How Water Type Affects Tequila Production & Flavor Profiles

Master distiller Felipe Camarena, owner of distillery El Pandillo (NOM 1579), one of the best tequila producers, changes flavors using a mix of water types in different tequilas. He uses rain water, mineral-rich deep well water, & natural spring water from the distillery’s estate for different brands El Pandillo produces.

So G4 doesn’t taste like Terralta, which doesn’t taste like Volans.

He even switches it up between different expressions within the same brand, like G4, his house brand.

The regular 80 proof blanco uses a mix of natural local spring & rain water but the Madera Blanco uses deep well water, is 90 proof, & rests in pine vats. G4’s 108 proof blanco usually doesn’t rest in those vats, but they’ve just released some bottles that are a blend of no-wood rested & 30% pine vat rested.

All of this affects the final flavor profiles.

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Documenting my journey into agave spirits along with a smattering of other spirits after many, many years away – This blog is meant to take note of this journey including tasting notes, bottle photography, and other related topics.