Introduction: Lost Lore Joven Tequila is a distinctive and boldly crafted expression produced at Destilería Feliciano Vivanco & Associates in the Los Altos Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Founded by Arturo Lamas III, whose great-grandfather crafted agave spirits in the early 1900s, Lost Lore was born from a desire to reclaim a family tradition that had been lost through the generations. The Joven expression blends the vibrant freshness of an unaged blanco with the nuanced complexity of a reposado, resulting in a spirit that bridges tradition and artistry in a single bottle.
Agave Content: Crafted from 100% mature Blue Weber Agave, sourced from the Jalisco Highlands (Los Altos) and harvested at peak ripeness to deliver the robust, sweet agave character that defines the Lost Lore style.
Aroma: Inviting and expressive, with rich cooked agave at the center, layered with earthy citrus zest, cinnamon, light honey, and a subtle minerality. Warm baking spices weave through the bouquet alongside hints of black pepper and a faint floral lift from the Champagne yeast fermentation.
Flavor: Agave-forward and multidimensional, with sweet cooked agave leading into layers of cinnamon, caramel, and light honey. A lively punch of jalapeño and black pepper builds mid-palate, while citrus cuts through with freshness and subtle oak nuance from the reposado component adds warmth and depth. The finish is clean and enduring, with lingering agave sweetness, a touch of peppery spice, and a soft oak echo that carries the profile gracefully to a close.
Mouthfeel: Medium-light in weight yet strikingly oily and coating on the palate. The blend of blanco and reposado creates a silky, well-rounded texture that belies its proof, delivering a smooth and refined sensation with minimal alcohol heat and a clean, lasting finish.
Aging Process: As a Joven expression, Lost Lore blends an unaged blanco base with a carefully measured portion of reposado tequila aged in used American white oak whiskey barrels. This approach layers the bright, agave-forward character of the blanco with the mellow warmth and subtle spice of the barrel-rested component, creating a cohesive and balanced spirit.
Distillery and Production Details:
Distillery: Destilería Feliciano Vivanco & Associates
NOM: 1414
Region: Arandas, Los Altos, Jalisco, Mexico
Master Distiller: Sergio Cruz
Cooking: Agave piñas are slow-cooked in traditional stone/brick ovens (hornos) to develop natural sweetness and depth.
Extraction: Juices are extracted using a roller mill.
Fermentation: Fermented in open-air stainless steel tanks using Champagne yeast, with classical music played throughout the process to promote optimal yeast activity.
Distillation: Double-distilled in copper pot stills.
Water Source: Deep well water
Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 46% (92 proof)
Additive Status: Verified Additive-Free
Farming Practices: Lost Lore sources only mature Blue Weber Agave from the Jalisco Highlands, where the region's rich red clay soils and high elevation contribute to the distinctive mineral character and concentrated sweetness of the agave. The brand's commitment to additive-free production reflects a broader philosophy of honoring the natural integrity of the plant and the land from which it comes.
Overall Impression: Lost Lore Joven Tequila is a compelling and well-executed expression that successfully bridges the worlds of blanco and reposado in a way that feels intentional rather than compromising. The agave character remains front and center throughout, while the reposado component adds just enough warmth and complexity to elevate the profile without masking the Highland terroir that makes this spirit so distinctive. At 92 proof, it punches above its weight in both flavor and character, making it equally worthy of a neat pour or a spirit-forward cocktail. It is a fitting tribute to a rediscovered legacy.