El Sueno

Published on 20 January 2025 at 18:41

El Sueño was founded in 2021 by two friends, Paul Hayes and Nav Grewal

History & Heritage

 

El Sueño Tequila is a relatively new brand with a clear mission: to offer high-quality, authentic tequila at an accessible price point. While it doesn't have centuries of history like some of the older tequila houses, it's built on a foundation of deep agave knowledge and a passion for the spirit. Here's what we know about its history and heritage:

Founding Story

El Sueño was founded in 2021 by two friends, Paul Hayes and Nav Grewal, who shared a love for agave spirits. After working with agave in Mexico for over 16 years, they were frustrated by the poor quality of most affordable tequilas available in the UK. They also had concerns about undisclosed ingredients in some lower-cost brands.  

Their goal was to create a tequila that was both high-quality and affordable, making authentic tequila accessible to a wider audience.  
 

Production and Distillery

El Sueño works with experienced tequila producers in Mexico who have a long history of agave cultivation and tequila making. This allows them to draw on generations of expertise.  

They use a blend of Weber Blue Agave from both the highlands and lowlands of Jalisco. This is interesting because it allows them to combine the different flavour profiles that these regions impart. Highland agave tends to have more floral and fruity notes, while lowland agave is often more herbaceous and earthy.  
 

Traditional Methods

 El Sueño emphasizes traditional production methods, including:

Horno ovens: For cooking the agave piñas.

Tahona wheel (in some expressions): A traditional stone wheel used for crushing the cooked agave

Small batch production: This allows for greater control over quality.  

Resting in Bourbon Barrels (for the Gold): Their Gold expression is rested for two months in bourbon barrels, which adds subtle notes of caramel and vanilla.  
 

 

Emphasis on Natural Ingredients

El Sueño is committed to using natural ingredients and avoiding unnecessary additives. This is important to them, especially given the concerns that one of the founders had about undisclosed ingredients in other brands.  

 
Sustainability
 The brand is focused on sustainable practices in agave farming and production.  
 

Focus on Accessibility

A key part of their heritage is their commitment to making quality tequila accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford high-end brands.

 

El Sueño is a Mixto Tequila 

 

El Sueño  tequila is made from 70% Blue Weber Agave and 30% Piloncillo, a natural Mexican cane sugar. It's also made with volcanic spring water from the distillery. 

 

 

Tasting Notes

 El Sueño Blanco

 

AROMA

 

The dominant aroma is fresh, cooked agave. This presents as vegetal, with slightly sweet and sometimes earthy undertones. You'll likely detect bright citrus aromas, such as lemon, lime, or grapefruit zest. This adds a refreshing and zesty quality.  subtle herbal notes, which can vary from grassy to slightly peppery. These hints contribute to the complexity of the aroma.

 

APPEARANCE

Crystal Clear

PALATE

 El Sueño Blanco is known for its clean and crisp taste. The agave flavours are prominent but not overpowering. The citrus notes from the aroma translate well to the palate, providing a refreshing and zesty character. A subtle peppery or spicy kick is often present, especially in the mid-palate. This adds a pleasant warmth and complexity.

 

FINISH

The finish is Floral and Citrus

 

El Sueño Gold

 

AROMA

You'll likely detect sweet cooked agave notes as the base. 

 The bourbon barrel aging (2 months)contributes aromas of caramel and vanilla, adding a layer of sweetness and warmth.

Some  subtle fruity notes, perhaps hints of tropical fruit or pineapple.

 

 

APPEARANCE

Light Golden Hue

PALATE

 

The taste follows the aroma with a smooth, slightly sweet entry.  Caramel and vanilla notes are more pronounced on the palate, giving it a rounder and richer mouthfeel compared to a Blanco. The agave flavour is still present, though it's tempered by the sweetness and oak influence.

A gentle peppery or spicy note might emerge in the mid-palate, adding a bit of complexity.

 

FINISH

 

The finish is generally smooth and warm, with the sweetness and oak notes lingering. is not as long and complex as an aged Añejo but offers a pleasant warmth.