The Bartender Review: Tequila Cazcanes—The New Cult Brand?
Welcome to Chilled’s Bartender Review: The latest bottles, reviewed by the pros.
Reviewed by Lauren Castano, Chilled Ambassador, Tequila Sommelier, Educator.
Casa Azul Orgánico Tequila. New distillery. New flavor profile. Crafted in the Valley of Jalisco in the town of Amatitán where agave is cultivated on a single estate rich in mineral, volcanic soil. Casa Azul moves to a new distillery La Roca NOM 1646 owned and operated by the Montes Family, 3rd generation agave farmers now distillers.
Almost all their recent drops and special releases over the last couple of years seem destined to sell out. So what makes this brand so special?
The name Cazcanes pays homage to the Caxcan people, an Indigenous group from southern Zacatecas and northern Jalisco, Mexico, known for their fierce resistance during the Spanish conquest.
Founded in 2015 by Colin and Jose Santillan, the brand was built with intention from the beginning. Together with Master Tequilero Francisco “Don Chico” Jiménez Lazcarro, the team set out to create a tequila rooted in traditional methods and true craftsmanship. From the selection of organic agave to the hands that tie the rope on each bottle, the brand honors every part of the journey that has shaped it into what it is today.
I got to know the team a little better two years ago, during their first industry trip in 2024 with a small group of content creators. Each person plays an important role in the brand, and each brings a story that in some way defines it. Their backgrounds are varied, but that’s part of what makes the brand so compelling. There are influences from winemaking, refined palates, hospitality, and a real passion for food and craft.
Jon-Paul Fortunati, for example, didn’t come from a spirits background. Instead, his passion for cooking and hospitality helped shape the brand’s perspective in a meaningful way. Edwin Dolgopyat, meanwhile, brings strong leadership, a sharp business sense, and a keen eye for marketing, helping guide the brand’s direction and visibility. Colin, by contrast, came from the wine world, bringing with him a highly trained palate and extensive blending experience, both of which are clearly reflected in the tequila. He even grows his own grapes, and that winemaker’s sensitivity to nuance carries through in how Cazcanes approaches flavor and blending.
Part of the story begins with Colin’s early trips into Mexico with Jose back in 2013, who at the time acted as translator and driver as they explored and tried to better understand agave distillates. One of those journeys led them deep into a rugged area near Magdalena, crossing rough terrain and a river to reach Humberto’s place, where Humberto’s family carried on generations of knowledge.
That early search for authenticity and understanding became part of the DNA of the brand. Water, in particular, became paramount to the overall profile. They were drawn to natural spring water and the way place itself shapes flavor. Eventually, production evolved from micro-distillery beginnings to a larger home at NOM 1614, but not without extensive refinement. Their first batch dates back to 2017, and when they moved distilleries, it took nearly a year to dial in the exact profile and recipe they wanted.
Today, that intention still shows up in the process. Cazcanes uses low-and-slow autoclave cooking, open-air fermentation with proprietary yeast, and for special releases, other elements like copper pot distillation. Their aged expressions are developed to taste, not simply to time. Every barrel has its own DNA, and they are selective, only pulling barrels that deliver the profile they want. That means every batch may be slightly different, but the pursuit of consistency is incredibly intentional.
And maybe that is part of why Cazcanes has earned such a devoted following. They are always working on special projects, always refining, always tasting. Watching Colin in particular, taking notes and tasting with precision, gives you a better understanding of how much thought goes into every release.
Cazcanes doesn’t just sell tequila. It sells a point of view: one shaped by place, process, patience, and people who seem genuinely obsessed with getting it right.
Cazcanes tequila has several SKUs. For the sake of this review, I will include the No. 7 core line-up and one special release. The number on the bottles, such as No. 7, No. 9, and No. 10, indicates the alcohol proof of the tequila. A system Cazcanes uses to differentiate between their standard proof, highproof, and still strength expressions.
Tasting Notes
No. 7 Blanco $64.99
An easy-drinking blanco with cooked agave throughout, layered with earthiness, black pepper, vegetal notes, grassiness, and bright citrus.
Aroma: Cooked agave, fresh earth, black pepper, cut grass, vegetal tones, and a touch of citrus.
Palate: Easy and approachable, with cooked agave at the center followed by earthy notes, black pepper, subtle anise and mint, vegetal character, and citrus.
Finish: Light to medium in length, with lingering cooked agave and pepper.
No. 7 Reposado $89.99
A blend of barrels aged from a few months to close to a year. A balanced reposado with gentle barrel influence, layered spice, a touch of minerality, and a rich, easy warmth.
Aroma: Barrel spices, minerality, and toffee.
Palate: Baking spices lead, with notes of nutmeg and cinnamon.
Finish: Buttery, with a little cinnamon heat on the finish.
No. 7 Añejo $129.99
Each batch is aged to taste rather time from a blend of barrels aged from 12-24 months. A balanced, layered añejo that still lets the agave shine, with warm spice and a creamy texture.
Aroma: Warm vanilla, baking spices, and a touch of minerality.
Palate: Balanced and layered, with agave still present alongside some earthiness and minerality, a creamy mouthfeel, pitted fruit notes like cherry, subtle hints of banana, rich nuttiness, and leather.
Finish: Medium-long, with lingering baking spices and tropical fruit.
No. 7 Joven $104.99
59% blanco blended with 13% reposado, 26% añejo, and 2% extra añejo. My favorite new release from the brand this year, this joven keeps agave front and center while layering in soft barrel influence, gentle fruit, and warm, mellow complexity.
Aroma: Green apple, subtle toffee, cinnamon, and warm tobacco notes.
Palate: Agave leads the way, with warm notes that mellow together alongside subtle barrel character, hints of apple, and soft earthiness.
Finish: Medium to long, with soft orchard fruit notes lingering through the finish.
Who This Bottle Is For
This brand makes tequila that speaks to aficionados, but remains approachable for newcomers, and even crosses over well for bourbon lovers.
What Bartenders Are Saying
Strengths
Strong focus on quality and transparency
Additive-free production, certified organic, volcanic spring water
Agave forward profile
Broad line up that appeals to tequila enthusiasts and bourbon drinkers
Premium positioning, high quality
Maintained a recognizable house style even after moving production
Weaknesses
Premium pricing can be a barrier, especially for newer tequila drinkers
Numbered lineup can be a little confusing for casual consumers at first
While capable in a cocktail, this brand feels far more intended for sipping than for a cocktail program
Closing Take
Cazcanes a thoughtful, agave forward brand that feels best suited for sipping, offering a range to appeal to enthusiasts, curious newcomers, and bourbon drinkers.
Chilled’s Bartender Review
The Bartender Review is Chilled’s monthly column spotlighting the latest bottles hitting the market, tasted and reviewed by our bartender influencers. Each feature delivers expert notes, honest feedback, and behind-the-bar insights so readers know exactly what’s worth sipping, mixing, and sharing. From fresh releases to standout classics, The Bartender Review keeps the industry tapped into what’s pouring now.
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