General Gorostieta High Proof

General Gorostieta High Proof is a 100% agave tequila from Jalisco bottled at an elevated proof that amplifies the roasted agave character at its core. Named for General Enrique Gorostieta Velarde, a key figure in the Cristero War, this small-batch expression pushes intensity without sacrificing balance, a point of distinction in a category where high-proof offerings often prioritize heat over structure. The spirit is produced in the highlands or lowlands of Jalisco—the exact terroir informs the agave's sweetness and minerality—and the higher alcohol content serves as a vehicle for flavor rather than a gimmick. The General Gorostieta distillery works exclusively with mature blue Weber agave, cooking the piñas to develop caramelization before fermentation and double distillation. Small-batch production allows for tighter quality control, and the decision to bottle at higher proof reflects a philosophy shared by several craft tequila producers in Jalisco: that dilution can mask flaws but proof can reveal terroir. The spirit undergoes minimal filtration, preserving oils and particulate that contribute to mouthfeel and aroma. Water source and still type remain undisclosed in available documentation, but the profile suggests copper pot distillation given the richness and weight on the palate. On tasting, the high proof delivers roasted agave forward, layered with black pepper spice and vanilla sweetness that likely comes from brief barrel contact or the agave itself rather than extended aging. The finish is long and warm, with a peppery fade that lingers without turning astringent. This is a tequila for sipping neat or with a single large ice cube, allowing the proof to open gradually as it chills. It also makes an assertive base for a margarita or Paloma where you want the agave to stand up to citrus and salt, and it pairs well with grilled meats, charred vegetables, or aged cheeses that can match its intensity. General Gorostieta High Proof is available for pickup at Off Premise Chicago, 1128 W Armitage Ave in Lincoln Park, with local Chicago delivery and nationwide shipping.