The Lost Explorer has become a favorite amongst Mezcal enthusiasts, using 8 - 12 year old agaves to create a depth of flavor and nuance that is seemingly unmatched across each of its releases. In September 2024 Maestro Tequilero Enrique de Colsa released The Lost Explorer Tequila Blanco, building upon this success with the expansion of the heart and spirit of this brand into the Tequila category. With the worldwide hit of Tequila Blanco, having won Best in Class and top marks across a variety of awards programs, now, in 2026 Enrique de Colsa releases his latest expression, The Lost Explorer Tequila Reposado. In this article, we’ll explore his path to “Getting Lost”, the approach for this expansion for the brand, and his vision and virtues for growth while remaining true to the foundation.
What Inspired Your Direction to Work in Spirits?
Growing up in Veracruz, my story actually began far from tequila, whereI studied Industrial Engineering. That background taught me the value of systems, process’ and discipline, but also the importance of curiosity. Over time, I realized that making tequila brought all of that together. Tequila became a way to create something meaningful as the result of patience, care, and respect for the agave.
How did Your Career Lead to Your Work on The Lost Explorer?
Before joining The Lost Explorer, I had the privilege of spending many years shaping some of tequila’s most iconic expressions, including helping define the Cristalino category. My work has always been guided by the same goal: to keep refining and redefining what tequila can be.
What I love about getting to do that with a brand that shares my values, focused on sustainability and authenticity, The Lost Explorer isn’t just about making tequila; it’s about curiosity, exploration, and connection. When people taste The Lost Explorer Tequila, I want them to pause, to reflect and to feel something beyond flavor - a sense of place, of nature, of people. Together, we’re crafting tequila meant to be shared, enjoyed and appreciated with intention.
With an Extensive Background Already, What Made You Pursue this Specific Venture?
At the time, I wasn’t looking for a new project when this came my way. When I met the team behind The Lost Explorer [Mezcal], I immediately felt that we shared the same philosophy; it felt like a natural continuation of my journey. Creating The Lost Explorer Tequila Blanco challenged me to work with agave grown on unfamiliar soil; the lowland terroir. I had always worked with Agaves from the Highlands, but when I look at the category and the Tequilas I most enjoy and admire, they originate from the lowlands and so I decided to experiment with those same agaves with the goal of creating a unique flavor and complexity.
After many years in this industry, this partnership offered me the opportunity to keep creating in a way that stayed true to my integrity and craftsmanship while encouraging me to continue evolving; first with The Lost Explorer Blanco Tequila and now with the release of our Reposado.
What do You Find Compelling About The Lost Explorer Reposado?
To really understand The Lost Explorer Tequila, you have to start at the beginning, in Oaxaca, with The Lost Explorer Mezcal and Maestro Mezcalero Don Fortino Ramos. We share the same respect for agave, for time, and for the traditions that bring people together around a great spirit. That spirit of craftsmanship is what inspired me to join this project, honoring the same values, just through a different expression of agave.
The reposado is a continuation of our Tequila Blanco; lowland agave, artisanally crafted in small batches, with patience and precision and of course, additive free. To create our Tequila Reposado I wanted to build upon the award winning Tequila Blanco we already created, not rewrite it. To do that I experimented with several types of wood and used barrels and casks to discover the best aging method for our Tequila. The result was a blend of three aging statements blended together with intention; casks of Sauternes Wine, Pedro Ximenez Sherry and Bourbon Barrels.
Each distinct finish imparts something unique and influential to create a well-rounded Tequila Reposado Expression. One of the most unique factors being the Sauternes Casks, sourced from the esteemed Chateau Rieussec in Bordeaux France; having access to these casks, which had already created a world-renowned wine, to age our tequila in is an exciting opportunity in and of itself.
What Defines Your Unique Approach to this Work?
For me, it’s always about balance between legacy and innovation, discipline and curiosity. At The Lost Explorer, we focus on three pillars: purpose, which keeps us connected to nature, the agave, passion, which pushes us to improve, and play, which reminds us to stay curious, to explore and create, while never forgetting tradition.
My vision is to keep deepening the connection between people and nature through The Lost Explorer Tequila. I’m not chasing trends; I’m staying true to my purpose; to create the best agave spirits I am capable of while honoring traditions and the agaves from which they came. Every bottle of The Lost Explorer is an invitation to slow down, be present, and enjoy the moment.
Are There any Routines or Rituals that You Value within Your Work?
Everything begins and ends with the agave and agave takes time, so we practice the art of slownessTo do this I take time to select only the highest quality agave and then let each step of the production process do its work. My job is to pay attention, listen, adjust when needed, and keep refining. You can’t rush tequila; it’s in the name, reposado, meaning, “rested,” so in order to achieve our goal, you respect the process and always keep learning.
How Should Someone Enjoy The Lost Explorer Tequila Reposado?
The Lost Explorer Tequila Reposado was made to be enjoyed slowly, neat or on the rocks, so you can really appreciate its complexity; notes of vanilla, toasted oak, a subtle sweetness of raisin and fig, layered with nutty characters, the rounded, velvety mouthfeel, and extended finish.But the best way to drink tequila is with others, in the way you enjoy it most.
In Closing
Beyond my work, I try to live life with the same curiosity I bring to tequila; I love golf, music, and traveling. These are the things that keep me grounded and inspired. Making tequila has never just been a job. It’s my passion, and a way of life ,one built on respect for tradition, curiosity for the future, and joy in every step of the journey.
