DON DLM
TEQUILA
My Grandfather
Don Juan Ciriaco Sandoval Alegria, was born in 1920, in the Highlands of Jalisco. He came from a family of farmers in San Cristóbal de la Barranca, very small town in the highlands of Jalisco.
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In search of a better future he came to the US as a Migrant Worker when he was just 16 years old- under the Old Bracero program. This work was seasonal and only lasted half the year so during the 1950 he supported his family by bringing Tequila from Tequila, Jalisco to cities and towns in the mountains. He would load his donkeys mid week and would follow the Grande de Santiago River until he would reach Tequila, Jalisco walking through valley and mountains. The trip took a full day. Bringing back with him a supply for the weekends. His stories still fill my head with adventure, some danger and the love he had for the old worlds Grit and Work Ethic.
Struggling to create a better way of life for his children, he made a permanent home of Monterey County and acquired land for his ranch, off of Old Stage Road. From my Grandfather, I’ve learned to love our heritage, our land, and our culture. He was a natural born Charro who loved the old way of life. He was a man of strong work ethic and true grit. A lover of Caballos, Corridas de Toros, Palenques, Fiestas y Gastronomía. My Grandfather valued our culture and shared it with all of Monterey County through his faithful participation in the famous Salinas Rodeo. He was the First to represent “El Charro de Jalisco” in full Mexican Charro attire at the Monterey County Rodeo Parade. He participated in the Salinas Rodeo parade for almost 30 years- without missing a beat! He was a faithful steward from 1986 until he passed away in 2016. He was honored with ribbons and trophies for best Charro suits and authentic Mexican Charro attire. I am proud to say that I come from a strong lineage of authentic Jaliscienses, with a strong sense of true grit and work ethic, and a strong love for good Tequila y Mezcal!
Welcome to our story
My father,
Jose Luis Sandoval
Born in Mexico in 1963 and arriving in the US with my Grandparents as migrant workers. My father grew up as a migrant student , living in migrant housing, and facing many challenges as an English Language Learner. At the young age of 15 years of age, he suffered a life changing accident in the mid 70's. A hand-grenade (left over from the former Fort Ord Army Post) exploded in his hands. Against all odds, he survived that ordeal and overcome many physical challenges. He never gave up and went on to becoming a First Generation College student for his family. He graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 1986 with a Bachelor’s Degree and went on to Law School at UCLA, obtaining a Master of Jurisprudence. Defying the odds of culture shock in the 80's he graduated. My father is the epitome of resilience and tenacity. He never allowed that accident to define who he is or was back then. He has been practicing Law for over 30 years in California, and has been a true inspiration to me, our family, and many others that know him.
Never losing his love for the land, animals and culture that was instilled in him, he built his own ranch in the hills of San Juan Bautista California. Today his Hacienda- high up in the mountains- captures the best of both worlds in the hills of California.
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In 2022 when the war broke out in Ukraine my father showed me once again what he was made of. On the 45 anniversary of his hand-grenade accident he purchased a ticket and left to Ukraine to serve as a volunteer in the Ukraine war with Russa.
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My Journey
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I was born and raised in Monterey County. My grandfather instilled in me the love for the State of Jalisco and all of Mexico but my fathers strength and determination, took things to a different level. My early beginnings around horses, charreadas, Gallo's and farms formed who I am today. My love for the land, culture and gastronomy is my heritage.
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With a very difficult life and never really fitting in either world I struggled to make a place for myself in both Mexico and the US. Facing challenges and obstacles that define who I am.
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After studying business administration, the evolution of my love for our homeland was the only logical next step. My mission is to make Tequila, the drink of my Forefathers, take its rightful place in the world by making it the most sought after drink.
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Our Vision
At DLM Tequila, our mission is simple - to provide our customers with the highest quality tequila on the market. We are committed to using only the finest ingredients and the best techniques to create a product that is truly exceptional. Our vision is to become the go-to tequila brand for tequila lovers around the world.
We want to achieve excellence in everything we do. We strive to be the best in the industry, and we are always looking for ways to improve our products and services. Our goal is to provide our customers with an experience that they will never forget. So allow us to serve you a cup of true Tequila & Mezcal! Come and taste a little bit of “True Grit and Work Ethic” Y como decía mi Abuelo: “ A Su Salud Señores!”
Our Specialties
Experience the Difference
At DLM Tequila, we offer a range of Ultra-High Tequilas that are characterized by their unique flavor profiles and special qualities. Our tequilas are made with the finest ingredients and are aged in American oak barrels, giving them a smooth and complex flavor. We are producing a one of a kind Artisanal Blonco Tequila Christalino. That will allow tequila lovers to sip and enjoy a drink that was reserved for mixed drinks and straight shots. Bringing the new Blanco Christalino Tequila to its rightful place in the spirit world.
We take pride in our commitment to quality by working with top of the line companies, partnering with first in class producers to match the needs of our Master Tequilero.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Exceptional Quality
Our tequilas are made to the highest national standards, ensuring that every bottle is of the highest quality. We use only the best ingredients, and our tequilas are crafted with care and attention to detail. Our commitment to quality is unmatched, and we stand behind our products with a satisfaction guarantee.
Craftsmanship
Truly Unique
Our tequilas are made by local craftsmen who take pride in their work. We use traditional techniques and the best ingredients to create a tequila that is truly unique. Our tequilas are unlike anything else on the market, and we are proud to offer our customers a product that is truly top-notch.
Family Tradition
Locally Sourced
Unmatched Quality
We are a family-owned business, and we take pride in our commitment to our community. We source our ingredients locally whenever possible, and we are committed to supporting local businesses. Our tequilas are made with the utmost care and attention to detail, ensuring that every bottle is of the highest quality.
Exceptional Taste
We are a family business, and we take pride in our commitment to our customers. Our tequilas are made with the same care and attention to detail that has been passed down through generations. We believe that our tequila is not just a product, but an experience. We are committed to providing our customers with an exceptional taste that they will never forget.