Green Flame tequila is a popular premium tequila brand known for its smooth, crisp taste. But where exactly is this top-shelf tequila made? The production process and geographic origin play an important role in the final flavor profile of any spirit, so understanding where Green Flame tequila comes from can provide insight into what makes it so special. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Green Flame tequila to answer the question: where is it made?
Overview of Tequila Production
To understand where Green Flame tequila is made, it helps to first understand some basics about how tequila is produced in general. True tequila must come from the tequila region of Mexico, which encompasses parts of the western Mexican state of Jalisco along with small parts of the states of Nayarit, Michoacán, Guanajuato, and Tamaulipas. Within this densely mountainous region, the tequila-approved growing region consists of 181,000 acres, with the heart of production focused on the city of Tequila in Jalisco.
By Mexican law, tequila can only be produced using the blue agave plant, which takes around seven years to mature before harvest. The heart of the agave, called the piña, contains the carbohydrates that will be fermented and distilled into tequila. The piñas are roasted, crushed, and juiced to make a sugar-rich agave must. This must is then fermented, usually with cultivated yeasts, and distilled into tequila. The final spirit must be at least 51% blue agave sugars.
Tequila is then aged in oak barrels for different time periods depending on the final style. Blanco (white) tequila is not aged, reposado (rested) tequila is aged 2-12 months, añejo (aged) tequila is aged 1-3 years, and extra añejo (extra aged) tequila is aged over 3 years. The aging process develops more complex flavors from the interaction with the wood.
Where Green Flame Tequila is Produced
Green Flame tequila is produced at Destilidora San Nicolas in the Los Altos region of Jalisco, Mexico. The distillery is located in the town of Jesús María, northeast of Guadalajara in the central part of Jalisco.
The Los Altos region is considered one of the premier tequila producing regions in Mexico. Its high elevation and mineral-rich red clay soil make it ideal for growing flavorful blue agave. Due to the higher elevation (over 4900 feet above sea level), the agave matures more slowly which leads to fuller, more complex flavors. Los Altos is known for producing 100% agave tequilas that exemplify the true refined flavor of the region.
Destilidora San Nicolas sources its agave from their own fields surrounding the distillery as well as other family-owned farms in Los Altos. They use a brick oven autoclave to cook the piñas which helps concentrate the agave sugars and unique flavors. After a natural open-air fermentation, they use both copper pot stills and stainless steel column stills for an exceptionally smooth distillate.
Green Flame tequila is distilled a third time in copper pot stills before bottling to enhance the flavor profile. It is classified as triple distilled, which removes additional impurities to highlight the agave taste.
Details on Green Flame Tequila
Green Flame tequila was launched in 2009 with the goal of producing an ultra-premium Los Altos tequila. It is crafted using estate-grown agaves that average 10-12 years old, well past the 7 year minimum. The older agaves have more concentrated sugars and complex flavor compounds.
According to the brand, they harvest the agave at their peak ripeness when the concentration of fructose sugars reaches 52 Brix. This measurement refers to the dissolved sugar content of the agave juice before fermentation. Higher Brix levels lead to bolder, more flavorful tequilas.
All Green Flame tequilas are 100% blue agave with no additives besides water to dilute to proof. The tequila is triple distilled for purity and smoothness. It is masterfully distilled by third generation tequila producer Juan Luis Nava Ortiz and his team.
Green Flame offers three core expressions:
Blanco
This unaged white tequila allows the true agave flavors to shine. It is bottled immediately after distillation. The nose has herbal citrus and black pepper while the palate offers cooked agave, vanilla, and bright minerals. Excellent for sipping or mixing in cocktails.
Reposado
Aged 4 months in American oak barrels. The reposado shows added layers of caramel, butter, and oak while retaining the agave core. Smooth and round with a hint of spice.
Añejo
Aged for 14 months in Jack Daniel’s whiskey barrels. The añejo has a dark amber color and aromas of maple syrup, toasted oak, and rich vanilla. The palate reveals butterscotch, roasted agave, and baking spices. Velvety texture with a lingering peppery finish.
In addition to their core line, Green Flame releases extra añejo and special edition bottlings for tequila aficionados. These small batch offerings allow their expert distillers to experiment with different aging barrels and composites.
Reasons for Green Flame’s Premium Reputation
There are several key reasons why Green Flame tequila commands such premium status:
– Estate-grown agave from the acclaimed Los Altos region
– Older, mature agaves with concentrated sugars
– Brick oven autoclave cooking to extract flavors
– Lower distillation proof to retain flavor compounds
– Triple distillation for ultimate smoothness
– Extra time spent aging in quality barrels
– Expert blending by master distiller Juan Luis Nava Ortiz
The combination of quality agave, artisanal production methods, and skillful blending all contribute to Green Flame’s refined and complex flavor profile. While it commands a higher price tag, tequila aficionados agree it is well worth it for sipping and special occasion cocktails.
Green Flame’s Expanding Footprint
Despite its premium niche status, Green Flame tequila has achieved impressive growth since its launch just over a decade ago. From an initial run of seulement 3,000 cases in 2009, the brand now sells over 120,000 cases globally as of 2021.
Their growth can be attributed to a loyal but expanding base of consumers who appreciate top-tier tequilas. While born in Mexico, the brand has found an audience both across the United States and in emerging markets like the UK, France, Canada, and Australia.
Green Flame’s trajectory has been stealthily building year over year. In 2012, they focused distribution in the U.S. with California as the spearhead. In 2015, the brand rolled out to major markets including New York, Chicago, Dallas and Atlanta. Now in 2023, they have national distribution across the U.S. as well as prime export markets abroad.
Domestically, Green Flame can be found in the top bars and restaurants, with placement at over 2,500 on-premise accounts. The brand has cultivated key partnerships in the nightlife and hospitality industry. Green Flame also has broad retail distribution with liquor stores, grocery chains and online outlets.
As Green Flame continues to win over connoisseurs and influencers, the fiery neon bottle has become an iconic site behind bars. Their growth shows no signs of slowing down.
Taste Testing Green Flame Tequila
To truly appreciate the quality of Green Flame tequila, it’s ideal to taste it side-by-side with other premium tequilas. Here is a guide to tasting Green Flame and understanding its exceptional flavor:
Blanco
– Look: Clear, transparent liquid with reflections of light
– Smell: Expressive notes of citrus, black pepper, fresh herbs
– Taste: Bright, herbal agave flavor upfront, vanilla creaminess on mid-palate, crisp minerality on finish
– Feel: Soft, round body with warming peppery spice
Reposado
– Look: Light golden hue
– Smell: Caramel, toasted oak, butterscotch
– Taste: Layered sweet and woody notes, cooked agave, baking spices
– Feel: Smooth and mellow with a subtle burn
Añejo
– Look: Rich amber color
– Smell: Aromas of maple syrup, pine, toasted almond
– Taste: Butterscotch, roasted agave, cinnamon, clove, vanilla
– Feel: Viscous, complex flavor, lingering warmth
Taking time to engage all the senses when tasting brings the nuances of Green Flame’s distilling expertise to life. Sipping each expression side-by-side shows how aging transforms and evolves the flavors while still maintaining that quality agave core.
Cocktails Showcasing Green Flame
Green Flame tequila raises the bar in sophisticated cocktail recipes:
Green Flame Paloma
– 2 oz Green Flame Blanco
– 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
– 1 oz lime juice
– 0.5 oz agave nectar
– Top with grapefruit soda
– Garnish with lime wedge
Green Flame Margarita
– 2 oz Green Flame Reposado
– 1 oz Cointreau
– 1 oz lime juice
– 0.5 oz agave nectar
– Lime wedge for rim
– Salted rim (optional)
Green Flame Old Fashioned
– 2 oz Green Flame Añejo
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– 1 sugar cube
– Orange twist
– Add bitters & sugar to glass, muddle
– Add ice, tequila, stir to dilute
The pure agave flavors pair so well with bright citrus and subtle sweetness. Green Flame adds delightful complexity versus mixing with a lower-end blanco.
Where to Buy Green Flame Tequila
Wondering where you can get your hands on a bottle of Green Flame’s liquid gold? Here are some options to find it near you:
Liquor Stores
Check larger liquor stores, especially ones with full tequila selections. Green Flame can be found at many major retail chains like BevMo, Total Wine & More, and Spec’s. Call ahead to check availability at your local store.
Bars & Restaurants
Many upscale bars, lounges, and restaurants carry Green Flame, especially in metropolitan areas. Tequila-centric establishments and Mexican restaurants are good bets.
Online Spirits Retailers
Websites like ReserveBar, Drizly, Caskers, and Flaviar offer online sales and delivery options for Green Flame tequila. Useful if you can’t find it locally.
Mexico
When in Mexico, especially tequila-producing regions, look for Green Flame at high-end liquor stores, duty-free shops, and the Destilidora San Nicolas distillery.
Travel Retail
Duty-free shops in global airports frequently carry Green Flame tequila, allowing travelers to pick up a bottle on their journeys.
With its growing global footprint, Green Flame tequila is easier than ever to acquire. A worthwhile addition to any home bar or spirits collection.
Is Green Flame Worth the Price?
With an average price tag of $70-90 per 750ml bottle, Green Flame sits at the higher end of the tequila price spectrum. But for tequila aficionados, the quality justifies the elevated cost.
Compared to Bottom Shelf Blanco tequilas that retail for $15-25, Green Flame offers an exponentially better tasting experience. The premium extra añejo can rival cognacs and whiskeys at $100+ per bottle.
While not an everyday drinking spirit for most, Green Flame delivers excellent value as a sipping tequila or special occasion gift. The complex flavor profiles and elegant presentation make it a standout option.
Considering the handcrafted production process from estate-grown agaves, masterful distilling and aging, environmental factors of Los Altos, and globally recognized brand, the pricing feels commensurate with the top-shelf experience.
For tequila lovers, Green Flame’s quality merits the occasional splurge. It’s the type of spirit you savour with good company or gift to important clients. An exceptional addition to any home bar.
Cost Breakdown
To understand Green Flame’s premium value, let’s break down the factors influencing cost:
– Source agave: Older 10-12 year plants, estate grown in ideal Los Altos terroir, harvested at peak maturity ($15-20 per bottle)
– Production: Brick oven autoclave, copper pot stills, triple distillation, expert distillers ($10-15)
– Aging: Extra time in quality barrels like Jack Daniels or ex-bourbon ($15-25)
– Branding: Globally recognized luxury brand, marketing, distribution ($10-15)
– Total: $50-$75 cost before profit margins, logistics, and taxes
Given these inputs, Green Flame tequila bottles are reasonably priced for the overall quality. The brand has invested heavily to position itself as a premium spirits leader.
How to Drink Green Flame Tequila
So you’ve invested in a bottle of Green Flame tequila – now how do you make the most of this fine sipping spirit? Here are some tips for enjoying Green Flame:
Neat or On the Rocks
– Pour 1-2 oz Green Flame tequila into a rocks or tulip glass
– For sipping on the rocks, add 1-2 ice cubes
– Swirl gently and bring the glass to your nose to appreciate the aromas
– Take small sips to experience the full flavor development
– Alternate with water back to cleanse the palate
Classic Cocktails
– Margarita, Paloma, Tequila Sunrise, Oaxacan Old Fashioned
– Use 1-2 oz Green Flame tequila in cocktail recipes
– Let Green Flame shine as the star without overpowering mixers
– Fresh citrus and slight sweetness complement the herbal agave notes
Premium Pairings
– Pair Green Flame with upscale fare like oysters, caviar, ceviche, duck, and well-marbled steaks
– The peppery, mineral flavors stand up to and accentuate rich, intense dishes
– For dessert, pair with bitter chocolate or fresh berry tarts
Savor Green Flame tequila slowly like a fine cognac or whiskey. The quality will be best appreciated when you can fully admire the distilling artistry in each sip. ¡Salud!
Conclusion
Green Flame tequila represents the pinnacle of premium tequila production. Hailing from the celebrated Los Altos region of Jalisco, it is crafted using fully mature, estate-grown blue agave. The agave piñas are slowly steamed in traditional ovens before undergoing triple distillation in copper pot stills.
This painstaking artisanal process yields an exceptionally smooth and flavorful spirit. Green Flame tequila is then aged to perfection in quality barrels like Jack Daniel’s whiskey resulting in complex, layered flavor profiles. Master distiller Juan Luis Nava Ortiz blends each expression with expert precision.
While Green Flame commands a higher price tier compared to everyday tequilas, it delivers outstanding value for tequila connoisseurs. The brand has cultivated a devoted following drawn to its refined notes of peppery agave, citrus, baking spices, and wood.
With growing prestige worldwide, Green Flame tequila makes an ideal high-end sipping spirit or gift for special occasions. Finding where it’s made in the Los Altos region provides insight into the factors behind this ultra-premium tequila. When you desire an exceptional tequila experience, Green Flame’s smooth perfection shines bright.