Some bottles are made to be enjoyed. Others are made to be remembered.
For us, El Klinko Tequila is both.
The inspiration behind El Klinko began with a love of classic Western storytelling. Karen, founder of Exeter Gin, grew up watching her dad enjoy John Wayne films. Those iconic Westerns were full of larger-than-life characters, adventure, heritage and authenticity; values that felt like the perfect foundation for creating a tequila brand with its own distinctive personality.
The result was El Klinko: a tequila that celebrates craftsmanship, character and the timeless appeal of a great story.
More Than a Spirit
Every great spirit has a history, but tequila's story stretches back far beyond modern cocktail culture.
As highlighted by The Spirits Journal, agave was considered far more than a crop by the civilisations of ancient Mexico. Long before tequila existed, agave provided food, fibre, tools and fermented beverages, becoming deeply connected to survival, community and cultural identity. Over time, it became a symbol of nourishment, continuity and even spirituality.
The journal notes that agave's importance was so significant that it became associated with Mayahuel, the Aztec goddess of fertility, nourishment and the agave plant itself. In many ways, the reverence for agave began centuries before the first drops of tequila were ever distilled.
That heritage is part of what makes tequila such a fascinating spirit today. Every bottle carries a connection to a plant that has played an important role in Mexican culture for generations.
Heritage in Every Pour
While El Klinko draws inspiration from the romance of the Old West, it also celebrates the remarkable journey of agave itself.
The story of tequila is one of patience. Agave plants take years to mature, slowly storing energy before they are harvested. That dedication to time and craft is reflected in every bottle, creating a spirit with depth, character and complexity.
It's a reminder that the best things are rarely rushed.
Made for Memorable Cocktails
Of course, great stories are even better when shared.
Whether it's a classic Margarita, a Paloma on a summer afternoon, or a creative cocktail with friends, El Klinko is a tequila designed to bring people together. Its versatility makes it equally at home in simple serves and sophisticated creations, delivering the distinctive agave character that tequila lovers appreciate.
Just as the great Westerns brought people together around a screen, great tequila has a way of bringing people together around a table.
The Final Sip
What we love most about El Klinko is that it combines heritage with personality.
Inspired by a father's love of John Wayne Westerns, rooted in the rich history of agave and crafted to be enjoyed in exceptional cocktails, it is a spirit with a genuine story to tell.
And perhaps that's fitting.
Because long before tequila became a global favourite, agave had already earned something even more valuable: a place in people's lives, traditions and stories.
Discover the El Klinko range, including the all-new El Klinko No5 'Dark Caress' Caramel & Coffee Tequila: exetergin.com/collections/el-klinko-tequila
Historical references to agave, Mayahuel and the cultural significance of agave are adapted from research and commentary published by The Spirits Journal, "Why Agave Became a Goddess" (May 2026).