El Tesoro

El Tesoro is made at La Alteña distillery in the highlands of Jalisco, a family operation that traces its modern start to Don Felipe Camarena in 1937. The Camarena family continues to run production, using traditional ovens, tahona crushing, and careful distillation to preserve agave character while producing consistent bottles for global markets.

The brand leans on craft and place above all else. Think highland agave, limestone‑filtered water, and hands‑on methods that honor older ways of making tequila while fitting modern tastes. It’s one for the masses.

Notable Bottles From El Tesoro

Añejo

Añejo spends longer in oak, which brings deeper color and richer texture to the spirit. Expect toasted oak, caramel, and dried fruit notes that sit alongside the agave base. It’s best for slow sipping, neat or with a single large ice cube, and it pairs well with desserts or quiet conversation. 

Blanco

Blanco is the most direct expression of the distillery’s work: unaged or very lightly rested, it puts cooked agave and bright citrus forward. It’s ideal for Margaritas, Palomas, or for sipping to learn the raw agave profile. Because it’s clean and focused, Blanco is a great first bottle for people new to quality tequila. 

Reposado 

Reposado rests briefly in oak to gain soft vanilla, light spice, and a rounder mouthfeel while keeping agave present. It’s a middle ground between Blanco and Añejo - smooth enough for casual sipping but lively enough for premium cocktails. Reposado works well in stirred drinks and elevated highballs. 

Awards and Recognition

What can the Tequila Distillery of the Year 2021 (Named by the International Spirits Challenge) deliver? Damn good tequila. The Blanco and Reposado are double gold medalists at the San Francisco Spirits Competition. The Añejo received Gold Medals at the International Spirits Challenge in 2018 and 2020.

Who El Tesoro is For

El Tesoro is for people who want a tequila that shows craft and place without being fussy. Start with the Blanco and work your way through the other bottles, letting your taste develop with the brand.