Raising the Bar: Master Distiller Graciela Gonzalez On Crafting Escasa Tequila

National Tequila Day is a U.S. celebration held every July 24. It’s a day when tequila lovers are encouraged to raise a glass, savor the nuances of Mexico’s most famous spirit, and learn a little about the plant and people behind it. Against this backdrop of tradition and celebration stands Escasa Tequila, a new ultra‑premium sipping tequila that launched this year by fourth‑generation master distiller Graciela “Grace” Gonzalez.

Photo Credit: Escasa Tequila
The brand’s name means ‘rare’ in Spanish, and the company lives up to that promise by producing small batches from hand‑selected Blue Weber agave grown on a single estate each year. Gonzalez told Haute Living that she was inspired by her father and more than 125 years of family tradition in tequila making. “Escasa is an homage to those who introduced me to the craft and is infused with centuries of knowledge and dedication,” Gonzalez said. She added that what distinguishes Escasa is its meticulous process involving a triple distillation using only mature, single estate‑grown agave, extra pure water, heirloom yeast, and Bagazo fibers, a blend of heritage and purity she believes makes the tequila unique.

Photo Credit: Escasa Tequila

Single‑Estate Agave
One of the brand’s signature moves is sourcing agave from a different single estate in Jalisco each year. Gonzalez explained that this reflects the rich diversity of the region’s terroir. After harvesting, the agave is roasted for at least 24 hours and pressed, and then Bagazo fibers are added back into the fermentation tanks. “This helps to add a deeper, more complex dimension to the flavor,” she said. The triple distillation that follows refines the spirit“into a bold, silky Blanco tequila with a spicy and full‑bodied finish. 

Albariño Barrels: A Winemaker’s Touch
As a wine lover, Gonzalez wanted to bridge her passion for wine and tequila. She chose to age Escasa’s Reposado in Albariño barrels from Spain’s Rías Baixas region, an unusual choice for tequila. “One thing I love about tequila and Albariños are the minerals and crisp flavors of both,” said Gonzalez. The barrels impart delicate citrus, stone fruit, and saline notes that add brightness and elegance without overpowering the agave. Escasa’s Reposado that debuted this summer is the first of its kind to age in Albariño barrels, pairing the Blanco’s earthiness with the citrus‑rich, mineral character of the Spanish wine.

For Gonzalez, Escasa is about more than the liquid; it’s about how people feel when they drink it. She hopes the tequila takes people on a journey through their own personal experiences and inspires them to celebrate life’s moments with those they love. “Whether I’m sipping it on the rocks with an orange peel or mixing it into a margarita with fresh ingredients, Escasa fits seamlessly into my lifestyle,” Gonzalez expressed. She likes pairing the Blanco with sashimi, ceviche, or beet salad with goat cheese and walnuts and enjoys drinking it neat with good music and loved ones.

Gonzalez’s personal wellness rituals also influence her work. She starts each day with meditation and sets intentions. Traveling often, she carves out at least 30 minutes for exercise, which gives her energy and balance. “Being organized and a creature of habit has helped me in this industry,” Gonzalez said, adding that patience is crucial in tequila production, especially when waiting for agave fields to mature. 

Photo Credit: Escasa Tequila

Signature Margarita and Food Pairings
To celebrate National Tequila Day, Gonzalez shared her signature margarita recipe. Combine 2–3 oz Escasa Blanco, ¾ oz fresh lime juice, 0.05 oz agave nectar, and 0.05 oz orange liqueur. Garnish a half‑salted rim with a dehydrated lime wheel. The simple, clean recipe is designed to showcase the Blanco’s natural flavors rather than mask them. For food pairings, she recommends clean, bright dishes such as sashimi, ceviche, or a beet‑and‑goat‑cheese salad and notes that good company is as important as the setting.

Photo Credit: Escasa Tequila

Women, Heritage, and the Future of Tequila
Gonzalez is the first woman in her family to lead the distillery. She sees more women stepping into leadership roles and hopes for continued recognition and opportunity for female voices in tequila and spirits. When asked what advice she would give to young women interested in tequila, entrepreneurship or craftsmanship, Gonzalez shared wisdom from her father. “He said ‘Quene, sky’s the limit.’ Later I said, ‘What if I fail?’ He responded, ‘Then you try again.’”