Stoli Group launches super-premium Cenote Tequila. Credit: Business Wire.

US-based producer and distributor of spirits Stoli Group has launched super-premium Cenote Tequila, called ‘Tequila with a Soul’, with blanco, añejo and reposado expressions, in the US.

Cenote is a 100% Agave Azul Tequilana Weber tequila and is inspired by the spectacular limestone cenotes scattered across Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.

It is made with volcanic water sourced from a well in the distillery’s grounds. To eliminate the chance of impurities, the water goes through reverse osmosis and carbon filters with silver ions.

The water is fermented in stainless steel columns before undergoing double-pot distillation through a combination of copper and silver stills. This process is said to preserve the natural flavours of the agave used.

The tequila is aged in American Oak Bourbon Barrels, which adds citrus and pepper notes to the flavour of the product.

The production process for Cenote was managed by master distiller Arturo Fuentes and master blender Alejandro Garcia Páez at the distillery located at the foot of Tequila Volcano in Jalisco, Mexico.

“We see great potential for Cenote Tequila, which allows us to step into a very dynamic category, as consumers have discovered sipping-grade tequilas.”

Stoli Group Global CEO Hugues Pietrini said: “We see great potential for Cenote Tequila, which allows us to step into a very dynamic category, as consumers have discovered sipping-grade tequilas.

“With Cenote, we are looking to recruit younger, urban consumers into both the tequila category and our super premium portfolio.”

The Cenote Tequila Blanco expression is matured for three weeks before bottling. The reposado expression is aged for three months and contains flavours of vanilla and green vegetables.

The Añejo expression is aged for one year, which gives it a deep, amber colour and produces a smoked, woody aroma with vanilla, spice and chocolate notes.

The Cenote Blanco expression has a suggested retail price (SRP) of $34.99, while Resposado and Añejo have a SRP of $39.99 each.