Our Heritage

FROM ONE GENERATION TO THE NEXT

our heritage

Gran Centenario, Mexico’s #1 tequila*, was established in 1857 by a tavern owner and tequila producer named Lázaro Gallardo. As the very first Tequila Master Distiller in history, he used an innovative and proprietary process called Selección Suave™, blending the richest and smoothest tequilas to yield a product of exceptional quality and taste. Today we remain a family-owned business and carry on the same traditions that have transcended generations.

Inspiration for a new Generation

In 1920, Lázaro’s son, Luciano, begins bottling his father’s famed tequila. Inspired by the Art Deco style of architecture, he designs a bottle similar to the one we use today.

The bottle is adorned with the “The Angel of Independence,” inspired by the Mexican Centenario gold bullion coin, minted to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mexico’s independence in 1910.

1857

Lázaro Gallardo begins crafting his
own tequila at Hacienda Los Camichines,
using his exclusive and proprietary
Selección Suave™ process.

Gallardo names his tequila Gran Centenario to commemorate the start of a new century and begins selling it at his tavern.

1895

1920

Lázaro’s son, Luciano, begins to bottle Gran Centenario. He creates the distinctive Art Deco bottle design that we still use today. The bottle is adorned with “The Angel of Independence,” inspired by the Mexican Centenario gold bullion coin, minted to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mexico’s independence in 1910.
Today we remain a family-owned business and carry on the same traditions that were established by Lázaro Gallardo more than 150 years ago.
2023