Honoring the past, toasting the future.
Our story begins in San José Iturbide
We invite you to discover the historical and cultural wealth of Casas Viejas since 1754.
In the heart of San José Iturbide, a land rich in history and traditions, Casas Viejas was born in 1754, an artisanal mezcal that honors the
spirit of Guanajuato. Our region, although not historically recognized as a mezcal producer, holds in its essence a legacy that time has almost erased.
During the wars of independence, many of the old mezcal haciendas disappeared, leaving behind a void in our heritage.
Today, in Casas Viejas, we are proud to rescue this lost tradition, transforming it into a living tribute to our roots.
More than a drink, our mezcal is a bridge to the past, a reminder of our identity and a celebration of the cultural richness of San José Iturbide, known
formerly known as Casas Viejas.
Our story begins
in San Jose de Iturbide
Our story begins
in San Jose de Iturbide
A living tribute
to our roots
We invite you to discover the historical and cultural wealth of Casas Viejas since 1754. In the heart of San José Iturbide , a land rich in history and traditions, Casas Viejas was born since 1754, an artisanal mezcal that honors the spirit of Guanajuato.
Our region, although not historically recognized as a mezcal producer, holds in its essence a legacy that time has almost erased. During the wars of independence, many of the old mezcal haciendas disappeared, leaving behind a void in our heritage.
Today, at Casas Viejas , we are proud to rescue that lost tradition, transforming it into a living tribute to our roots. More than a drink, our mezcal is a bridge to the past, a reminder of our identity and a celebration of the cultural richness of San José Iturbide , formerly known as Casas Viejas.
“More than a mezcal , Casas Viejas is a liquid story that honors the agave and the land that saw it grow.”
- Founders
“More than a mezcal, Casas Viejas is a liquid story that honors the agave and the land that saw it grow.”
- Founders
Casas Viejas is a family project dedicated to preserving the agave tradition and marketing artisanal mezcal. It represents our commitment to history, culture and the environment, offering a unique experience where the beauty of the landscape, education about agave and family life come together. More than a business, it is a legacy that seeks to honor our roots, support the local community and share the richness of Mexican mezcal with the world.
Casas Viejas is a family project dedicated to preserving the agave tradition and marketing artisanal mezcal. It represents our commitment to history, culture and the environment, offering a unique experience where the beauty of the landscape, education about agave and family life come together. More than a business, it is a legacy that seeks to honor our roots, support the local community and share the richness of Mexican mezcal with the world.
Guanajuato's soil, characterized by its volcanic texture and high mineral content, offers a favorable environment for the development of agave. However, the successful adaptation of these varieties requires specialized management to maximize their productivity and resilience. Over the years, we have carried out soil studies, crop rotation, and sustainable conservation practices to ensure that each plant grows in optimal conditions. Each species responds differently to the environment, and for this reason we employ customized techniques: while Salmiana crassispina stands out for its resistance to drought, Espadín adapts particularly well to low-fertility soils, allowing us to make the most of our land.
A fundamental pillar of our work is the reproduction of agaves using offshoots. This traditional method guarantees the perpetuation of desirable genetic characteristics and strengthens the health of the crops. Offshoots are carefully separated from the mother plants in a manual process that respects the life cycle of each agave. They are then relocated to controlled nurseries where they are given specialized care before being transplanted into the field. In addition, the sale of offshoots is a key part of our economic activity and the promotion of agave culture in the region. The offshoots we offer meet the highest quality standards, ensuring that they can thrive on similar lands. Our approach not only encourages the conservation of the species, but also contributes to the development of a network of agave growers in Guanajuato and beyond.
Although all of our varieties are important, Espadín represents the majority of our plantations due to its high yield and versatility for mezcal production. However, the genetic diversity in our fields guarantees not only the quality of the final product, but also ecological sustainability. Growing varieties such as Arroqueño and Agave azul enriches the ecosystem, promotes pollination and protects against possible diseases or pests that may affect a single species. At Casas Viejas, each agave plant tells a story of effort, respect for nature and commitment to tradition. We invite our visitors to tour our fields and learn about the process that turns agave into the soul of Mexico.
Growing 10 varieties of agave in old houses
Growing 10 varieties
of agave in old houses
At Casas Viejas since 1754 , agave cultivation is not just an agricultural practice, but a deeply rooted tradition that combines ancestral knowledge and modern techniques. Currently, our ranch has 8 varieties of agave carefully selected for their ability to adapt to the soil and climate of Guanajuato, as well as for their contribution to local biodiversity. The varieties we grow include Salmiana salmiana, Salmiana Ferox, Salmiana crassispina, Salmiana americana, Agave weberi, Agave mapisaga, Agave marginata, Agave azul, Arroqueño , and the predominant Espadín.
Agave varieties grown in old houses
Agave varieties grown in old houses
Salmiana salmiana
Known for its resistance to dry climates, this agave is characterized by its long, fleshy leaves. Its sap is used to make aguamiel and pulque, typical products of the region.
Salmiana ferox
Large in size and with an imposing presence, this variety is known for its thorny edges and its adaptability to rocky soils. It is ideal for the production of artisanal mezcal.
Salmiana crassispina
With thick, robust leaves, this variety provides a special aromatic profile to mezcal. Its growth is slow, but its quality compensates for its maturation time.
Salmiana americana
Widely distributed, this agave stands out for its versatile use in beverages and derived products. Its adaptability makes it one of the most cultivated species.
Agave marginata
This agave is distinguished by its elegant appearance and leaves with decorative edges, often used in landscaping. In mezcal production, it provides a subtle flavor profile with herbal and fresh notes.
Agave weberi
With an elegant appearance and broad leaves, this variety is used both for the production of spirits and for reforestation projects due to its easy adaptation.
Agave mapisaga
Known for its large size and rapid growth, this agave is ideal for fiber production and as natural shade in mixed crops.
Agave azul
Famous for being the main ingredient in tequila, this agave also plays a prominent role in the production of mezcal thanks to its consistent sweet profile.
Agave arroqueno
Slow-growing and large in size, the arroqueño produces mezcals with a distinctive and deep flavour. It is highly valued by the most demanding palates.
Espadín
The predominant variety in Casas Viejas, espadín is known for its adaptability and high production. Its versatile profile allows for the creation of mezcals with a wide range of flavors and aromas.
Committed to our land, our traditions
and our future
We promote mezcal, cultural and ecological tourism.
We boost the local economy and employment.
We highlight the value of mezcal and agave.
Salmiana salmiana
Known for its resistance to dry climates, this agave is characterized by its long, fleshy leaves. Its sap is used to make aguamiel and pulque, typical products of the region.
Salmiana ferox
Large in size and with an imposing presence, this variety is known for its thorny edges and its adaptability to rocky soils. It is ideal for the production of artisanal mezcal.
Salmiana Crassispina
With thick, robust leaves, this variety provides a special aromatic profile to mezcal. Its growth is slow, but its quality compensates for its maturation time.
American Salmiana
Widely distributed, this agave stands out for its versatile use in beverages and derived products. Its adaptability makes it one of the most cultivated species.
Agave marginata
This agave is distinguished by its elegant appearance and leaves with decorative edges, often used in landscaping. In mezcal production, it provides a subtle flavor profile with herbal and fresh notes.
Agave weberi
With an elegant appearance and broad leaves, this variety is used both for the production of spirits and for reforestation projects due to its easy adaptation.
Agave mapisaga
Known for its large size and rapid growth, this agave is ideal for fiber production and as natural shade in mixed crops.
Blue Agave
Famous for being the main ingredient in tequila, this agave also plays a prominent role in the production of mezcal thanks to its sweet and aromatic profile.
consistent.
Agave Arroqueño
Slow-growing and large in size, the arroqueño produces mezcals with a distinctive and deep flavor. It is highly valued by the most demanding palates.
Sprat
The predominant variety in Casas Viejas, espadín is known for its adaptability and high production. Its versatile profile allows for the creation of mezcals with a wide range of flavors and aromas.
“More than a mezcal, Casas Viejas is a liquid story that honors the agave and the land that saw it grow.”
- Founders
Casas Viejas is a family project dedicated to preserving the agave tradition and marketing artisanal mezcal. It represents our commitment to history, culture and the environment, offering a unique experience where the beauty of the landscape, education about agave and family life come together. More than a business, it is a legacy that seeks to honor our roots, support the local community and share the richness of Mexican mezcal with the world.
“More than a mezcal , Casas Viejas is a liquid story that honors the agave and the land that saw it grow.”
- Founders
Casas Viejas is a family project dedicated to preserving the agave tradition and marketing artisanal mezcal. It represents our commitment to history, culture and the environment, offering a unique experience where the beauty of the landscape, education about agave and family life come together. More than a business, it is a legacy that seeks to honor our roots, support the local community and share the richness of Mexican mezcal with the world.