World’s First Cristalino Mezcal Debuts Angel Number-Inspired ’11:11′ Bottling

(Photo: Contraluz Mezcal)

Casa Lumbre is expanding its one-of-a-kind Cristalino mezcal lineup with just 270 bottles of a new limited-edition expression.

Distilled from agave Espadin before resting for 11 months and 11 days in Japanese Sakura casks, Contraluz 11:11 is said to balance notes of cooked agave, citrus, light smoke and cherry blossoms. From its packaging to its angel number-inspired name, the brand is clearly hoping premiumize the mezcal experience for a new type of consumer.

The Cristalino technique — originally termed “añejo claro” — was invented by Don Julio on its 70th anniversary in 2011. Distillers take an aged agave spirit and charcoal filter it for clarity, granting the appearance of an unaged blanco while smoothing out its flavor profile.

The method has (controversially) taken the tequila industry by storm over the past few years, finding high-profile cheerleaders in Jose Cuervo, Casamigos, Flecha Azul and more. Cristalino mezcals are virtually unheard of, in large part because mezcals are rarely aged to begin with.

“Contraluz 11:11 is the latest example of how we believe craft, quality and innovation can all exist for a new expanded generation of mezcal drinkers. We push ourselves to experiment with different tastes, textures and inspiration from around the world,” said Ivan Saldaña, Casa Lumbre Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer.

Since launching in 2017, Casa Lumbre’s varied portfolio has ventured into corn liqueur, mezcal de pechuga and various non-alcoholic agave alternatives. In 2022, the company teamed up with musician Lenny Kravitz for the launch of Nocheluna Sotol.

Contraluz 11:11 is now available for pre-order on Reserve Bar for $200.

Read More: 

3 Gourmet Twists on Texas’ Beloved Ranch Water Cocktail

Clase Azul’s $1,450 Día de Los Muertos Tequila Pushes Collectible Spirits to Absurd, 24-Karat Heights 

New Additive-Free Tequila ‘Founded, Farmed Distilled and Led by Women’ Hits the Market Nationwide

Here at Tequila Raiders, we do more than write about current events in tequila. We are the only media property reviewing tequilas and aggregating the scores and reviews of other significant voices in the tequila world in one place. If you’re interested in getting a shot of tequila in your morning email, sign up for our Deal of the Day newsletter