Gran Nota Reposado: Chip Tate's Triple Oak Tequila

Crafted at Hacienda El Mexicano, the ultra-premium reposado applies whiskey fermentation and Triple Oak aging to tequila and retails for $55

ARANDAS, Jalisco, Mexico (Sept. 30, 2026) – Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS) has announced Gran Nota Triple Oak Reposado, a new tequila shaped by whiskey distiller Chip Tate in collaboration with the Bañuelos family. Crafted on-site by Tate at Hacienda El Mexicano (NOM 1588) in the Jalisco highlands, it is the first release from Tate’s Gran Nota brand.

Key Highlights

Whiskey yeast: Fermented five days with a malt whiskey yeast typically used for Scotch-style whiskies
Triple Oak aging: Rested five to fourteen months in new American oak, new European oak and select ex-whiskey barrels
Bottled at 45% ABV
SRP: $55

From Agave to Barrel

Gran Nota begins with 100% mature Blue Weber agave from the Highlands of Jalisco. The agave is slow cooked for three days in traditional brick ovens using atmospheric steam rather than pressure-cooking in autoclaves, which develops caramelized agave notes while retaining natural sweetness.

The liquid is then fermented for five days with the malt whiskey yeast, a departure from conventional tequila methods. The yeast adds weight, texture and notes of fresh pear and ripe fruit. During distillation, only the finest hearts are selected.

The reposado then rests in the Triple Oak program, with each barrel type specified at a different toast level for targeted extraction. Tate balances newer oak with seasoned barrels to shape structure and texture while preserving the agave character.

“Gran Nota is about unlocking agave’s layers and dimensions,” said Chip Tate, Master Distiller. “Working alongside the Bañuelos family, we set out to explore how innovative fermentation and a triple oak maturation approach could reveal new dimensions of flavor, while still honoring the essence of the agave. I’ve wanted to create a reposado that feels familiar yet is undeniably new in its expression of the interplay between the piña and the Oak. True craft celebrates tradition by reinvigorating and building on deep roots.”

Tasting Notes

Gran Nota Reposado shows a notably deeper color than most reposados, reflecting its layered extraction and longer-than-typical aging.

Nose: Ripe pit fruit, banana and sweet citrus, followed by vanilla, baking spice and subtle cedar
Palate: Rich agave sweetness with salted toffee and roasted agave
Finish: Smooth, with white chocolate undertones, integrated oak, vivid depth and preserved agave character

Chip Tate’s Portfolio

Gran Nota is the fourth in a line of award-winning spirits developed by Tate, Master Distiller of Innovation for FFWS. The others are:

Ampersand: A collection of small batch spirits
Gambit No. 6 Whiskey: A 6-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon aged in six different finishing casks
Penumbra Mezcal: A single-palenque Espadin

Availability

Gran Nota Reposado is available nationwide at select retailers (SRP $55), in Mexico, and online at grannotatequila.com.

About Gran Nota

Gran Nota, meaning “great note,” is a modern tequila born from the collaboration of Chip Tate and the Bañuelos family. It is part of the FFWS global spirits portfolio, which includes Tequila El Mexicano, High Ground Estate Vodka, Minden Mill, Charles Goodnight Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Evil Bean Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, Lighthouse Gin, the Loch Lomond Group portfolio, Two Stacks Irish Whiskey and Killowen Distillery.

About Foley Family Wines & Spirits

Established by Bill Foley in 1996, FFWS is a portfolio of acclaimed wines and spirits from some of the world’s greatest estates. Its spirits portfolio includes Minden Mill Whiskeys, High Ground Estate Vodka, Charles Goodnight Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Gambit No. 6, Ampersand, Lighthouse Gin, Tequila El Mexicano, Penumbra Mezcal and more. Learn more at ffws.com.