Laelia Tequila is a new brand from Amatitán in the lowlands of Jalisco, the first release from Casa Natima, from a 100% owned and operated Mexican team.
Laelia is named after a Mexican orchid, and made from sustainably grown, 100% Blue Weber Agave.
Laelia Blanco is fruity with hints of citrus and herbs, which are pronounced with white pepper, vanilla and a light caramel finish, the company says, thanks to 14 days of aging in American Oak barrels. The Reposado aged for four to six months in lightly toasted French Oak barrels, and has notes of mineral and wood, along with floral, fruity, citrus, oak and cinnamon.
“Coming from a family of fourth generation agave growers, we’ve spent many years preserving and ensuring that the quality of our agave is uncompromised,” says Fernando Pérez Ontiveros, CEO and founder of Laelia Tequila. “Laelia is a true passion project and the first chance for our family to craft our own tequila, one that brings the land that is central to our family to life, with every bottle.”
The agave Laelia sources from Jalisco is overseen by the Casa Natima family, and certified by Environmentally Responsible Agave, ensuring it is not harvested from deforested areas. Beyond certification, the company says it implements its own sustainability efforts across its agave cultivation, including water conservation, natural composting methods and the use of organic fertilizers to help maintain healthy soil and support long-term land stewardship.
To ensure long-term energy efficiency, with a goal towards a net neutral environmental impact, Laelia is distilled using 100% renewable energy, stemming from recycled bagasse, or agave fibers, for natural bio-fuel to produce steam for the boilers, and their filtration system that recycles water into steam, as well as more than 721 solar panels in place at Casa Natima. The energy from bagasse accounts for 80% of the energy used to produce Laelia, the company says, with 100% of all agave fibers getting reused throughout the production process, including as natural compost and sustainable materials like bio-pallets for shipping. Laelia is reportedly on track to be able to recycle and reuse all of the mineral-rich spring water in their production, ultimately eliminating the need for additional water use by 2030.
“We aim to lead the path for what a modern tequila rooted in preserving the craft and tradition of the spirit can be by ensuring to highlight agave in its purest form,” says Ontiveros. “To do so, we’re devoted to pushing the boundaries of tequila innovation by continuing to refine Laelia sustainably, using thoughtful innovations to improve the quality and consistency of each bottle and our impact on the land.”
Laelia Tequila Blanco (40% ABV) is available for retail at $59.99, while Laelia Tequila Reposado (40% ABV) is available at $69.99 in retailers in California and New York, as well as nationally online via laeliatequila.com.
