Details
| First Name | Iván |
| Last Name | Saldaña |
| Nickname | ivansaldana |
About
| Favorite phrase | "We are here for only one thing: “To pursue happiness!”, to exist in the flow of the present and joy!" |
| Title | Biologist & Master Distiller |
| Profession | CoFounder Casa Lumbre |
| About | Dr. Iván Saldaña grew up in Jalisco, one of the most biodiverse regions in all of Mexico and home to the iconic agave. He was fascinated by such biodiversity from his earliest years and developed a deep curiosity about Mexico’s natural environment. His interest in biology continued at the University of Sussex, England, where he earned a PhD in biology and specialized in agave species. Afterward, Iván returned to his homeland in Mexico and entered into the spirit business, working for Pernod Ricard in research and development, quality, and environmental impact initiatives. He has led the launch of more than 60 products in virtually every spirit category. Iván partnered with Moises Guindi and Daniel Schneeweiss, original founders of Tequila Milagro, and started Casa Lumbre in 2011. Casa Lumbre was created to translate authentic products that capture the biological, cultural and sensorial heritage of Mexico into the spirits world. Casa Lumbre champions Mexico’s raw materials, and traditional production methods in sustainable ways while creating “farm to bottle” spirits. |
| Bio | Iván is passionate about creating odes to his homeland and transmitting its heritage. He made Montelobos Mezcal in 2011 as a tribute to agave, and in 2013 Ancho Reyes was developed to honour the iconic Mexican chillis. In 2020, he launched Abasolo Ancestral Corn Whisky and Nixta Licor de Elote by championing ancestral corn and using nixtamalization – the ancient cooking technique – for the first time in the industry. In 2022, Ivan continued to expand his portfolio, partnering Don Lalo Arrieta and Ricardo Pico, to develop and launch Sotol Nocheluna. In 2023, he brought to the world Alma Finca, a bitter Orange Liqueur, made of fresh citrus harvested in the Yucatán Peninsula, and Almave, a non-alcoholic blue agave spirit from Jalisco, developed with Lewis Hamilton. Iván is one of the leading educators in the spirits industry worldwide. He has been recognized as one of the 10 most important entrepreneurs in Mexico, by Expansion magazine and CNN (2013). |
| More | Last year he received the recognition as one of the 100 most creative Mexicans in the World, by Forbes Magazine (2023) and one of the 100 Latin American most relevant innovators by Bloomberg (2023). Iván has taught seminars at globally-recognized events, such as Tales of the Cocktail, London Cocktail Week, Imbibe Live London, and the World Spirit Conference. Iván has also contributed to produce scientific papers about agave and its distillates, and authored the book Anatomy of Mezcal. He is constantly challenging the ineffective legal and environmental framework that Mexico posses, participating in different forums. Iván looks forward to deepening his passion in biological heritage for many spirits to come. |
