The North Fork has always been a place where stories deepen, where land, lineage, and intention quietly intersect. It’s no surprise, then, that I recently found myself captivated by a conversation that began in Jalisco, Mexico, and landed on the East End.
I had the pleasure of meeting Sofía Paloma Juárez, the founder of CASA J, a newly launched luxury sipping tequila that is as soulful as it is refined. What struck me immediately wasn’t just Sofia’s impressive marketing background or her natural charisma, though both are undeniable, but the depth of personal meaning behind her newest venture.
Sofia has long had ties to the North Fork, with a family home in Orient. Like many who are drawn here, she speaks about the area with a sense of reverence: the quiet, the space to reflect, the way the landscape invites you to slow down and reconnect. It’s easy to see how the North Fork, known for its intentional pace and respect for craft, mirrors the philosophy behind CASA J.
CASA J is a tequila born from self-discovery. After nearly two decades of separation, Sofia reconnected with her Jalisco-born father, a reunion that opened the door to her Mexican heritage and a deeper understanding of tequila as a cultural tradition one historically passed from father to son. As a Mexican-American woman, Sofia’s path into this world is uniquely her own. “On a quest to discover my heritage, I bottled the spirit of Jalisco,” she said, a sentiment that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Handcrafted with a rare harmony of traditional and ancestral production methods, CASA J’s Tequila Blanco Ensemble blends hand-mashing, earthen pit-roasting, copper pot-still distillation, and stainless steel fermentation. The result is an elegant balance of old-world craftsmanship and modern refinement, much like the North Fork itself, where historic farms coexist with contemporary tastemakers.
I had the chance to enjoy my open glass and the sensory experience is equally thoughtful. Notes of fresh citrus, green apple, caramelized agave, rosemary, and hints of pineapple unfold beautifully when enjoyed neat at room temperature. Maestro Tequilero Juan Carlos Vera describes it best: “Un gran tequila, para un gran paladar” — a great tequila, for a great palate. On the North Fork, I imagine CASA J best enjoyed the way we do everything here, slowly and with intention. Picture a late summer afternoon, the kind where the sky softens and the air smells faintly of salt. A glass of CASA J Tequila Blanco Ensemble poured neat pairs effortlessly with freshly shucked local oysters, their briny brightness echoing the tequila’s citrus and green apple notes. As the evening cools, it transitions beautifully fireside alongside a simple spread of aged local cheese, rosemary-flecked Marcona almonds, and good conversation. It’s not about excess, it’s about presence. A pairing that feels less like a tasting and more like a moment, grounded in place, craftsmanship, and time well spent.
Beyond the beautifully handmade bottle, CASA J stands firmly in its values. Female, Mexican, and LGBTQ+ owned, the brand actively supports Mexican artisans through bespoke, commissioned collaborations, celebrating what they call “The Soul Behind the Spirit.” It’s a philosophy that feels right at home on the North Fork, where makers, growers, and creatives are celebrated for the stories behind their work.
Launching in January 2026, CASA J debuted in New York and online in over 40 states, with additional expressions and expanded distribution planned for 2027. But for those of us on the North Fork, there’s something especially meaningful about knowing this spirit rooted in heritage, reconnection, and intention also has a home here.
In a place that values authenticity over flash and depth over excess, CASA J feels less like a product launch and more like a natural arrival.
