of seeded agaves, parting way with the industry norm of clonal shoot agaves used to produce the vast majority of tequilas.