Breaking Barriers in Tequila: A Woman at the Helm
In the heart of Jalisco, Mexico — the birthplace of tequila — Zandra Gomez Santiago stands as a pioneering force in an industry long dominated by men. As Master Distiller at Destiladora de Agave Azul, a distillery renowned for its commitment to quality and tradition, Zandra leads the production of Point Blank Tequila.
But Zandra isn’t just creating exceptional spirits. She’s redefining the role of women in one of Mexico’s most traditional crafts.
Her 2024 recognition as “Best Woman Distiller” by the Women’s International Wine & Spirits Competition is a testament not only to her craftsmanship but also to her leadership and innovation in a field where female master distillers remain rare.
With two decades of hands-on experience and a creative edge, Zandra has become a name synonymous with authenticity, experimentation, and excellence in the tequila industry.
Shaping the Distillery’s Spirits
In 2006, Zandra brought her years of experience and passion for tequila craftsmanship to Destiladora de Agave Azul, a multi-generational distillery nestled in San Juanito de Escobedo. By 2009, her expertise and dedication elevated her to the role of Master Distiller, where she took the reins of production and became the guardian of the distillery’s original recipes.
Her role encompasses everything from agave cultivation to fermentation, distillation, and blending — ensuring each bottle of every tequila she crafts reflects quality, consistency, and tradition.
Though the distillery is owned by Don José García and his family, it is Zandra who helps shape its spirit. She blends time-honored practices — like using copper pot stills and stone ovens — with forward-thinking techniques, anchoring Point Blank Tequila’s flavor profile in heritage while evolving it for modern, discerning palates.
Innovation Rooted in Tradition
What sets Zandra apart isn’t just her technical mastery — it’s her fearless innovation in a field steeped in tradition. Among her most celebrated achievements is the development of a naturally colored tequila, created using pigment derived from mature agave plants. This vibrant expression, which received special approval from the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT) broke new ground for what tequila can look and taste like — without relying on artificial additives or colorants.
The CRT is the official regulatory body that oversees and enforces the standards for tequila production in Mexico. Its approval is essential for any tequila that uses innovative methods or ingredients, ensuring authenticity and quality for consumers. By securing CRT approval for her naturally colored tequila, Zandra demonstrated both her creativity and her commitment to upholding the highest standards of the craft.
This same spirit of creativity runs through everything she touches and is alive and well in Point Blank Tequila. Zandra approaches each new expression with a blend of artistry and precision, pushing the boundaries of traditional tequila-making while preserving its essence.
Whether refining the smoothness of a classic profile or experimenting with unconventional techniques, her commitment to quality and originality shines through in every bottle.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Spirits
As one of the few female master distillers in Mexico, Zandra’s presence in the tequila world is more than symbolic — it’s transformative. Her achievements challenge longstanding gender norms and shine a spotlight on the capabilities of women in high-level production roles.
Every award she wins, every new tequila she creates, sends a clear message: women are not just participants in the spirits industry — they are its future.
Zandra’s 2024 “Best Woman Distiller” award from the Women’s International Wine & Spirits Competition is a landmark achievement, recognizing not just a single product but her exceptional craftsmanship and leadership across her entire body of work. The competition is judged exclusively by panels of professional women from around the world, making the honor especially significant for trailblazers like Zandra. This recognition underscores her influence as a leader and innovator, highlighting the growing impact of women in tequila production and inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.
For Zandra, the award is a powerful affirmation of her dedication to both tradition and innovation. It celebrates her ability to elevate every tequila she crafts and her ongoing efforts to inspire the next generation of women in the industry. The honor is a clear reminder that mastery and creativity transcend boundaries and expectations.
To be sure, Zandra’s influence extends far beyond the distillery. She serves as a mentor and role model for women seeking to break into the distilling industry, bringing visibility and credibility to female-led innovation in spirits. Her leadership has inspired a growing number of women to explore careers in tequila production and beyond.
The Legacy of a Master Tequilera
Zandra Gomez Santiago’s legacy is rooted in her unique ability to blend the old with the new. With over two decades in the industry, her technical mastery is undeniable — but it’s her vision that sets her apart. By merging artisanal methods with experimental flair, she is helping shape the next generation of tequila and the future of its makers.
Point Blank Tequila is proud to be shaped by Zandra’s hands. Her commitment to excellence, her courage to innovate, and her quiet strength in defying industry norms are poured into every bottle. She is not only a master distiller — she is a symbol of what’s possible when tradition meets fearless creativity.
While Zandra rarely seeks the spotlight, her work speaks volumes. Whether refining a centuries-old technique or unveiling a novel expression, she brings intention and soul to every task. In an industry where legacy is everything, Zandra Gomez Santiago is writing a new one — where mastery is measured not by who’s expected to lead, but by those bold enough to forge their own path.
