Insólito tequila is the brand from Texas country band Midland. It was released in February 2020 and comes in a blanco ($40 RRP), reposado ($50) and añejo ($60). Unlike most of the 50+ celebrity tequilas, Insólito is confirmed additive free by Tequila Matchmaker.
Insólito tequila is known by tequila snobs as a well-made, good bang for buck tequila. Compared to Casamigos, the flag-bearer for celebrity tequila, Insólito costs about the same price but is much higher quality and better tasting for those that like the taste of real tequila.
Here’s an overview of Insólito tequila, how and where it’s made and what makes it different.
Table of Contents
What does Insólito Mean?
Insólito translates to rare, uncommon, extraordinary, (or strange). The name is meant to signify the special nature of the tequila.
How is Insólito Tequila Different?
Insólito lives up to its name in a few ways, doing things differently to many other tequila brands:
- Distilled at the highest elevation tequila distillery in Mexico.
- Insólito is distilled at 7,200 feet (2,195 meters). The higher elevation prolongs the fermentation process, reportedly leading to a more complex product.
- The town of Tequila, where most tequila is produced, has an elevation of around 3,800 feet (1,158 meters).
- The area known as the highlands in Jalisco is between 5,300 feet to 6,800 feet (1,600m to 2,100m).
- Aged in new American oak barrels for the reposado and in French oak for the añejo.
- Most tequila is aged in ex-bourbon barrels. New barrels impart more flavor but cost more.
- Longer aging process.
- Insólito reposado is aged for up to 10 months (average eight), well above the minimum two months to be considered a reposado. The añejo is aged for between 18 and 24 months. Again, well above the minimum 12 months required to be añejo.
- Confirmed additive free.
- Most tequila brands contain undisclosed additives which generally add sweet vanilla notes. Insólito is confirmed additive free by Tequila Matchmaker.
- Unique bottle design.
- Insólito bottles stand out on the shelf or bar. They are shaped like a whisky flask, with bold colors for each expression.
- The logo is of a flamingo in the desert.
Who Owns Insólito Tequila?
Insólito tequila is owned by country band Midland and their partners, including co-founder and CEO Pete Kelly of Spirits Innovation Partners, and brothers Octavio and Alberto Herrera.
Who Makes Insólito Tequila?
Insólito tequila is made by master distiller Alberto Herrera at Premium de Jalisco distillery in Mazamitla, Jalisco, Mexico. The distillery is also known as La Estacada.
Where is it Made?
Insólito tequila is made at Premium de Jalisco distillery (La Estacada) in the Sierra del Tigre mountains of Mazamitla, Jalisco, Mexico, NOM:1558.
Other Brands Produced by the Distillery
There are 10 other brands produced at the same distillery as Insólito tequila. The most famous of these is Tierra Noble. Other brands include fellow celebrity tequila Pura Vida (backed by Billy Gibbons of ZZ-Top), as well as Dos Armadillos, Campo Roble, Religion Tequila, SALT Tequila and Las Garrafas.
How is Insólito Tequila Made?
All Insólito tequila is made from 100% blue Weber agave. A blend of 80% highland and 20% lowland agave is used. To prepare the agave for fermentation the piñas are baked in a modern autoclave but at low pressure. Many cheaper brands use an autoclave but at high pressure. The low pressure cooking process takes 23 hours.
Fermentation for Insólito tequila is done in two stages. The first stage with wild yeast takes four days. Followed by a secondary fermentation with commercial yeast (saccharomyses cerevisiae which leads to malolactic fermentation) which takes eight days.
Insólito tequila is twice distilled in stainless steel stills. It has a still proof of 105 (52.5% alcohol by volume). All expressions are diluted to 40% with spring water.
Aging is in new American oak barrels, charred to level 2.5 (meaning the inside of the barrel has had fire applied to it for just over 30 seconds). This is just below the level used by most bourbon producers.
The blanco is rested for six weeks in stainless steel.
Insólito Tequila Product Lineup
Insólito Blanco
- 100% agave
- 40% ABV
- $40, 750ml
- Rested six weeks in stainless steel.
- Good for: sipping straight or chilled, mixing in cocktails
- Tasting notes: sweet cooked agave, pepper and citrus
Insólito Reposado
- 100% agave
- 40% ABV
- $50, 750ml
- Aged between six and 10 months in new American oak barrels (average of eight months)
- Good for: sipping straight or chilled, mixing in cocktails
- Tasting notes: cooked agave, vanilla, white and black pepper
Insólito Anjeo
- 100% agave
- 40% ABV
- $60, 750ml
- Aged between 18 and 24 months in new American oak barrels (average of eight months)
- Good for: sipping. Replacement for bourbon in cocktails, e.g., Old Fashioned
- Tasting notes: cooked agave, caramel, oak, black pepper
An extra añejo (aged 3+ years) is rumored to be in development.
Is Insólito Additive Free?
Yes, Insólito tequila is confirmed additive free. This means it has no added sweeteners, glycerin, coloring or oak flavoring that many tequilas use without needing to disclose it. Insólito tequila has gone through a verification audit with Tequila Matchmaker to confirm it is additive free.
Country Musicians and Their Tequilas
Tequila and country music have long gone together. Actually most types of alcohol and country music have long gone together. Midland is one of a few country musicians to have their own brand of tequila.
Tequila Brands Backed by Country Musicians
- Código 1530 by George Straight, the “King of Country”
- Juan Lobo by Jon Wolf
- Dos Primos by Thomas Rhett
- Man in Black by Kinky Friedman
Toby Keith also has mezcal called Wildshot.
About Midland
Midland is an American country music group formed in 2016 in Dripping Springs, Texas, and is known for their rich harmonies and traditional country sound. The band was founded in 2016, and its members include Mark Wystrach (lead vocals), Jess Carson (guitar and background vocals), and Cameron Duddy (bass guitar and background vocals). They named the band “Midland” after a Dwight Yoakam song of the same name.
1. Mark Wystrach: Before forming Midland, Mark Wystrach was an actor and model. He is the front man of the group, providing the lead vocals. He was born in Tucson, Arizona.
2. Jess Carson: Jess Carson is the group’s guitarist and provides background vocals. He grew up in Oregon and has had a long-term fascination with traditional country music..
3. Cameron Duddy: Cameron Duddy plays the bass guitar and also provides background vocals for the group. Before joining Midland, he was a music video director and won an MTV Video Music Award for directing Bruno Mars’ “Locked Out of Heaven”.
Discography and Achievements
Midland, emerging in the country music scene in 2016 with their debut EP “Midland,” quickly gained recognition with their hit single “Drinkin’ Problem.” The single’s success led to their first chart hit and a Grammy nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards.
In 2017, the band released their debut album “On the Rocks,” featuring hits like “Make a Little” and “Burn Out,” solidifying their presence in the industry. Their continued success was evident with the 2019 release of their sophomore album “Let it Roll,” which included notable tracks such as “Mr. Lonely” and “Cheatin’ Songs” and garnered nominations at the Country Music Association Awards and the Academy of Country Music Awards.
Midland has released a third studio album, “The Last Resort: Greetings From,” adding more charted singles to their repertoire.
Further Questions About Insólito
What Insólito tequila is the best?
Insólito añejo is the highest rated in the lineup.
What type of tequila is Insólito?
Insólito tequila is made from 100% agave. The tequila is made using mostly traditional production methods. Insólito makes blanco, reposado and añejo tequilas.
Does Insólito tequila go off?
An unopened bottle of Insólito tequila will never go off, provided it is stored away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. Once opened Insólito should be drunk within a couple of years.
Is Insólito tequila gluten free?
Yes, Insólito tequila is gluten free. Like all tequilas (including mixtos) Insólito contains no gluten.
Is Insólito real tequila?
Yes, Insólito is real tequila made from 100% agave. Insólito is made with mostly traditional methods but uses a low pressure autoclave for its production.
Is Insólito tequila Kosher?
Yes, Insólito is acceptable as Kosher, as a 100% agave tequila.
What is Insólito tequila ABV?
Insólito tequila is 40% ABV (80 proof). Almost all tequila sold in the US is 40% ABV.