Herradura Tequila
Herradura is one of Mexico's most storied tequila producers, crafting 100% blue agave tequila at its historic estate in Amatitán, in the highlands of Jalisco. Founded in the 19th century, the brand is known for a traditional, estate-grown approach and a reputation for making richly flavored, oak-aged tequilas.
Now owned by Brown-Forman, Herradura remains associated with its founding location, Hacienda San José del Refugio, and its use of only 100% blue Weber agave. The range spans unaged, barrel-aged, and extra-aged expressions suited to sipping neat or crafting premium cocktails.
Herradura is one of Mexico's most storied tequila producers, crafting 100% blue agave tequila at its historic estate in Amatitán, in the highlands of Jalisco.
Read more about Herradura Tequila
Herradura is one of Mexico's most storied tequila producers, crafting 100% blue agave tequila at its historic estate in Amatitán, in the highlands of Jalisco. Founded in the 19th century, the brand is known for a traditional, estate-grown approach and a reputation for making richly flavored, oak-aged tequilas.
Now owned by Brown-Forman, Herradura remains associated with its founding location, Hacienda San José del Refugio, and its use of only 100% blue Weber agave. The range spans unaged, barrel-aged, and extra-aged expressions suited to sipping neat or crafting premium cocktails.
History and Origin
Herradura traces its roots to Hacienda San José del Refugio in Amatitán, Jalisco, where tequila production has taken place for generations. The name Herradura, meaning 'horseshoe' in Spanish, is tied to the estate's history and is reflected in the brand's iconic logo.
The distillery is one of the most historically significant in the tequila industry and remains centered on estate-grown agave. In 2007, the brand was acquired by Brown-Forman, the American spirits company also known for Jack Daniel's, which expanded its global distribution while maintaining production in Jalisco.
Herradura is frequently cited among the pioneers of certain modern tequila categories, and the estate continues to serve as a landmark of traditional Mexican tequila-making.
Production and House Style
Herradura is made exclusively from 100% blue Weber agave harvested in the Jalisco region. The agave hearts, or piñas, are cooked and fermented, then distilled to produce a spirit that the brand ages in oak barrels for many of its expressions.
The house style leans toward well-rounded, oak-influenced tequilas with cooked agave character, notes of vanilla and spice, and a smooth finish. Barrel aging plays a central role in defining the flavor of Herradura's reposado, añejo, and extra añejo bottlings.
This emphasis on aging and 100% agave production gives Herradura a fuller, more layered profile that appeals to both sipping enthusiasts and those seeking a premium base for cocktails.
The Range and What to Expect
Herradura's core lineup typically includes Silver (Plata), a fresh unaged tequila; Reposado, aged in oak for a golden hue and softer character; and Añejo, aged longer for deeper oak and spice notes. The brand also offers extra añejo and specialty releases in its Directorio and Ultra lines.
Silver and Reposado are versatile choices for margaritas, palomas, and other tequila cocktails, while the añejo and extra añejo expressions are best enjoyed neat or on the rocks to appreciate their oak-driven complexity.
When buying, consider how you plan to serve the tequila: lighter, brighter expressions suit mixed drinks, while the barrel-aged bottlings reward slow sipping. All are 100% agave, a hallmark of quality in the tequila category.