G4 Tequila Blanco (No Box/Torn Label)

Product Information

The curated list is a tribute to the legacy, art, and craft of the unsung heroes in the industry: the agaveros, los jimadores, tequileros, and mezcaleros. For centuries they have honored a past that connects tradition, the magic of the land, and its people,” Quiñonez emphasizes. “The tequilas and mezcales that I selected are the finest representation of Mexican heritage, in my opinion…not only for their exceptional taste but in the manner with which they’re produced. All use mindful and sustainable cultivations practices. Several continue to use pre-Hispanic milling methods such as the tahona—an art and rarity in the 21st century. There’s the fractional aging of reposado and añejo tequilas; techniques seen in aging fine Sherry wines; and the hand selecting of the most mature agaves to deliver the most remarkable profiles, styles, and flavor combinations. And although Cinco de Mayo is not traditionally celebrated in Mexico, it does represent the most important holiday for tequila and mezcal sales in the United States. I only hope that whatever agave-based spirit that you choose to celebrate with, you appreciate not only its great taste but its unique origins.” The insights I’ve gained aren’t just from books or hearsay; they are the result of hands-on experience, countless tastings, and an enduring passion for these spirits. While the majority of tequila is produced in the state of Jalisco, some municipalities in other states are also allowed to make this spirit. One of these other states is Guanajuato, and this is where Corralejo is based. Its Blanco is a creamy, citrusy tequila with flavours of lime zest, agave syrup, zippy white pepper, pencil shavings and vanilla, which accentuate the lime and agave flavours in a Margarita. Alc 38%

My journey has seen me as an owner of sophisticated bars and renowned liquor shops, and even as a Mezcal distiller, honing the craft from scratch. Made by Felipe Camarena, G4 is a testament to the mad scientist approach he takes in producing his tequilas. From modifying steamrollers to crush his agave, through to collecting and using rainwater in this tequila, he doesn’t take any shortcuts. The result is an expressive, floral nose and an oily, viscous palate with incredible minerality, cream, agave and spicy white pepper. Alc 40%I’m J Highland, and for over 30 years, I’ve been deeply immersed in the captivating world of Tequila, Mezcal, and other agave spirits. I absolutely love this añejo: so expressive on the nose with notes of bourbon, butterscotch, dried fruit, figs, and raisins,” says Quiñonez. “Beautifully rich on the palate with a silky finish. I recommend enjoying this añejo with a dessert or cigar pairing.” Cascahuin Tahona Blanco is a true display of harmony, ancestry, and balance,” Quiñonez says. “There are powerful notes of cooked agave, herbal, sweet fruit, and mineral essence. It’s my favorite tequila among the ‘tahona-style’ tequilas for its purity and elegance.”

El Tequileño Reposado Rare is absolutely unique, not only for its aging method—as they blend añejo tequilas that have been aged for over six years in a ‘pipon,’ which is a wooden oak tank that’s able to hold more than 23,000 liters of tequila—but for its depth of flavor and deep finish,” Quiñonez says. “With its elegant notes of dried fruit, ripe pineapple, honey and cooked agave, I recommend using a tequila glass or a champagne flute to truly take in the expression’s bold flavors and luxurious taste.”

G4 Blanco stands out as an additive-free Tequila, free from coloring, sweeteners, and other chemicals. This limited Chicago release has me screaming dulce de leche! That and marzipan notes on the finish. Yet it holds on (heavily) to agave on the forefront,” Bailon says. “Being cask strength allows for these flavors to come out on a bigger platform. Where the Gran Dovejo Añejo retains a lot of these nuances as well, the cask strength just fires off at first sip.”

Felipe J. Camarena Curiel is often lauded not just as a master distiller but also as an innovator who employs his engineering acumen to refine and elevate the tequila production process. Under his watchful eye, G4 Tequila has become a spirit that is deeply rooted in tradition while gracefully reaching into the future, ensuring the Camarena legacy is not only preserved but evolved. This meticulous and considered approach towards tequila production is what places G4 Tequila in a distinctive position in the market, adored by tequila connoisseurs and casual sippers alike. What an incredible treat to have gotten my hands on this beauty,” says Quiñonez. “San Bartolo is produced in the gorgeous village of Yautepec by award-winning mezcalero Valentín Martínez López, who was recently recognized by the CRM (Consejo Regulador del Mezcal) for his historic 50-year contribution to the production of mezcal! So much harmony and balance: a fine blend of floral, citrus, and tropical fruit notes such as pineapple and mango—with light pepper and smoke flavors that deliver a refined and elevated liquid. This made me smile from ear to ear. A wonderfully refined representation of the category.”Patron may be a big producer of Tequila, but its production process and the small sizes of its numerous stills mean that it is still able to make its product in relatively small batches. This is a smooth, soft liquid with base notes of toffee and fudge overlaid with a greener vegetal note, lemon peel, some pepper and numbing anise. Alc 40%

As our tour-cum-crash course in sustainable tequila comes to an end, Camarena offers me a taste and places a plastic cup under the still to catch a thin, crystal-clear stream of freshly made tequila. At that point, the spirit is what many would consider firewater, since it is at its absolute highest proof (114 proof) and hasn't been watered down for bottling. Janice Bailon is the San Francisco-based founder of Fueled by Agave—in addition to being a tequila ... [+] educator and a bartender at San Francisco's Bourbon and Branch. Allison Webber PhotographyUnlike bourbon or Scotch, Tequila doesn’t improve with the addition of water. Is G4 good for Margaritas? In the El Pandillo distillery, where G4 Tequila is produced, each step of the production process is keenly overseen to ensure the superior quality of the final product. The high-altitude and iron-rich soil of Jalisco is known to be the ideal environment for growing the sweet and robust blue agave plants, which are the heart and soul of tequila. The blue agave, once harvested, is cooked within specially designed ovens that ensure an even cook, crucial for the consistent flavour profile that G4 is acclaimed for. Founded in 1873, the Santa Rita factory has been producing tequila for 15 generations,” says Quiñonez. “This jewel of a blanco offers complexity, harmony, and depth. It delivers a range of rich flavors—from wild honey, cooked agave, fresh cut grass, tropical fruit, citrus, and smoke. As a higher-proof blanco at 45% ABV, it creates a long rich finish, one of the best tasting blanco tequilas on the market!” G4 Tequila doesn’t just stop at ensuring each bottle is a remarkable experience for the consumer, but it also stands as a testament to the family’s deep-rooted understanding and respectful relationship with the tequila-making process. El Pandillo is often heralded as a distillery where tradition and innovation coalesce beautifully. Their production methodology, while retaining the fundamental essence of traditional tequila-making processes, introduces novel techniques that enhance the quality and character of the tequila.