- Who is behind Casa Don Ramón?
Casa Don Ramón was founded in 1996 in Jalisco, Mexico. In 2018, the Casa was acquired by Dialce spirit and beverage family, a subsidiary of the iiDEA Group and home to Tequila Don Alvaro, Tequila Buen Amigo and Tequila Valeroso.
Casa Don Ramón has long been the brand of choice for tequila enthusiasts. With decades of expertise harvesting agave and crafting tequila, they are a trusted and respected industry authority.
The brand’s unwavering commitment to and respect for the process, the agave, and the land results in the spirit known throughout Mexico as the tastemaker’s tequila.
- Who is the Dialce group?
Dialce is the parent company of Tequila Don Ramón. With over twenty years of experience, Dialce is the leading producer of tequila and 100% tequila, at present exporting retail, bulk sale and private label bottling to over forty countries.
- How is Tequila Don Ramón different from other tequila brands?
In Mexico, Casa Don Ramón has long been the brand of choice for tequila enthusiasts. With decades of expertise harvesting agave and crafting tequila, we are a respected industry authority. Casa Don Ramón is an innovator in the tequila space with significant impact on other tequila labels
Our unwavering commitment to and respect for the process, the agave, and the land results in the spirit that’s known as the tastemaker’s tequila.
- Where is the blue agave harvested for Casa Don Ramón?
The blue agave is primarily harvested from the highlands of Jalisco, where the blue agave flourishes in the microclimate and mineral-rich soil.
With the exception of Mezcal Don Ramón, which uses Salmiana agave harvested from Zacatecas, Mexico.
- How is Casa Don Ramón agave processed?
For decades, Casa Don Ramón has been considered best-in-class for its artisan approach to tequila, backed by science and state-of-the-art facilities.
The star ingredient, blue agave, takes seven years to come to maturity and is harvested by experienced jimadores. Using methods perfected over generations, the jimadores hand select and remove the agave leaves using a sharp bladed tool called the coa, to reveal the piña, the heart of the agave plant.
Once harvested, piñas are slowly cooked in autoclave ovens where, over the course of several days, they release sweet agave juice. It takes fifteen pounds of blue agave to produce one bottle of Tequila Don Ramón tequila.
- Where is the majority of your distillation process handled?
The state-of-the-art Casa Don Ramón manufacturing facilities in Jalisco, Mexico handle the majority of the distillation. These facilities meet the highest standards of quality and safety, and are always striving to ensure continuous improvement of processes.
- What does your distillation process look like?
From field to flute, every step of Tequila Don Ramón and Mezcal Don Ramón is artfully composed by the maestro tequilero. The maestro sets exceptional standards for crafting the taste and body of the complex elixir, all the while ensuring a consistent profile for the most discerning palates.
- What is a maestro tequilero? Is this like a tequila sommelier?
The maestro tequilero is a certified expert in the art of fine tequila and plays an integral role in tequila production. They define standards and ensure consistency of spirits for the labels they craft tequila for.
The maestro tequilero and master blender for Casa Don Ramón is Jesus Reza. With four decades in the spirits industry, Mr. Reza is certified in the art of both fine tequila and rum.
Mr. Reza oversees the distillation and fermentation of the tequila, ensuring each batch possesses the complex range of flavors and aromas the Casa Don Ramón brand is known for.
Casa Don Ramón’s most distinctive attribute is the smoothing process. For an Extra Añejo, it takes three years for Mr. Reza to perfect each bottle of extra anejo, encapsulating the smoothness and high quality consumers have come to expect.
Mr. Reza selects and oversees the processing of the raw materials in a process that fuses art and science to form a unique spirit. Whether he’s handling the treatment of white distillates or blending tequilas from different barrels, Mr. Reza ensures the delivery of a distinctive, signature product.
- What are the main classes of tequila?
The main classes of tequila are silver, reposado, añejo and extra añejo. In recent years, the market has seen the addition of cristalino.
- What are the differences between plata, reposado and añejo?
Plata is a crystal clear spirit made from pure blue agave and bottled directly after double-distillation. Its flavor is bright, clean, and grassy with notes of agave. Plata is also commonly known as Blanco or Silver.
Reposado is made when plata tequila is rested anywhere from two to eleven months in oak. This allows the spirit to mellow, taking on flavors from the oak and developing a smoother,more complex character and aromatic flavor than plata.
Añejo is a highly complex and richly perfumed spirit, due to the character it takes on from an extended aging process of at least one year in the same barrel.
All of Casa Don Ramón’s 100% agave tequilas are double-distilled.
- What is an extra añejo tequila?
Extra Añejo is a 100% tequila that’s been aged for more than three years. It is the most aromatic of the expressions with the least bite.
- What is a cristalino tequila?
A more modern approach to aged tequila resulted in the cristalino. This expression is a reposado, añejo or aged tequila that’s been distilled and filtered after the initial rest. The result is a spirit with the complexity and character of an añejo, with the crisp, bright notes of a plata.
- What is a mixto tequila?
A mixto is a mixed or blended Tequila that is generally 51% agave and 49% other sugar sources.
- Are there any additives included?
There are no additives in Casa Don Ramón 100% agave tequila.
- Can 100% agave Tequila be produced outside of Mexico?
100% agave tequila can only be produced within five Mexican States: Jalisco, Michoacán, Tamaulipas, Nayarit and Guanajuato.
In addition, the Denomination of Origin, an agreement reached in May 1997 between Mexico and Europe, established the specifications required to produce, bottle, distribute and sell tequila. There are only five drinks recognized by DOM: tequila, mezcal, sherry, cognac and champagne.
- Where does the name Tequila come from?
‘Tequila’ comes from the Tequili Indians and the volcano that towers over the vast acres of Agave Azul fields in the State of Jalisco.
- What type of tequila do you sip?
Tequila Don Ramón Limited Edition Plata, Tequila Don Ramón Limited Edition Añejo and Tequila Don Ramón Limited Edition Extra Añejo are all undeniably smooth sipping tequilas and best enjoyed neat in a tequila flute.
While sipping can be a personal preference, we do recommend sipping all ultra premium tequila.
- What type of mezcal do you sip?
To truly appreciate the different aromas and notes, we recommend sipping mezcal neat, cleansing the palate with water in between.
If a cocktail is preferred, an expert mixologist will steer you towards one that respects the earthen expression of the mezcal.
- What type of tequila is best used in a cocktail?
Plata tequilas are a great base for fruit-forward cocktails, while a rested reposado is an excellent substitution for a traditional whisky-based cocktail.
We do not recommend mixing an extra añejo. After a prolonged aging process, this expression of tequila is meant to be sipped and savored.
- What is the proper glass to sip tequila from?
The proper glassware will enhance your sipping experience. Our Maestro Tequilero recommends pouring room temperature tequila into a crystal tequila flute and allowing the spirit to open up, just like a fine wine or whiskey. Don’t overfill the flute, instead allow enough for up to four sips.
- What makes the Tequila Don Ramón Limited Edition Collection so covetable?
The collection has been created in a small batch with a limited number available for purchase. Each of the bottles within the collection are meticulously etched with “punta diamante” technology for an unobstructed view of the elixir within. Each collectible bottle also displays a designated number etched on the front face to represent its hierarchy in the production run.
- What expressions of tequila can be found in the Tequila Don Ramón Limited Edition Collection?
Tequila Don Ramón Limited Edition Plata: A clear, double-distilled tequila with a bright, clean and herbal with notes of citrus and minerals. The bottle is embellished with 65 Swarovski® crystals, consisting of 28 Xilion Rose crystals on the silver cap and 37 Xilion Rose crystals in Moonlight. There are 10,000 bottles available for purchase for $250.
Tequila Don Ramón Limited Edition Añejo: An amber tequila aged for twelve months in oak barrels. Its flavor is fresh and woody with elegant notes of dried fruit and cooked agave. The bottle is embellished with 115 Swarovski® Xilion Rose crystals in Crystal Golden Shadow. There are 5,000 bottles available for purchase for $349.
Tequila Don Ramón Limited Edition Extra Añejo: A double-distilled copper colored tequila aged for three years in Oak barrels. Its robust body is expressed through aromatics including berries, cherry and wood notes, with an elegant pepper finish. The bottle is embellished with 178 Swarovski® Xilion Rose crystals in Light Colorado Topaz. There are 5,000 bottles available for purchase for $399.
- How does the aging process differ for each expression of Tequila Don Ramón Limited Edition?
To achieve the distinct flavors of each of our aged tequilas, every offering is aged for a different amount of time in our temperature and humidity-controlled oak barrels. For example, Tequila Don Ramón Limited Edition Añejo is double-distilled and aged in oak barrels for twelve months, whereas Tequila Don Ramón Limited Edition Extra Añejo is double-distilled and aged in oak barrels for three years.
- What is the Tequila Don Ramón Platinium Collection?
The Tequila Don Ramón Platinium Collection, Casa Don Ramón’s first entry into the cristalino market, takes a modern approach to the time-honored practice of distillation, using cutting-edge industrial scale methods alongside artisanal techniques to remove most of the liquid’s color and piquancy. The result is an exquisitely smooth taste with a long finish meant for easy sipping.
- Can you explain what a cristalino tequila is?
The cristalino expression is a reposado, añejo or aged tequila that’s been distilled and filtered after the initial rest. Through Casa Don Ramón’s proprietary filtration, the woodier notes from the barrel and golden color are mostly removed, leaving an elixir with the complexity and character of an aged tequila and the crisp, bright notes of a plata.
Creating the perfect cristalino is both art and science. Tequila makers must know the precise amount of time to keep the liquid within the filtration process to remove the color, but maintain a naturally aromatic, aged tequila. The purpose of filtration is to find the hidden notes provided by the barrel aging while softening the woody notes and color. The Tequila Don Ramón Platinium Collection feels light and silky on the palate and smooth on the nose.
- Why is there a hint of color in the reposado and añejo expressions of the Tequila Don Ramón Platinium Collection?
Most cristalinos are clear but a hint of straw color remains in the reposado and añejo as Casa Don Ramón’s filtration method does not completely strip the spirit of the color or character achieved through the aging process. This is by the choice of our maestro tequilero and speaks to the authenticity of an aged or rested tequila.
- Is the Tequila Don Ramón Platinium Collection best enjoyed neat or in a cocktail?
All three expressions are delightfully unique, and can be enjoyed neat, poured over a single large ice cube, or mixed and shaken into your favorite tequila-based cocktail.
The Platinium collection is extremely versatile and offers enjoyment for a range of preferences. Sipping slowly means you can savor the fruity and barrel-pulled notes. Mixing any of the expressions in a cocktail results in an elevated creation in which the tequila is enhanced rather than being masked by the added ingredients. This is especially so with our reposado and añejo.
- What expressions of 100% agave tequila are in the Tequila Don Ramón Platinium Collection?
Tequila Don Ramón Platinium Plata is double-distilled for a smooth and brilliant taste and pure profile. Made from 100% Blue Agave from the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, this clear spirit can be described as bright, citrus, with notes of agave. Selectively harvesting the Agave Anovillado, at the exact point of maturity before the quiote (flower) is formed reveals the inherent purity of the plata. A sip reveals a hint of sweetness that evolves into a warming minerality.
Tequila Don Ramón Platinium Cristalino Reposado is double-distilled and rested in American and French oak, resulting in a smooth, delicate taste and robust profile. Made from 100% Blue Agave from the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, this cristalino clear spirit can be described as soft, medium bodied, and woody with complex gourmand notes. The aging process allows the spirit to mellow, taking on a deep and complex character, with a balanced herbal and citrus finish.
After maturation in oak, a complex filtration process removes most of the liquid’s golden color and piquancy. This results in an exquisitely smooth taste, and long finish calling for easy-sipping and exquisite cocktails.
Tequila Don Ramón Platinium Cristalino Añejo is double-distilled and aged in American oak barrels for 12 months. Further time spent with a proprietary finishing method, results in a smooth, richer taste and robust profile. Made from 100% Blue Agave from the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, this cristalino clear spirit can be described as buttery, aromatic and well-defined. A sip reveals a meritage of spices and wood, while the long rest awakens the deeper notes of nuts and vanilla.
After maturation in oak, a complex filtration process removes most of the liquid’s amber color and piquancy. This results in an exquisitely smooth taste, and long finish calling for easy-sipping and exquisite cocktails.
- Why isn’t Tequila Don Ramón Platinium Plata a cristalino?
While Tequila Don Ramón Platinium Plata is our most crystal clear and pure plata, only an aged tequila such as Tequila Don Ramón Platinium Cristalino Reposado and Tequila Don Ramón Platinium Cristalino Añejo can be classified as a cristalino. Our advanced filtration technology removes most of the liquid’s golden color and piquancy of aged tequila for easy sipping and a smooth mouthfeel. While some judge a tequila collection by its reposado and añejo expressions, plata is in a way the most pure form of tequila artistry, presented without the added characteristics and flavors of aging. Our plata, with its aromatics and warm minerality is a testament to this.
- How does the aging process differ for each expression of Tequila Don Ramón Platinium Collection?
To achieve their distinct flavors, each of our aged tequilas is aged for a different amount of time in our temperature and humidity-controlled oak barrels. For example, Tequila Don Ramón Platinium Cristalino Reposado is is double-distilled and rested in American and French oak barrels for four months, whereas Tequila Don Ramón Platinium Cristalino Añejo is double-distilled and aged in American and French oak barrels for 12 months.
- Which expression of Tequila Don Ramón Limited Edition is for me?
If you are looking to impress a tequila purist with the ultimate expression of agave, Tequila Don Ramón Limited Edition Plata is a brilliant gift.
The complex notes and aromas in Tequila Don Ramón Limited Edition Añejo is sure to delight the tequila enthusiast who appreciates this smooth aged expression.
For the collector that spares no expense, Tequila Don Ramón Limited Edition Extra Añejo is the ultimate indulgence.
- Which expression of Tequila Don Ramón Platinium is for me?
The Platinium collection has something for everyone, and we encourage you to try them all. If you prefer gin or vodkas, gravitate towards citrus flavors like grapefruit or blood orange, or like the addition of fresh cut herbs in your cocktails, you’re likely to enjoy the plata.
The reposado, with notes of caramel pulled from the barrel, appeals to a wide audience. Our reposado has a sweet and buttery aroma with hints of toasted sugar, notes that evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia.
And lastly, our añejo appeals to those who also enjoy bourbon or whiskey, with a preference for the full, oaky notes pulled from the barrel.
For reposado and añejo lovers who prefer cocktails, these expressions pull out the barrel aged notes (vanilla, oak, nuts, etc) to mix well in both classic and modern cocktails such as white negronis and old fashioneds.
- Which expression of Tequila Don Ramón Punta Diamante is for me?
If you prefer gin or vodkas, gravitate towards citrus flavors like grapefruit or blood orange, or like the addition of fresh cut herbs in your cocktails, you’re likely to enjoy Tequila Don Ramón Punta Diamante Silver.
Spiced and herbaceous, with notes of caramel pulled from the barrel, our best-selling Tequila Don Ramón Punta Diamante Reposado is a crowd pleaser.
And lastly, Tequila Don Ramón Punta Diamante Añejo appeals to those who also enjoy bourbon or whiskey, with a preference for the full, oaky notes pulled from the barrel.
- Which Casa Don Ramón collection is for me?
For the tequila curious drinker open to mixing a new cocktail but not yet committed to the art of sipping, we recommend the Tequila Don Ramón Punta Diamante Collection.
For the gracious host ready to please with a sophisticated bar cart outfitted with all the usual, top shelf suspects – tequila, vodka, gin and whisky, we recommend the Tequila Don Ramón Platinium Collection.
For the tequila connoisseur and high end collector committed to sharing a life filled with authentic experiences and treasured moments, we recommend the Tequila Don Ramón Limited Edition Collection.
- Has Casa Don Ramón received any honors for their agave spirits?
Casa Don Ramón has been recognized with awards and distinctions across its portfolio of tequila and mezcal offerings. For a comprehensive list of our most recent awards, please click here.