Local 100% Agave spirits, La Leona, inspired by Mexico but made in SA

Tequila brand

Capetonian Sarah Kennan is the creator of South Africa’s home grown version of tequila, La Leona.

La Leona is a local, high quality spirits brand made using 100% Karoo-grown Agave plants and the name means lioness in Spanish.

Here’s what Sarah has to say about her roaring pure agave spirit made in the mescal tradition:

I was inspired to start this brand as I have a deep love for 100% Agave Tequila, Mexico and the Karoo.

I have always been interested in Tequila and other 100% agave spirits as they are said to be the most energy giving of all alcohols if drunk in moderation and treated with respect, which I agree with.

I was so interested in the product that I went to Mexico on a “Tequila Tour” and stayed in the town “Tequila” and learn’t from the Master distillers there. I also discovered Mezcal which is another amazing 100% Agave spirit and saw how the spirit is enjoyed there like a fine whisky. Sipped slowly in a tall shot glass or on ice with some lime. I was inspired to bring and create quality agave spirits for South Africa.

Until now the South African Tequila market has been dominated by Tequilas that that are not 100% Agave (they are only 60% tequila and 40% cut with something else) so I wanted to change that.

I can’t call it Tequila or Mezcal because of copywrite laws with Mexico so it is 100% Agave Spirit.

“La Leona” is the brand name which means “lioness” in Spanish – a thanks to Mexico but with strong African roots. It will be the only 100% Karoo agave spirit made in the traditional Mexican method in the country and made using natural spring water it has all the energy giving properties of high quality Tequilas.

Variants:

  • Blancho – meaning “White” in Spanish. Definitely the closest to a Mescal of the 3 because of its distinct smokiness. This is an un-aged spirit and great for making cocktails or on ice with a squeeze of lime.
  • Reposado – meaning “Aged” in Spanish. For those who are big whiskey lovers the Reposado is for you. This is a Blancho that has been aged in oak barrels for 3 – 6 months and has a smooth sweet beginnings caused by the oak with hints of a smokey aftertaste. Best en-joyed on ice with a squeeze of lime.
  • Honey Reposado – For those who enjoy something with a subtle sweetness. The Reposado that has been infused with Raw honey sourced from the Cape. Best enjoyed on ice with a splash of soda.

Can you use La Leona for Mixing?

Yes! The distinctive flavours make La Leona ideally suited for cocktails. Try the Blancho for its strong smokey flavour.

How much does La Leona Cost?

Blancho R420
Reposado R440
Honey Reposado R450

Where can you buy it?

Cape Town:

Bars:
IYO Burger – Bree St, CBD
Orphanage – Bree St, CBD
El Burro – Greenpoint
Hoghouse
ERA – Nightclub – Loop St, CBD
Copper Bar -The Biscuit Mill – Woodstock

Bottle Stores:
Woodstock liquors
Roeland Liquors
Claremont Liquors
Observatory Liqours

Joburg:

Proof Liquors

La Leona can be enjoyed any way you want but it is best served on ice and enjoyed slowly.