HOOD RIVER DISTILLERS ADDS BATANGA, A PREMIUM TEQUILA TO PORTFOLIO

One of the country’s oldest spirits companies deepens its relationship with one of the tequila category’s founding families to bring a new tequila to the U.S.

Hood River Distillers, the largest and oldest importer, distiller and marketer of distilled spirits in the Northwest, today announced that they have expanded their long partnership with Mexico’s Orendain family by becoming the U.S. importer for Batanga, a premium 100 percent agave Tequila.

Casa Orendain was established in 1926 by Don Eduardo Orendain. The Orendain family is one of the four founding families of the Tequila industry along with the Cuervos, Sauzas and Herraduras. “Hood River Distillers has been working with the Orendain family for over fifty years, and we are very excited to have been selected as the U.S. importer for Batanga”, said Ronald R. Dodge, President & CEO of Hood River Distillers.

“Batanga is an exceptional 100% agave tequila that will appeal to all who enjoy Tequila.” Batanga Tequila is distilled using 100 percent Orendain Estate grown agave grown in and around Tequila, Mexico. The piñas are baked in traditional brick ovens to guarantee taste and flavor profile. The yeast used in the fermentation process is cultivated at the distillery, in accordance with the original family formula. Batanga Tequila will be available nationally this summer in both a Blanco and Reposado, which is aged in bourbon barrels for 3-6 months. “Batanga Tequila also comes with its own signature cocktail, aptly named The Batanga,” said Chris Lowder, VP of Sales & Marketing, Hood River Distillers. “Created in Mexico in the 1950’s by Don Javier Delgado Corona, of La Capilla, ‘The Batanga’ is a simple cocktail made with cola, lime, tequila and a salted rim, which allows the delicious notes of the agave to shine through.”

Batanga Blanco (SRP: $24.95 750ml 40% ABV) is classic and expressive on the nose with intense earthy agave notes of citrus, herbs and mint. Fresh and lively in the mouth, with a clean vivid profile and a long finish.
Batanga Reposado (SRP: $24.95 750ml 40% ABV) Offers a fresh and vibrant nose of sweet vanilla and caramel. Subtle oak complements hints of cinnamon and vanilla on the palate which shows great refinement and integration, with a crisp flavorful finish.

Batanga Reposado Tequila was recently awarded Double Gold, Best of Class for Reposado Tequila and Best in Show for An Aged White Spirit in the 2019 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition.
In addition to Batanga Tequila, Hood River Distillers represents Gran Orendain and Ollitas Tequilas – also produced by Casa Orendain -- in Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Alaska, Wyoming, and North & South Dakota. Gran Orendain is available in Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, Extra-Añejo (3 YO) and Extra-Añejo (7 YO) and Ollitas is available in Blanco, Reposado and Cristalino.

Photography by Aubrie Leuqault