Crafted at Hacienda El Mexicano by Master Distiller Chip Tate in collaboration with the legendary Bañuelos family, Gran Nota Reposado unites generations of tequila-making expertise with innovative fermentation and signature Triple Oak aging
SANTA ROSA, Calif., Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Today, Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS) announces a new spirit that explores what happens when a legendary whiskey maker applies decades of whiskey-making expertise to the fine craft of tequila. Introducing Gran Nota Triple Oak Reposado – a modern tequila shaped by the discipline and patience of renowned whiskey distiller Chip Tate in collaboration with the Bañuelos family. Crafted on-site by the master distiller himself in the highlands of Jalisco at Hacienda El Mexicano (NOM 1588), this ultra-premium reposado is the first from Tate's Gran Nota brand and represents a distinctive evolution in tequila— where the complex aging principles often used in whisky blending are applied.
Gran Nota Triple Oak Reposado begins with 100% mature Blue Weber agave from the Highlands of Jalisco, slow cooked for three days in traditional brick ovens using atmospheric steam rather than pressure-cooking in autoclaves. This deliberate process develops rich, caramelized agave notes while retaining the spirit's natural sweetness and avoiding harsher, acrid flavors. The result is a rounded, nuanced base spirit with a pronounced cooked-agave character.
Tate's award-winning innovation enters the process as the liquid is then fermented for five days with a proprietary malt whiskey yeast typically used in the production of fine Scotch-style whiskies – a true departure from conventional tequila methods – to create a richer, more expressive fermentation profile. The yeast contributes weight, texture and signature notes of fresh pear and ripe fruit, producing a fuller-bodied spirit with greater aromatic complexity.
During distillation, only the finest hearts are selected, with exceptional cut precision, emphasizing purity and structure. Gran Nota Reposado is then rested for five to fourteen months in a signature Triple Oak maturation program that combines new custom American oak, new custom European oak and select ex-whiskey barrels. Each barrel type is specified with different toast levels, enabling targeted extraction across the blend. Tate's aging techniques balance newer oak influence with seasoned barrels to modulate structure and texture while preserving agave character. The result is a reposado with layered oak integration, controlled wood impact, and a measured expression of the base spirit.
"Gran Nota is about unlocking agave's layers and dimensions," said Chip Tate, Master Distiller. "Working alongside the Bañuelos family, we set out to explore how innovative fermentation and a triple oak maturation approach could reveal new dimensions of flavor, while still honoring the essence of the agave. I've wanted to create a reposado that feels familiar yet is undeniably new in its expression of the interplay between the piña and the Oak. True craft celebrates tradition by reinvigorating and building on deep roots."
Bottled at 45% ABV, Gran Nota Reposado shows a notably deeper color than most reposados, reflecting the layered extraction achieved through its maturation program, high-impact toast specifications and longer-than-typical aging. New oak contributes measured tannin, structure and aromatic lift without overwhelming the agave. Its expressive profile is shaped by cooked agave and ripe orchard fruit, opening with aromas of ripe pit fruit, banana and sweet citrus, followed by vanilla, baking spice and subtle cedar. On the palate, rich agave sweetness meets salted toffee, roasted agave and a smooth finish of white chocolate undertones. The finish reflects integrated oak, vivid depth and preserved agave character.
Gran Nota is the fourth in a line of unique and award-winning spirits developed by Tate, Master Distiller of Innovation for Foley Family Wines & Spirits, which also includes Ampersand, a collection of small batch spirits; Gambit No. 6 Whiskey, a 6-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon aged in six different finishing casks; and Penumbra Mezcal, a single-palenque Espadin.
Gran Nota Reposado is available for purchase nationwide at select retailers (SRP $55), in Mexico, and online at https://www.grannotatequila.com.
Gran Nota Images can be found here: Brand Portal - Foley Family Wines & Spirits
Gran Nota—meaning "great note"—is a modern tequila is a modern tequila born from the collaboration of renowned whiskey innovator Chip Tate and the legendary Bañuelos family, bringing together generations of tequila-making expertise, innovative fermentation and Triple Oak aging. It is part of the global portfolio of distilled spirits from Foley Family Wines & Spirits that includes Tequila El Mexicano, High Ground Estate Vodka, Minden Mill (single estate whiskeys), Charles Goodnight Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Evil Bean Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, Lighthouse Gin from New Zealand, the Loch Lomond Group portfolio of Scotch and spirits, Two Stacks Irish Whiskey and Killowen Distillery.
About Foley Family Wines & Spirits
Established by Bill Foley in 1996, Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS) is a portfolio of highly acclaimed wines and spirits from some of the world's greatest estates, each with its distinct style and legacy. FFWS has expanded its portfolio significantly since its founding, now including California wines Banshee, Bar Dog, Chalk Hill Estate Winery, Chalone, Chateau St. Jean, Cherry Pie, Cosentino Winery, Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery, Firestone, Foley Estates, Foley Johnson, Lancaster, Lincourt, Merus, Rickshaw, Roth, Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery, Silverado Vineyards, Sonoma Coast Vineyards, and Swanson; and The Four Graces and Acrobat in Oregon. FFWS's imported wines include Champagne PIAFF and Lucien Albrecht in France, Nieto Senetiner in Argentina, Korta Katarina in Croatia, and wine brands spanning three of New Zealand's most acclaimed winegrowing regions: Marlborough, Central Otago, and Martinborough. The growing global spirits portfolio includes domestic brands Minden Mill Whiskeys, High Ground Estate Vodka®, Charles Goodnight Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Evil Bean Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, Gambit No. 6, and Ampersand. International spirits include New Zealand's Lighthouse Gin, Tequila El Mexicano, Penumbra Mezcal, the Loch Lomond Group portfolio of Scotch and spirits, Two Stacks Irish Whiskey, and Killowen Distillery. FFWS also imports SABÉ canned cocktails and Tequio Tequila cocktails. To learn more about Foley Family Wines & Spirits, visit ffws.com.
Media Contact
Dave Karraker, Foley Family Wines & Spirits, 1 4157100245, [email protected], https://www.ffws.com/
SOURCE Foley Family Wines & Spirits
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