Our Team
THE MINDS BEHIND THE CRAFT
FROM MONTPELLIER TO THE CHIHUAHUAN DESERT.
MEET OUR MASTER DISTILLER JOSÉ DAUMÁS
In 1962, José Daumas was awarded a doctorate in Oenology from the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure Agronomique de Montpellier, France, becoming its first international graduate. He later perfected his expertise with renowned houses such as Moët & Chandon, Martell, and Larsen.
In the early 1990s, Dr. Daumas was entrusted by company founder Federico Elías Madero with crafting a spirit from the Dasylirion plant. Over the next several years, he traversed the Chihuahuan Desert, assessing Dasylirion plant density and implementing measures to conserve the biodiversity of this endemic species, its ecosystem, and its environmental sustainability.
After ensuring the long-term conservation of the Dasylirion plant, Dr. Daumas dedicated years to perfecting a spirit of unparalleled quality. He revolutionized sotol production by introducing slow steam cooking and distilling using a double-column copper still. The result was a refined spirit that set a new standard, elevating Sotol Hacienda de Chihuahua to stand among the world’s finest spirits.
Sotol Hacienda de Chihuahua was founded by the Elias Madero family, united by a shared passion for crafting exceptional spirits and preserving the rich heritage of the Dasylirion plant. With visionary leadership and unwavering dedication, the family pioneered a refined production process, elevating sotol to global acclaim and establishing a new standard for excellence.
The heart of Sotol Hacienda de Chihuahua lies in our production team—experts whose skill and dedication bring the spirit to life. Their work honors tradition while ensuring every bottle meets the highest standards of quality.
