08/11/2026
🌵 Meet Blas Gonzalez — Director of Distillation & Maturation, 1800 Cuervo Group
It was an absolute honour getting to know Blas. Long before the titles and awards, he was a kid growing up immersed in agave agriculture — it wasn’t just a job, it was culture, family, and heritage. That upbringing is where his work ethic and deep love for community come from, and it’s evident as his praises are echoed amongst his colleagues.
With 20+ years in the industry, Blas joins our Global Master Blender Panel at Lallemand Alcohol School because of his unique combination of technical expertise.
In 2006 — Joined Jose Cuervo, leading fermentation research and yeast production before overseeing tequila launches and award-winning recipes.
2017 — Named Master Blender & Plant Manager, responsible for 15 million liters of alcohol/mth and responsible for $20M+ in inventory.
He then traded large-scale production for a small craft mezcal distillery, wearing every hat along the way.
2021 — Joined Diageo as Agave Spirits Master Distiller (Casamigos, Don Julio, Union Sombra), leading 500+ employees including 3 distillery managers.
Post-COVID — Took over Operations for Zacapa Rum before returning home to Jose Cuervo Group as Director of Distillation & Maturation
Only two weeks left until Alcohol School and we are just scraping the surface. 🌵🥃
