Well-known among tequila lovers, Casa Dragones is a beautifully restored late 17th-century mansion in San Miguel de Allende that housed the stables of the Dragones – the legendary cavalry that was a bulwark in Mexico’s war for independence.

In this curious intersection of brand, history and architecture, Mexican label co-founder Bertha González Nieves, the first female Maestra Tequilera certified by the Academia Mexicana de Catadores de Tequila, deftly uses her talent & knowledge to spread the art of handmade tequila.

The recently opened Obsidian bar in the center of Casa offers a wealth of tequila tastings from the brand’s different flavors, from Casa Dragones Joven served straight in a Riedel tequila flute to the delicious and rich Casa Dragones Añejo Barrel Blend served straight in a Glencairn glass – the experience is topped off with tapas from Hortus, a Mediterranean restaurant in town, along with creamy dark chocolate truffles created by Panio, a local cafe/bakery.

Photography: Douglas Friedman. Courtesy of Casa Dragones.