La Gritona Reposado Tequila
La Gritona Reposado Tequila is an 80-proof (40% ABV), 750mL reposado made by Melly Barajas and her all-female team at her small distillery in Valle de Guadalupe, Jalisco (NOM 1533, Tequilera Las Juntas). Agave harvested at 8–10 years from iron-rich red soil goes into the ovens within 24 hours of trimming, and the blanco rests 8 months in reused American whiskey barrels — Jack Daniel's and Balcones casks on their umpteenth fill, so the oak stays minimal and the agave stays forward. The brand states it is and always has been additive-free. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Aging: 8 months in reused American whiskey barrels (minimal oak influence)
- Origin: NOM 1533, Valle de Guadalupe, Jalisco, Mexico
- Makers: Melly Barajas and an all-female production team
- Agave: 8–10 years at harvest; in ovens within 24 hours of trimming; additive-free per the brand
The Reposado That Lets Agave Lead
Most reposados lead with oak. La Gritona leads with agave — deliberately. By resting in whiskey barrels that have already given their boldest flavors to previous fills, Melly Barajas' team adds roundness and a whisper of vanilla without burying the spirit's character. The production is resolutely traditional: agave steam-cooked in thick-walled earthen ovens, naturally fermented over 8–12 days, twice distilled. And the human story is singular — one of the industry's few female-led distilleries, bottles hand-blown from recycled Mexican glass, agave fiber returned to local farmers as cattle feed. Among reposado tequilas, this is the bottle for drinkers who wish reposado tasted more like blanco.
Tasting Notes
Bright and agave-forward: cooked agave, citrus, and white flowers with soft vanilla and a touch of cinnamon from the rest. The palate is clean and balanced — sweet agave, light oak, baking spice — with a smooth, gently warming finish.
How to Enjoy
Neat or over a single cube to taste the agave-first style; it makes a reposado margarita of unusual clarity. Pair with grilled fish tacos, ceviche, or queso fundido.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes La Gritona?
Melly Barajas and an all-female team at her distillery in Valle de Guadalupe, Jalisco (NOM 1533).
How long is it aged?
Eight months in reused American whiskey barrels — intentionally light oak contact.
Is La Gritona additive-free?
The brand states it is and always has been additive-free.
Why does the bottle look handmade?
Each bottle is hand-blown from recycled Mexican glass in Zapopan — no two are exactly alike.
Meet more La Gritona expressions and browse our tequila collection. Agave-first reposados have a devoted following — order online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.