The distillery at the base of the Tequila Volcano was founded in 1941 by Jorge Salles Cuervo began to producing only the El Tequileno brand in 1958. The distillery uses only highland agave to produce a classic tequila of the highest quality. Devoted exclusively to this special brand the distillery has long been considered one of Tequila's best kept secret. It's certified additive free and produces a semi-modern style using autoclaves and roller mills, but ferments in open cement tanks. It's said that the wild yeast from the mango trees surrounding the distillery add a special additional character to the ferment. The Gran Reserva Reposado is aged for 8 months in very large "Pipones" before being blended with 18 month old Anejo tequilas aged in a mixture of French and American oak. These giant foudres soften the excellent spirit without overpowering with oak, but the richness of the older tequilas offer depth and complexity unparalled in the category.