Las Cadenas
Hijos de Pablo Esparza • Falces, Navarra • Since 1872 • Free Shipping from $1,499 MXN
"Four generations of the same Navarrese family, distilling with the same rigor since 1872: the chain-link bottle that no other anise dared to copy."
1. A Family Distillery with Over 150 Years of History
Las Cadenas is the flagship label of Hijos de Pablo Esparza, a distillery founded in 1872 in Falces, Navarre, by Pablo Esparza Velázquez de Carvajal. The business passed from generation to generation—to his sons Teófilo and Pedro in 1918, to his grandson Pablo Esparza Lacunza, and later to Pablo Esparza Apat, who spearheaded the company's major expansion in the seventies—until it became the Navarrese benchmark for anise, pomace spirits (orujo), and pacharán that it is today.
The brand's name pays tribute to the iconic truncated cone-shaped bottle with embossed linked chains, registered as a trademark in 1920, which makes any authentic Las Cadenas bottle recognizable at a glance. Furthermore, the house boasts a prestigious historical episode: a wine from its cellar was served at a royal banquet in honor of King Alfonso XII in 1884, a testament to the reputation the Esparza family built in Spain during the late 19th century.
After absorbing Bodegas Navarras and incorporating as a company in 1940, the distillery mechanized its bottling in 1965 and celebrated its centenary (1972-1974) with the launch of Pacharán Basarana, never abandoning the artisanal maceration and distillation process that defines traditional Spanish anise.
2. The Las Cadenas Spirit Catalog
Las Cadenas Sweet Anise
Las Cadenas sweet anise is crafted from the maceration and distillation of green anise and star anise seeds, resulting in an unctuous, crystalline-colored liqueur with an intensely aniseed aroma. It is the house's most classic and recognizable expression, perfect for after-dinner enjoyment or to accompany traditional Spanish pastries.
Its high alcohol content and balanced sweetness make it a reference digestif in any collection of classic spirits.
Las Cadenas Selection White Orujo Brandy
Distilled from grape pomace (orujo), this white brandy retains the strength and purity of the traditional Galician-Navarrese distillate: transparent, dry, and with intense herbal notes. A selection designed for those looking for a digestif with a strong and authentic character.
It is traditionally served very cold, straight from the freezer, to soften its alcoholic impact without losing its personality.
Las Cadenas White Orujo Brandy
The standard version of the house's white orujo, faithful to the style of Northern Spanish grape brandies. It is the result of careful double distillation that preserves the primary aromas of the grape skins without leaving harsh alcoholic notes.
Ideal as the finale to a heavy meal, in small, chilled shot glasses.
3. How to Serve Las Cadenas Spirits
Sweet anise is traditionally enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled, in small liqueur glasses, after a meal or accompanying coffee. Orujo brandies, on the other hand, benefit from a very low temperature (even from the freezer), which rounds off their alcoholic bite without diluting their aroma.
Once opened, the bottle retains its character for years if stored in a cool place away from direct light, thanks to its high alcohol content which acts as a natural preservative.
4. Frequently Asked Questions about Las Cadenas
Why does the bottle have an embossed chain design?
It has been the brand's hallmark since the design was registered in 1920: a truncated cone-shaped bottle with embossed links that allows one to identify an authentic Las Cadenas anise by touch, even in the dark.
What is the difference between anise and orujo?
Anise is made by macerating and distilling green anise seeds, resulting in a sweet and aromatic liqueur. Orujo, on the other hand, is distilled from the skins and solid remains of the grape after vinification, producing a dry, transparent brandy with higher alcoholic intensity.
What can Las Cadenas sweet anise be paired with?
Beyond being drunk neat as a digestif, it is used in classic Spanish mixology, in baking (roscones, mantecados), and as an aromatic base for traditional coffee drinks or "carajillos."
Purchase Las Cadenas at La Cava Shop
Over 150 years of Navarrese distilling tradition, delivered directly to your table in Mexico, with the logistical care that a collectible spirit deserves.
- ✔ Direct Import: Original bottles from the Hijos de Pablo Esparza distillery.
- ✔ Free Shipping: On purchases of $1,499 MXN or more to any destination in Mexico.
- ✔ Flat Rate of $99 MXN: For smaller orders, with reinforced shockproof packaging.
Navarre • Family Tradition • Direct Import to Mexico
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