Gran Centenario announced the U.S. launch of Gran Centenario Cristalino. Founded in 1857 by Lazaro Gallardo, the first ever Tequila Master Distiller in history, Gran Centenario is rooted in over 150 years of Mexican heritage and tradition and continues to expand its family portfolio with this new release.

Handcrafted in the highlands of Jalisco, all expressions of Gran Centenario (Plata, Reposado, Añejo, Leyenda, and now, Cristalino) are produced with 100% Blue Weber Agaves at Ex-Hacienda Los Camichines. Crafted using the brand’s proprietary process, ‘Seleccio´n Suave’ – in which newly rested tequilas are blended with the smoothest aged reserves – Gran Centenario Cristalino uses the finest Añejo and Extra Añejo tequilas matured in American oak barrels.

A first for the brand, the blended aged tequila is then finished in Calvados casks for a few months, before being filtered through a meticulous process with Mexican silver, transforming the aged tequila into a crystal-clear liquid. The resulting spirit has the smoothness and depth of an aged tequila, with hints of fresh apple and oak coming from the Calvados cask finish.

“It’s an exciting time for the Tequila category in the U.S., with new and existing tequila enthusiasts increasingly seeking out more premium products with different elements in finishing and aging,” said Alex Coronado, Head of Production and Master Distiller at Gran Centenario Tequila, in a news release. “Gran Centenario Cristalino is a remarkable spirit and marks the first time we have finished our tequila in Calvados casks, and used silver in our Cristalino filtration process.”

Gran Centenario Cristalino arrives in the U.S as the Cristalino category experiences exponential growth. First introduced in Mexico over a decade ago with the help of Coronado, Cristalino makes up over 35% of the high-end tequila category, and the U.S. is starting to see similar potential.

Available for purchase nationwide at select fine liquor stores, restaurants and bars for a suggested retail price of $79.99 USD (750mL / 80 proof), Gran Centenario Cristalino is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks with a lime twist.

For more information, visit https://grancentenario.com/