Milagro Tequila: A Journey Through Tradition, Craftsmanship, and Flavor

Milagro Tequila, founded in 1997 by Daniel Schneeweiss and Moy Guindi with the aim of creating a remarkable tequila for both newcomers and aficionados, embodies the spirit of innovation with its traditional yet unique production methods. Crafted in Mexico's Jalisco highlands, this tequila boasts a fresh agave flavor profile enhanced by a meticulous distillation process, setting it apart in the crowded market. The brand prides itself on using only the finest blue agave, slow-roasted in brick ovens and distilled twice to achieve unparalleled smoothness and complexity.

Milagro's commitment to quality is underscored by its adherence to the NOM system, ensuring authenticity and traceability. Whether exploring the vibrant notes of the Silver variant or savoring the aged elegance of Reposado and Añejo, Milagro offers a tequila experience that bridges tradition with modern taste preferences. This blog invites enthusiasts and curious minds alike to delve into the rich tapestry of flavors that Milagro Tequila brings to the table, celebrating the miracle of meticulous craftsmanship and the cultural heritage of tequila.

Milagro Tequila was founded in 1997 by Daniel Schneeweiss and Moy Guindi. The name "milagro" means "miracle" in Spanish, reflecting the founders' goal to create a tequila with a flavor profile that appeases both beginners and connoisseurs. They teamed up with Pedro Juarez, a highly respected master distiller in Mexico, to make a tequila that truly captures the essence and smoothness of fresh agave. 

Milagro Tequila is made in its own distillery in Mexico, using only the best blue agave plants from the Jalisco highlands. This region is famous for its perfect growing conditions for agave, thanks to its nutrient-rich soil, abundant sunshine, and cool nights. The agave plants are harvested by hand when they are at their ripest, influencing the final flavor profile of the tequila by adding brightness, freshness, and a purer agave flavor that reflects its terroir. 

The process of making Milagro Tequila starts by slow-roasting the agave in traditional brick ovens for 36 hours to enhance its natural flavors. The roasted agave is then crushed to extract its sweet juice, which is fermented for 72 hours — longer than many other tequilas. This careful fermentation brings out more complex flavors and aromas. 

Milagro is distilled twice, first in a traditional pot still to capture the agave's fresh flavors and then in a column still to make the tequila smoother. After distillation, the tequila for Reposado and Anejo is aged, while Silver or Blanco tequila remains unaged. The distillery keeps the tequila in American oak barrels from four to fourteen months for the aged variants, giving the resultant liquor deep caramel, chocolate, and baking spice aromas. The Milagro Select series is aged even longer - up to 24 months - in both American and French oak barrels, making these tequilas exceptionally smooth and flavorful.

In tequila production, the NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana) refers to the official Mexican standard that regulates all aspects of tequila production. This includes specifying the regions where agave plants can be grown for tequila production, the types of agave used, and the methods of distillation and bottling. Each bottle of tequila is required to have a NOM number on its label, with Milagro Tequila’s being 1559. This number identifies the specific distillery where the tequila was produced, ensuring traceability and adherence to quality standards.

The NOM system helps protect the integrity of tequila by ensuring that it meets specific quality and authenticity standards set by the Mexican government. It also helps consumers identify the origin of the tequila they are buying, as each distillery has its own unique NOM code. This system is crucial for maintaining the reputation of tequila as a protected product, similar to how Champagne is protected in France. The NOM ensures that only spirits produced in designated areas and according to strict guidelines can be labeled as tequila, preserving this iconic Mexican spirit's traditional methods and regional characteristics.

Connoisseurs consider Milagro to be very high-quality tequila. The core of Milagro's flavor profile is characterized by a bright, fresh agave taste, with a sweetness and crispness that is both refreshing and complex - different from the brands currently available in the market. Depending on the specific variety of Milagro Tequila, the tasting notes can range from the clean and pure expressions of the agave to the more nuanced and aged flavor profiles found in the Reposado and Añejo varieties.

The Reposado, which is aged in oak barrels between three to six months, introduces a subtle vanilla and caramel note, providing a smooth, mellow finish that balances the agave's natural zest. The Añejo, which is aged for up to three years, offers a richer, more complex flavor, with hints of dark chocolate, dried fruits, and a deeper oak influence - a tequila that's both robust and sophisticated.

A classic cocktail that highlights the crisp flavor of Milagro Silver Tequila.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Milagro Silver Tequila
• 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 3/4 oz Agave Nectar or Simple Syrup
• Lime Wheel, for garnish
• Salt, for rimming the glass (optional)

Instructions

1. If desired, salt the rim of a rocks glass by rubbing the rim with a lime wedge and dipping it in salt.
2. In a shaker filled with ice, combine Milagro Silver Tequila, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar.
3. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel.

A refreshing and tangy cocktail, perfect for warm weather.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Milagro Silver Tequila
• 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• Grapefruit Soda to top (such as Fresca or Squirt)
• Salt, for rimming the glass (optional)
• Lime or Grapefruit Wedge, for garnish

Instructions

1. Optional: Salt the rim of a highball glass.
2. Fill the glass with ice and add Milagro Silver Tequila and fresh lime juice.
3. Top with grapefruit soda and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a lime or grapefruit wedge.

A visually stunning drink that's as delicious as it looks, featuring the smooth taste of Milagro Reposado.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Milagro Reposado Tequila
• 4 oz Orange Juice
• 1/2 oz Grenadine
• Orange Slice and Cherry, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a highball glass filled with ice, combine Milagro Reposado Tequila and orange juice.
2. Slowly pour grenadine into the glass over the back of a spoon or by drizzling it down the side of the glass, allowing it to settle at the bottom to create a gradient effect.
3. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

A twist on the classic Negroni, introducing the smoky notes of Milagro Añejo.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Milagro Añejo Tequila
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 1 oz Campari
• Orange Peel, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine Milagro Añejo Tequila, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
2. Stir well until chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
4. Garnish with an orange peel.

Tequila is crafted exclusively from the blue agave plant, with its production centered around the city of Tequila in Jalisco and a few other Mexican states. This spirit is tightly regulated, ensuring that only beverages made from blue agave within these regions can use the name “tequila.” Mezcal, on the other hand, offers a wider variety in terms of flavor due to its production from over 30 types of agave plants. Although mezcal is produced in multiple regions, Oaxaca stands out as the heartland of mezcal production, celebrated for its rich diversity of agave and distinctive production methods.

Furthermore, tequila manufacturing involves steaming the agave hearts in large ovens to convert starches to sugars, followed by fermenting and distilling the extracted juice. This method results in a smoother, often sweeter spirit. In contrast, mezcal is made using the traditional production method, where the agave hearts are cooked in pit ovens lined with lava rocks and filled with wood and charcoal. This imparts a distinctive smoky flavor to mezcal, even when it is unaged. The use of different agave types and the traditional cooking method contribute to mezcal's complex flavor profile, which can vary greatly depending on the specifics of its production.

Regulatory bodies oversee both spirits to ensure quality and authenticity. The Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT) monitors tequila production, while the Consejo Regulador del Mezcal (CRM) regulates mezcal, ensuring traditional methods are adhered to. 

Exploring the rich flavors and artisanal craftsmanship behind Milagro Tequila offers a unique insight into the dedication and innovation that defines this beloved spirit. This exploration not only broadens your appreciation for premium tequila but also empowers your selections with a deeper understanding of its heritage and quality. At Pascale’s Wine & Liquors in Fayetteville, NY, we're proud to connect our customers with exceptional spirits like Milagro Tequila.

Located at 105 Towne Drive, Fayetteville, NY 13066, Nick and the team are always on hand to guide you through our curated collection. Discover more by visiting us online at www.pascaleswineandliquors.com, or for a more personalized experience, feel free to call us at (315) 355-6222 or pascalesfayetteville@gmail.com. We invite you to step into our store or browse our selection online and find the Milagro Tequila variants that resonate with your taste and spirit of discovery. Join us in celebrating the intricate journey from agave to bottle, marking the legacy and innovation that Milagro Tequila brings to your glass.