The Ultimate Mexican Spirits Weekend: Three Nights of Tastings
Clear your calendar, because we have a massive lineup hitting the counter this week. SF Tequila Shop serves as a gateway to some of the most historically rich, biodiverse, and terroir-driven liquid craft from Mexico.
From hyper-local botanicals distilled in Mexico City to ancestral agave methods in Jalisco and Oaxaca, we are hosting three back-to-back tasting events. Here is your master guide to what is pouring at the shop this week.
Thursday, June 11th (5:00 PM to 8:00 PM): Granicera Gin & Maleza Ancestral Licors
We are kicking things off on Thursday night by stepping outside the world of agave to explore Mexico’s incredible botanical wealth during a special one-hour happy hour session. If you think Mexico only produces tequila and mezcal, these bottles will completely reframe your palate.
Granicera Gins
Crafted by Taller Astrofilia, Granicera is a magnificent example of a handcrafted Mexican Gin. Using a base of neutral corn spirit, it infuses more than twenty regional botanicals. The version on our shelves features a striking citrus profile that swaps classic heavy juniper for bright, vibrant Mexican citrus oils and indigenous herbs. It makes for an unforgettable gin and tonic.
Maleza Ancestral Licors
Maleza redefines traditional Mexican liqueurs by focusing on hyper-local ingredients and historical recipes. Their expressions, like the rich Licor de Cacahuate (peanut liqueur), utilize native crops and traditional production methods. They are sweet, deeply complex, and work beautifully as a digestif or a unique cocktail modifier.
Friday, June 12th (5:00 PM to 8:00 PM): Tequila Laelia
On Friday night, we return to the agave fields, welcoming Tequila Laelia to the counter for a prime three-hour look at true lowland artistry.
Originating in Amatitán, Jalisco, widely considered the birthplace of tequila, Laelia relies on the expertise of a fourth-generation family of master agave growers. This brand stands out because of its fierce commitment to traditional pre-Hispanic processing methods:
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- Volcanic Terroir: 100% estate-grown Blue Weber agave raised in the mineral-rich, dark volcanic soil of the valley.
- Brick Oven Baking: Agave hearts (piñas) are slowly baked in traditional brick ovens to gently caramelize their natural sugars.
- Tahona Milling: A massive stone wheel slowly crushes the cooked agave, preserving natural flavors and avoiding the bitter notes common with mechanical shredders.
- Mountain Spring Water: Fermented using pure mountain spring water, resulting in an incredibly clean, velvety texture.
If you appreciate a clean, expressive spirit packed with roasted agave flavor, bright citrus oil, and a grounded, wet-stone minerality, you won’t want to miss this window.
Saturday, June 13th (4:00 PM to 7:00 PM): Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal
We close out our tasting series on Saturday afternoon, shifting our focus to traditional mezcal with a one-hour session featuring Del Maguey.
Founded in 1995, Del Maguey completely revolutionized the spirits world by introducing the concept of “Single Village” mezcal. Instead of blending liquids from different areas for consistency, Del Maguey bottles expressions from individual, isolated family producers (Palenqueros) across Oaxaca.
Because each village uses its own unique microclimate, water source, and ambient wild yeast, each bottle serves as a snapshot of a specific place in time.
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- The Process: Mature Espadín agave is roasted underground in wood-fired stone pits, fermented slowly in open wooden vats, and distilled in small, wood-fired copper or clay stills.
- The Experience: During this concentrated tasting hour, we will examine how two liquids made from the same agave can taste entirely different. We will compare bright, tropical fruit profiles against deep, smoky, mineral-driven expressions.
Weekly Tasting Schedule At-A-Glance
All tastings are completely free to attend. Stop by, catch up with the neighborhood, and find your new favorite summer bottle. Note that both our Thursday and Saturday sessions are shorter, one-hour windows, so make sure to arrive right at 5:00 PM to catch the full flight.
Where: SF Tequila Shop (801 Cortland Ave, Bernal Heights)
Thursday, June 11th (5:00 PM to 8:00 PM): Granicera Gin & Maleza Licors
Friday, June 12th (5:00 PM to 8:00 PM): Tequila Laelia
Saturday, June 13th (4:00 PM to 7:00 PM): Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal
Calendar – Bernal Heights and Beyond
SF Tequila Shop: Your Gateway to Mexico’s Finest Spirits Has Grown
Mike Doherty serves as Chief Experience Officer at Greening Projects, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming underutilized urban spaces into vibrant green areas
