Home > Latest News > Product Development > Mexican-American Female Founders Launch Additive-Free Ladydragón Craft Tequila in the UK
Joanne
9/19/2024 1:58:17 PM
4 mins read
Left to Right: Ladydragón Co-Founders, Heather Anne, JC Cortez
Ladydragón’s Maestro Tequilero comes from a family line of Maestro Tequileros and uses artisanal methods to make Ladydragón Craft Tequila the traditional way; crafted for quality and is a tribute to Mexican craftsmanship and culture with a twist of modern luxury and flare.
No yeast is added, and no artificial agents are used to speed up the fermentation process. The Ladydragón Craft Tequila distillery is surrounded by fruit orchards that serve as the catalyst for the natural fermentation process, which also adds to the unique herbal and citrus profile. The water source used to produce Ladydragón Craft Tequila comes from a natural deep-well on the distillery property fed by the nearby Tequila Volcano. Unlike other parts of the Tequila region, the unique area of Amatitán is home to mainly family-owned distilleries. With well-being at the forefront of Ladydragón Craft Tequila’s ethos, it is described as a better-for-you tequila, free from any additives or added sugar.
Ladydragón Craft Tequila has been created by JC Cortez and Heather Ann. JC is a first-generation Mexican American, and her father’s family has lived and grown agave on their land in Guanajuato for generations. Guanajuato is part of the tequila-protected ‘region of origin’ and has been home to the Cortez Family for generations. JC is passionate about protecting the agriculture and agave farming of the region and has expanded the family business to produce an additive-free 100% agave tequila sustainably. JC’s co-founder, Heather Ann, is also Head of Merchandising for Ladydragón’s agave fibre accessories line, which further supports their ESG (environmental, social and governance) initiatives by making use of the agave plant after its juice has been made into tequila. Heather Ann brings her design skills from studying at Parsons School of Design in New York, where she also owned and operated several fashion boutiques.
Ladydragón takes its name from the Chinese Zodiac sign, the Dragon, which is the year in which founder JC Cortez was born. After living in Asia for 15 years, JC was enamoured by the Chinese New Year celebrations and its alignment with the Mexican mystical serpent dragon that is also a symbol of strength and protection in the Mexican-indigenous cultures. The use of Lady in the name acknowledges co-founder Heather’s English heritage and is a nod to the home of Ladydragón Craft Tequila, London.
Ladydragón Co-Founder JC Cortez says: “We are very excited to launch Ladydragón Craft Tequila in the UK; London based, craft made in Mexico! This is a tequila created by women for women, and we can’t wait to start sharing it with the world.”
The use of roses in the design of the label was inspired by the colourful roses, ribbons and flowers used in the headpieces of ballet folklórico, traditional Mexican cultural dances. The roses also take inspiration from English roses. Heather is a keen gardener, and the floral motif was the perfect component for the Ladydragón Craft Tequila design. The Dragon silhouette on the bottle is surrounded by colourful flowers and butterflies, bringing the Ladydragón philosophy of being ‘unapologetically feminine and empowered’.’ The Ladydragón bottles are hand-filled by women at the distillery, further contributing to the brand’s dedication to empowering women at all levels of the process, from production to consumer.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Herbal aroma balanced by sweet roasted agave, light notes of fresh citrus and florals
Taste Profile: Smooth cooked agave, herbal, citrus and lime notes with an earthy agave finish
Finish: Long yet soft with well-rounded herbal and sweet agave notes
Signature Cocktail Dragon Water (Under 120 calories)
60ml Ladydragón Craft Tequila | Top with Soda Water | Squeeze of Lime
Add all ingredients to a large wine or spritz glass over ice. Garnish with a maraschino cherry or red rose petal and add a twist of lime.
Sustainability
Ladydragón has a strong focus on ESG initiatives and places ESG values at the core of the company. Ladydragón’s mission is not only to make the highest quality, 100% pure agave, additive-free tequila but also to improve the environmental practices of the tequila industry. Through Ladydragón’s social and sustainability efforts, they hope to help keep this protected region of origin of tequila thriving for generations to come.
Once an agave plant has been used in the production of tequila, the fibrous portion of the plant is usually left and discarded. Agave fibre can, however, be spun and used to create bags, jewellery, and many other products. Ladydragón Craft Tequila has engaged a foundation of local and indigenous women who make hand-crafted accessories and bags from the agave fibre to help give back to the local Mexican community living in the tequila region. The foundation was started to keep the art form of artisanal weaving alive. It allows the women to earn a living as many of them are Indigenous and may not speak Spanish or have had access to education due to their socio-economic position. Ladydragón empowers the women to charge fair-trade prices as JC believes they should be paid accordingly for their pieces that are woven skilfully by hand.
Ladydragón Craft Tequila Blanco ABV: 38%. RRP: £59 for 70cl
Website: https://ladydragontequila.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladydragontequila/?hl=en
For sales enquiries, please contact: JC@ladydragontequila.com
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