In the evolving landscape of global spirits, one visionary stands at the forefront of a quiet revolution. Tomas Nava, owner and distiller at Gran Tunal Destilería, is redefining what Mexican whiskey can be through his passionate commitment to heritage and innovation.
Nava's journey began behind the bar, where he pioneered his town's first mezcal establishment. This immersion in Mexico's traditional spirits sparked a curiosity that would later flourish into full-scale production. After exploring gin-making with a distinctive Prickly Pear base, Nava found his true calling in whiskey—but with a uniquely Mexican identity.
"The soul of whiskey is in its grain," Nava often says, and this philosophy drives Gran Tunal's most ambitious project. While most distillers worldwide rely on commercial corn varieties, Nava has turned to Mexico's rich agricultural heritage, sourcing indigenous heirloom corn varieties that pre-date European contact.
These ancient grains—each with distinct flavor profiles, colors, and cultural significance—provide the foundation for whiskeys unlike any other in the world. The result is not merely a Mexican interpretation of Scottish or American traditions, but something genuinely new: expressions that capture Mexico's terroir and agricultural legacy in every sip.
The production process honors both whiskey-making traditions and Mexican cultural practices. By combining careful distillation with these exceptional base ingredients, Gran Tunal creates spirits that speak eloquently of place and history.
For Tomas Nava, each bottle represents more than just a fine spirit—it's a preservation of agricultural biodiversity, a celebration of Mexican heritage, and a bold step forward in the global spirits conversation.
Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.
Listen to the interview on the web
LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Books
-
Building a StoryBrand 2.0: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen (Affiliate)
- Aztec (Affiliate)
Thanks for Listening!
Thanks so much for joining me again this month. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below!
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends.
Also, please leave an honest review for The Distillery Nation Podcast on Apple Podcasts! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.