The Distillery Nation Podcast

Heritage in a Glass: How Tomas Nava is Revolutionizing Mexican Whiskey with Heirloom Corn


Listen Later

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.

Industry experts have taken notice. As Mexican whiskey emerges as a category in its own right, Nava's creations stand as benchmarks of quality and innovation, earning recognition in international competitions and among discerning connoisseurs.

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.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Distillery Nation PodcastBy Ilias Mastrogiannis

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

87 ratings


More shows like The Distillery Nation Podcast

View all
Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz by Ascension

Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz

6,181 Listeners

The Moth by The Moth

The Moth

27,228 Listeners

Freakonomics Radio by Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher

Freakonomics Radio

32,105 Listeners

The Joe Rogan Experience by Joe Rogan

The Joe Rogan Experience

225,926 Listeners

Gastropod by Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley

Gastropod

3,624 Listeners

Bourbon Pursuit by Bourbon Pursuit

Bourbon Pursuit

892 Listeners

This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von by Theo Von

This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von

27,205 Listeners

Pod Save America by Crooked Media

Pod Save America

86,808 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

111,075 Listeners

Up First from NPR by NPR

Up First from NPR

55,977 Listeners

Spirits & Distilling Podcast by Spirits & Distilling

Spirits & Distilling Podcast

6 Listeners