ESENLID was born from a conviction: territory can define the spirit, instead of imitating what already exists.
ESENLID was founded in 2018 by Tomás Schaerer Durán — Construction Engineer (PUC) with an MSc in Brewing & Distilling from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh — and Felipe Schaerer Durán, Biochemist (PUC) with a Master's in Industrial Engineering (PUC).
The first taught us to think in systems. The second showed us a field where the Chilean craft hadn't yet defined itself. ESENLID is built at that intersection.
From Santiago, ESENLID works alongside distilleries, producers, and research projects in Chile, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. We operate across the full chain — from territorial analysis to AI agents in operation.
Every project is resolved internally. Speed and coherence come from not coordinating between providers; knowledge transfer comes from working shoulder-to-shoulder with the client's team.
In-house models for cut optimization, sensory profiling, and fermentation control. Responsible AI integration in existing operations.
Collaboration with USACH, iBio, PUC. CORFO, FONDEF, FIA projects.
Recipe development across multiple categories. Sensory evaluation under protocol.
We design, develop, and implement bespoke solutions for distillery hardware challenges. Controllers, prototypes, IoT, 3D printing, CAD design.
We design, develop, and implement bespoke software for distilleries. Digital platforms, integrations, automation.
Building of the territorial narrative. The narrative that connects the spirit with its place and with whoever drinks it — the why before the how.
Construction Engineer (PUC) with an MSc in Brewing & Distilling from Heriot-Watt. Co-founder and Master Distiller at ESENLID Distillery, where he leads the development of AI agents for distilleries; partner and Master Distiller at Goodwinds Gin. Faculty member of the International Diploma in Distillation at PUCV. Judge at the Scottish Whisky Awards, Catad'Or, and Argentinean Spirits Awards. WSET 3. Works in Spanish, English, and German.
Biochemist (PUC) with a Master's in Industrial Engineering. Co-founder of ESENLID Distillery. Works the industrial operation — processes, scale-up, technology — interpreting every plant decision through his biochemistry training. The lens that connects the industrial how with the chemical why behind every step.
"We don't believe in generic spirits. We believe spirits have to carry the message of a place, a story. They have to connect the drinker to a narrative."
Our work isn't to make what the client asks for.
It's to ask why they're asking, and then build something better — together.
Scope is agreed first; the result, after.
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