El Tesoro de Don Felipe Tequila recently introduced the “Mundial” Limited Edition Series, a new venture in innovation and experimentation for the Tequila producer from La Alteña Distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. “Mundial” expressions will see one-of-a-kind single barrels of El Tesoro tequilas finished in unique casks that have previously held premium spirits from across the globe. What does this have to do with whiskey? Well, the first release was finished in a scotch barrel.
The inaugural release in this series taps Laphroaig for its finishing. The El Tesoro Mundial Collection: The Laphroaig Edition is a limited-edition bottling bringing together two worlds of craft spirits, marrying the distilling tradition of Tequila with the barrel-aging expertise of Scotch. The expression integrates the peaty profile of an Islay whisky with El Tesoro’s rich, agave Añejo, showcasing the potential for innovation within the tequila category. El Tesoro Master Distiller Carlos Camarena worked closely with the Laphroaig distillery team to create this expression, aged first for nine months in ex-bourbon barrels and then finished for four months in Laphroaig 10-Year-Old casks.
“We are thrilled to introduce this beautiful, exciting new spirit in collaboration with our friends at Laphroaig,” says Carlos Camarena, third generation family proprietor and Master Distiller for El Tesoro. “While we continue upholding the traditional processes that have made El Tesoro the treasure of Jalisco, we also like to experiment with ways to bring Tequila production to a different level. The Laphroaig finish imparts a slight whiff of smoke on the nose but not heavy peat as one might expect. It is just enough to create a specific spiciness that shows how well the peatiness of Laphroaig intertwines and complements the deep, rich agave flavors we are most proud of with our El Tesoro Añejo.”
“We have deep respect for the Tequila-making tradition in Mexico, and we recognize El Tesoro as a trailblazer in the quest to bring elevated sipping Tequilas to the market,” says Simon Brooking, Beam Suntory Brand Ambassador for Laphroaig. “We are honored to provide our 10-Year-Old Casks to bring a special new product to our shared fans and fine spirits connoisseurs around the world.”
Beginning with this release, new Mundial Collection editions will be introduced in the coming years, each edition having been finished in different types of casks.
El Tesoro Mundial Collection: The Laphroaig Edition is available now for $125.
