This Ancient Mexican Landmark Has Inspired a New Luxury Tequila
The inspiration behind 1800 Tequila's new luxury añejo, 1800 GuachiMonton, is an ancient ceremonial site in the heart of Mexico's tequila region.
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Long before Mexico became synonymous with tequila, the valleys of Jalisco were home to one of Mesoamerica's most fascinating civilisations.
About an hour west of Guadalajara sits Los Guachimontones. The archaeological site was built between 300 BCE and 450 CE by the Teuchitlán culture and is famous for its rare circular pyramids (unlike the triangular ones you learnt about in school). It's also the inspiration behind 1800 Tequila's brand new luxury spirit: 1800 GuachiMonton.
The site of Los Guachimontones forms part of the wider Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila. It's a site that's so culturally important to the country that it was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. The UNESCO listing recognises the region's deep connection to both ancient civilisation and centuries of tequila production. While millions of travellers visit the Mexican state of Jalisco in search of distilleries and tastings, Los Guachimontones offers another reason to venture into Mexico's tequila heartland.
Archaeologists believe the pyramids were constructed around 2000 years ago and were considered a spiritual centre for the Teuchitlán culture. It was here that the ancient culture honoured Ehecatl, the God of wind. Experts have also speculated that a post would have been set up at the summit for people to perform volador flying ceremonies – an ancient Mesoamerican ritual still performed today.
Apart from one other smaller pyramid in Mexico City, the Los Guachimontones pyramids are the only round pyramids in the world and were considered sites of great cultural, spiritual, and ceremonial practices.
This distinctive architecture and surrounding environment of orange groves and red clay earth are the inspiration behind a new luxury release from 1800 Tequila. Named 1800 GuachiMonton, the limited-edition añejo (aged tequila) pays tribute to the archaeological site through both its flavour profile and striking wooden decanter, which echoes the pyramids' circular geometry.
Crafted from 100 per cent Blue Weber agave, 1800 GuachiMonton undergoes maturation in American and French oak barrels before a final finish in orange tequila liqueur casks, resulting in a rich flavour profile. With layered notes of warm oak, citrus and spice, 1800 GuachiMonton finishes with a bright hint of orange.
To mark the launch of the ancient-inspired spirit, 1800 Tequila has partnered with Australian bean-to-bar chocolatier Zokoko to create a bespoke chocolate pairing inspired by 1800 GuachiMonton itself. Designed to accompany a neat pour, the family-owned brand Zokoko has created an exclusive milk chocolate sphere (inspired by the Los Guachimontones pyramids) which is filled with mandarin and tequila ganache. Yum.
Participating venues will be offering the chocolate-and-tequila pairing starting Friday, July 31.
Of course, the real inspiration remains thousands of kilometres away in Jalisco, Mexico. Whether you're planning a trip through the country's tequila region or simply looking beyond the country's better-known archaeological icons, Los Guachimontones is one of the country's most underrated ancient landmarks.
Surrounded by blue agave fields, the site tells a story that predates tequila by centuries, all while sitting at the very heart of the landscape that would eventually create the beloved spirit.
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