In a realm where prestige spirits chase the elusive blend of heritage, rarity, and innovation, Maestro Dobel has just reshaped the tequila landscape. Introducing the Grandes Maestros Collection with its inaugural release: The Francisco Toledo Edition, a $5,000 extra añejo tequila that’s as much a collectible art piece as it is a luxury spirit.
Backed by the Beckmann family—the dynasty behind Jose Cuervo and Proximo Spirits—Maestro Dobel has long been known for pushing tequila boundaries. In 2008, it pioneered the cristalino category with Dobel Diamante. Now, in what the brand claims is a tequila industry first, it’s unveiling a release finished in mezcal barrels, adding an unexpected layer of smoky complexity.
The Francisco Toledo Edition is crafted from agave aged at least seven years, slow-roasted in stone ovens for 48 hours, and rested for three years in new American oak barrels (avoiding the more common used bourbon casks). It’s then finished for up to four months in mezcal-seasoned American oak, bringing in soft smoke, stone fruit, charred oak, and a distinct bitter amaro twist—a daring, savory surprise for seasoned palates.
Named after the late and legendary Mexican artist Francisco Toledo—lovingly referred to as El Maestro—this release is more than a beverage. It’s an immersive cultural expression.
“Francisco and I shared a deep passion for Mexico,” said Juan Dobel, founder and 11th-generation tequila maker “
We envisioned a timeless piece that embodied both Toledo’s artistry and our pursuit of tequila excellence”
Toledo’s influence doesn’t end with inspiration. He personally designed the packaging before his passing: a frosted glass bottle, set upon a stone pedestal, capped with a sculptural bottle top, and housed in a rotating wood prism base featuring four artistic cubes—each a statement of Mexico’s vibrant creative legacy.
But this experience won’t be widely shared. Just 281 bottles are being released globally—only 15 in the U.S., priced at $5,000 each. One exclusive bottle is currently up for auction through April 29, with proceeds supporting cultural preservation via Friends of IAGO and the Manuel Álvarez Bravo Photographic Center.
For those not able to score a Toledo bottle, Dobel’s broader portfolio, including the Dobel 50 series, offers a taste of this legacy and is available on ReserveBar.
