
Cascahuín Lágrimas
Cascahuín · Tequila Cascahuín
Cascahuín Lágrimas is a distillate of conviction — the 'tears' collected from the still at their most concentrated and flavorful. This is a blanco that rewards sipping neat and demands attention from anyone who thinks unaged tequila is simple. A benchmark for what small-batch, traditionally crafted tequila can achieve at full strength.
Nose
An immediate wave of roasted agave, sweet and vegetal, followed by bright citrus peel and a mineral earthiness that speaks to the volcanic terroir of El Arenal. There's a subtle undercurrent of fresh cracked black pepper and green herbs that keeps the nose lively and complex. The higher proof carries the aromatics with real authority without any harsh solvent notes.
Palate
The entry is rich and viscous — cooked agave leads the charge with an almost honeyed sweetness that quickly gives way to white pepper spice and a pronounced mineral backbone. Midpalate, grassy and herbal notes emerge alongside bright citrus, creating a layered interplay of sweet, savory, and spice. The elevated proof delivers serious texture without heat dominating the experience.
Finish
Long and warming, with lingering roasted agave, a gentle smoke, and an earthy minerality that stays well after the sip. The pepper spice slowly fades to a clean, dry close.
Cocktail Suggestion
El Arenal Highball — 2 oz Cascahuín Lágrimas, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, 0.25 oz raw agave nectar, 3 oz sparkling mineral water. Build over ice in a tall glass, stir gently, garnish with a grapefruit peel and a pinch of flaky salt.
Food Pairing
Charcoal-grilled carne asada with a squeeze of lime and roasted chiles toreados — the high-proof agave character stands up to the smoke and heat beautifully.
From the Rosales family's Tequila Cascahuín distillery in El Arenal — one of the oldest family-run operations in Jalisco, founded in 1904 — Lágrimas captures the first and last high-proof drops from the still, the so-called 'tears' that carry the most intense expression of terroir and craft.
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