Our Story

The Beginning

From our family and friends along the North American coast, bonding over a shared love for highland tequila, we come together to celebrate this fine agave-forward spirit.

Bringing into existence an artisanal brand that puts flavor first. Coming from within the walls of NOM 1414, the Vivanco family's multi-generation distillery in Arandas, Jalisco, we are proud to serve you our pure and earthy tequila that hits you with a subtle, but sneaky complexity.

Sergio VivancoNOM 1414 · Vivanco Family

Sergio CruzMaster Distiller

Grisel VargasMaster Profiler

Two Partners, One Vision

FILAZUL was founded by two partners united by a passion for exceptional tequila and a deep appreciation for the craft that goes into every bottle.

One of our founders carries with him the heritage of Los Altos de Jalisco, with deep family roots in Tepatitlán. This connection runs through our veins—we are alteños, people of the highlands, and this identity shapes everything we do.

What began as gatherings among friends along the North American coast, sharing stories over glasses of highland tequila, evolved into a mission: to bring an authentic, flavor-first tequila to those who appreciate quality and craft.

Two FILAZUL hats resting on freshly harvested agave piñas outside the steaming hornos at NOM 1414

Alteño Heritage

To be an alteño is to carry the spirit of the highlands in your heart. Los Altos de Jalisco is more than just a region—it's a way of life, a tradition of excellence, and a commitment to craft that spans generations.

Our family roots in Tepatitlán connect us to the land, the people, and the centuries-old tradition of tequila making. This isn't just where we source our tequila—this is where we come from.

The highlands have shaped us, and in turn, we honor that heritage with every bottle of FILAZUL. We understand the terroir, we know the masters, and we respect the process because it's part of who we are.

"We are not just making tequila in the highlands—
we are alteños making tequila from our homeland."

Blue agave fields in the highlands of Arandas with the city's Gothic church rising in the distance

Why Arandas

Arandas sits at the heart of Los Altos, renowned worldwide for producing some of Mexico's finest tequila. The elevation, climate, and limestone-rich soil create ideal conditions for growing exceptional blue agave.

Our partnership with NOM 1414 and the Vivanco family allows us to work with master craftsmen who have dedicated their lives to perfecting their art, alongside master distiller Sergio Cruz and master profiler Grisel Vargas. Their award-winning expertise, combined with our selective standards, ensures every bottle of FILAZUL meets our vision of what highland tequila should be.

Our Philosophy

At FILAZUL, everything begins and ends with flavor. We believe that exceptional tequila doesn't need to hide behind elaborate aging or complex infusions—the agave should speak for itself.

That's why we focus on an agave-forward expression that showcases the pure character of highland blue agave. Subtle, yet with sneaky complexity, our Blanco reveals layers of flavor that unfold with each sip.

Flavor First

Every decision we make—from agave selection to production methods—is guided by one question: will this make the tequila taste better? Quality over everything.

Selective Sourcing

Working with a distillery that has access to abundant, high-quality agave allows us to be exceptionally selective. We choose plants based on sugar content and flavor characteristics, ensuring consistency and excellence.

Highland Terroir

The limestone aquifers of Los Altos provide pristine water drawn from deep wells. Combined with ideal elevation and climate, our agave develops higher sugar content and natural complexity.

Artisanal Craft

Multi-generational expertise meets modern precision. Small-batch production ensures quality control, while award-winning master distillers bring decades of knowledge to every batch.

NOM 1414 & the Vivanco Family

FILAZUL is made at NOM 1414, Destilería El Ranchito, in the highlands of Arandas. The Vivanco family has grown agave on this land for five generations, and in 1994 Feliciano Vivanco and his five sons built a distillery of their own. Today the family still runs it, with co-owner Sergio Vivanco among the next generation carrying the tradition forward.

Every agave that goes into NOM 1414 tequila is estate grown with organic practices across the family's small ranchos, and only mature piñas are harvested. From there it is slow-roasted in brick ovens, gently milled, fermented in open-air tanks to the sound of classical music, and distilled twice in copper pot stills. The well water at El Ranchito ties it all together.

5Generations of agave

1994Distillery founded

16Estate ranchos

6,600 ftHighland elevation

Master Distiller

Sergio Cruz

A chemist turned maestro tequilero, Sergio Cruz oversees every step of production at El Ranchito, from the slow roast in brick ovens to the final pass through copper. Regarded as one of the most acclaimed distillers of his generation, he brings a scientist's precision to a family tradition, and it shows in every batch of FILAZUL.

Master Profiler

Grisel Vargas

A Master Profiler of Spirits and sommelier with two decades in the tequila world, Grisel Vargas is the bridge between the distiller and the glass. She shaped FILAZUL's sensory identity, from aroma and texture to balance and finish, and serves as a judge at spirits and mixology competitions.

The Journey

Shared Passion

Friends and family along the North American coast discover a shared love for highland tequila, bonding over the unique character and quality of Los Altos expressions.

The Vision Takes Shape

Two partners unite with a mission: create an artisanal tequila brand that puts flavor first, honoring the alteño heritage while bringing exceptional tequila to those who appreciate craft.

Finding the Right Partner

Connecting with an award-winning, multi-generation distillery in Arandas that shares our commitment to quality and artisanal methods. Together, we establish the standards that define FILAZUL.

Perfecting the Expression

Through careful agave selection, utilizing highland terroir, and working with master distillers, we craft a Blanco that embodies our vision: pure, earthy, and with that subtle, sneaky complexity.

FILAZUL is Born

From our family to yours—FILAZUL Tequila Blanco launches in Southern California, bringing the spirit of the highlands to those who appreciate exceptional tequila.