Moët Hennessy’s Tequila Brand Just Unveiled Its First Volcanic Stone-Crushed Blanco Expression

Luxury tequila brand Volcan de Mi Tierra is bottling traditionally made spirits in a club-friendly decanter for its latest release. The expression is the latest in a trend as premium tequila brands begin embracing old-school methods (in tandem with decidedly new-school price tags).

The distiller has unveiled Volcan de Mi Tierra Blanco Tahona, The Spirits Business reported Tuesday. The spirit forgoes the much-maligned diffuser in favor of a two-ton volcanic tahona, a stone wheel used to crush steamed agave piñas for maximum flavor. Often powered by a mule or donkey, the tahona has come to symbolize the pinnacle of “authenticity” in the eyes of many die-hard tequila lovers; imprints like Fortaleza and Cazcanes have rapidly ascended to cult status thanks in large part to the buzzy distinction.

Unlike those brands, Volcan de Mi Tierra boasts powerful international backing. It is the first and only tequila created by LVMH, the French luxury conglomerate behind Hennessy, Dom Pérignon and Champagne Krug.

The brand has raked in rave reviews from agave lovers since its launch in 2017. While the majority of its bottles feature the short-and-stout design associated with brands like Patron and Don Julio Blanco, its recently released Volcan X.A. opted for the tall-and-slender look increasingly associated with high-end tequila. Tellingly, the brand’s new Blanco Tahona has also opted for that style.

“Blanco Tahona is the perfect addition to our award-winning prestige Tequila portfolio, taking consumers to discover a unique blanco profile that showcases the natural aromas and sweetness of cooked agave – something only our craftsmanship can do,” Santiago Cortina Gallardo, co-founder and CEO, said, per The Spirits Business.

The expression is said to balance notes of spice, cooked agave, dulce de leche, almond and a “hint of smokiness” according to the brand. The Spirits Business reports that the bottle will go on sale in the UK toward the end of June at £120 (US $153), though U.S.-based retailers like Remedy Liquor have begun listing the spirit at around $135.

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