Today, Contraluz Cristalino Mezcal, Mexico’s first cristalino mezcal, announces its newest investor – international powerhouse and celebrated artist – Juan Luis Londoño Arias (Maluma), his first co-ownership within the spirits category.
Created by Mexican-based and owned global spirits company Casa Lumbre in 2016, this category- disruptive spirit sits at the intersection of modernity and tradition, targeting a new generation of ultra- premium spirit drinkers.
Contraluz Cristalino Mezcal is a reflection of Casa Lumbre’s continually innovative approach to traditional Mexican spirits. Applying the cristalino process to mezcal signaled the next chapter in the rapidly evolving mezcal category, and the expansion and diversity of drinkers across the globe.
Contraluz Cristalino Mezcal is created from cultivated Espadín agave and is matured for approximately six months in charred American oak barrels sourced from renowned U.S. whiskey producers. The unique filtration process strikes a balance between the subtle notes of vanilla, cedar, honey and dried fruit acquired during the maturation process, and the cooked agave that delivers a smooth finish and a touch of light smoke.
This crafted cristalino process creates an elegant blend of aromas and tastes while ensuring the signature character of mezcal is maintained. Under the supervision of Chief Innovation Officer and co-founder Ivan Saldaña, a small-batch filtration method was developed to transform matured mezcal into this new category innovation.
“I’ve been a huge fan of both mezcal and cristalino tequila, so when I heard there was a merge of the two profiles into a cristalino mezcal, I knew that I would fall in love with it at the first sip. And, I did!,” said Juan Luis Londoño Arias (Maluma). “After meeting the team in Mexico, visiting the agave fields and experiencing how it was made, I fell in love with it even more. I was confident that I wanted to become a partner and invest for several reasons. In everything that I do, I want to share my discoveries with the world and today, I am excited to present Contraluz to my fans globally.»
Juan Luis was introduced to the liquid and the history of the product and the category during his travels to Mexico which, until last month, was only available locally. Through this partnership, Contraluz and Juan Luis invite even more drinkers around the globe to discover mezcal.
“As longtime stewards of innovation and creativity, Casa Lumbre instantly felt a connection with Juan Luis, an artist who we believe shares our core values,” said Moises Guindi, Casa Lumbre CEO and Co- Founder. “His platform will allow us to bring our beloved mezcal category to even more people throughout the world. His self-evolution and entrepreneurial spirit make him a natural fit for the brand. We’re thrilled that this partnership gives him the opportunity to really carve out his passion for and involvement in the spirits industry in a more purposeful, long-term way as he embarks on this next business journey.”
Available now for $59.99, Contraluz Cristalino Mezcal is distributed across 9 states – including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, and Illinois. Contraluz is distributed by Casa Lumbre’s long-running distribution partner, Southern Glazer Wine & Spirits. Expansion across the U.S. and distribution internationally will continue into 2023.
To learn more about Contraluz Cristalino Mezcal, please visit www.MezcalContraluz.com and @mezcalcontraluz on Instagram.