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Los Arango Revives Tequila Line

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — Los Arango Tequila, the authentic artisanal ultra-premium tequila with revolutionary heritage, is pleased to announce the revival of Los Arango Tequila Blanco, Resposado and Añejo, just in time for Cinco de Mayo. This exciting announcement coincides with Los Arango’s appointment of Infinium Spirits as their new U.S. importer.

Los Arango, named in honor of revolutionary hero José Doroteo Arango, better known as “Pancho Villa,” is crafted using 100% hand-picked blue agave and specifically formulated yeast. During the Mexican Revolution, an agave field worker was so grateful to Pancho Villa for fighting to protect his town against local aggressors that he dedicated his tequila, along with his artisanal recipe and handmade bottle, to Pancho Villa. Impressed by his crafted gift, Pancho Villa asked the master distiller to put his family name on the bottle. Today, the history lives on – within every bottle of Los Arango Tequila Blanco, Reposado and Añejo.

Double column distilled, Los Arango Tequila embraces robust and delicious flavors that ignite the senses. Los Arango Tequila Blanco is processed through a slow distillation and has a clean and bright color with a soft, smooth palate. With a silky and elegant palate and a dry and delicate finish, Los Arango Tequila Reposado is a high-quality premium product that is aged for six months in American oak barrels. An embodiment of perfection to master tequileros, Los Arango Tequila Añejo is aged for thirteen months in American oak barrels that are burnt inside to give the tequila a smoky flavor. A rich taste with vanilla, caramel, and suede flavors, Los Arango Tequila Añejo satisfies any palate as a stand-alone drink or mixed into cocktails.

Los Arango Blanco, Reposado and Añejo tequilas’ premium bottle is adorned with a wooden cap as well as a leather label and necker that offer a salute to Los Arango’s authentic heritage.

Los Arango Tequila will be distributed nationally with a SRP of $39.99 for Blanco, $44.99 for Reposado and $49.99 for Añejo per 750ml.

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Luxco Announces New Tequila Distillery in Mexico

Luxco Announces New Tequila Distillery in Mexico

DGL Destiladores will be the home of El Mayor and Exotico Tequila brands

(St. Louis) April 11, 2017 – St. Louis-based Luxco announced today that the company is finalizing construction on a new tequila distillery in Mexico. The distillery, DGL Destiladores (Destiladora González Luxco), is located just outside the city of Arandas, in the highlands of Jalisco – a prime location for the superior agave used in these premium tequilas. DGL continues the decades-old partnership in making tequila between the Lux and González families.

  Construction on the eight-acre (3.5 hectare) facility is expected to be completed soon with distillation planned for mid-summer. The new distillery, in true González tradition, will use the same methodology to produce award-winning 100% agave tequila as the family’s Destiladora González González (DGG) has been using for more than 150 years. Alfonso Dominguez Zamudio, who brings extensive experience and has previously worked at DGG, will be the distillery manager working under the guidance of master distiller Rodolfo González.

  “We are thrilled to once again join forces with the González family, our longtime tequila partners on this distillery and continue servicing our collective need for high-quality, 100% agave tequila,” said Donn Lux, Luxco Chairman and CEO.  “Luxco has seen incredible growth in our tequila portfolio, especially in the Exotico and El Mayor brands, and this new distillery will allow us to further expand our production and enhance the brands.”

DGL will employ approximately 35 employees once fully operational and will have the cooking capacity for 60 tons of agave in pot stills. Luxco and the González family will continue to work together to grow and source the Weber Blue Agave the González family has been growing for three generations and used to produce El Mayor and Exotico tequilas.

  “Our partnership with Luxco extends decades and we are pleased to continue to share our legacy and tequila-crafting skills at DGL,” said Rodolfo González, master distiller at Destiladora González González. “From field to bottle, our lifelong passion for the art of crafting tequila shines through in our brands.”

  Award-winning El Mayor and Exotico tequilas have earned top accolades at the 2017 Global Tequila Master awards, the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) and have won double gold in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, among others.

  For more information about El Mayor and Exotico tequila, please visit www.elmayor.com and www.exoticotequila.com.

Media contact- Pia Reinhold at [email protected] or Maggie Hallam at [email protected].

About Luxco

Luxco, Inc. is a leading producer, importer and marketer of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of our consumers, associates and business partners. Founded in St. Louis in 1958, where it is headquartered, it is owned and operated by the Lux family. Its portfolio of brands include: Juarez Tequila & Triple Sec, Pearl Vodka, Everclear Grain Alcohol, Arrow Cordials, El Mayor Tequila, Ezra Brooks & Rebel Yell Bourbons, Lord Calvert Canadian Whisky, St. Brendan’s Irish Cream, Salvador’s Cocktails, Yago Sant’ gria and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company, visit www.luxco.com.

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Davos Brands Acquires Controlling Interest in Sombra Mezcal

Fewer than five months after announcing its acquisition of Aviation American Gin, Davos Brands, an award-winning portfolio of craft spirits and Japanese sake, has acquired a controlling interest in the Sombra Mezcal and Astral Tequila brands. The transaction encompasses the full worldwide intellectual property rights to both brands as well as the state-of-the-art Sombra Mezcal palenque (Mezcal distillery) in Oaxaca, Mexico. Davos Brands has managed both brands since 2015, overseeing national distribution and triple-digit growth.

Richard Betts, the founder of Sombra Mezcal and Astral Tequila,changed career paths from environmental law and became a Master Sommelier and New York Times best-selling author. Betts remains a significant equity holder and will continue to play an active role in the Company as its founder and Global Brand Ambassador. Fulfilling Betts’ longtime vision, the Sombra Mezcal palenque has been created as a model of sustainable production – an approach that considers the impact of making premium mezcal on the local environment and local economy. Betts recently wrote an open letter to the industry on Medium, discussing these efforts (https://goo.gl/eawf73).

“I’m super excited to go ‘all-in’ with Davos Brands – the team shares my vision and passion for craft spirits of the highest quality. I have no doubt that with Davos’ continued leadership, these brands will achieve their true potential,” said Betts.

Davos Brands will announce major marketing investments behind both brands, leveraging ownership of Double Gold medal winners in both Sombra Mezcal and Astral Tequila. According to Vice Chairman Guillaume Cuvelier, “Anyone who knows Richard is familiar with his love for life, his love of agave spirits, and his love for the people and culture of Mexico. We’re looking forward to amplifying the story behind Sombra and Astral and sharing them with more people.”

Adds CEO Andrew Chrisomalis, “We are thrilled with the opportunity to expand our investment in these great brands and people.  Premium agave spirits continue to be on fire and our entire team is energized by the growth potential of Astral Tequila and Sombra Mezcal.”

Mezcal exports from Mexico have grown 211% over the last five years, and premium tequila continues to drive growth for the category – good news for Astral’s numerous accolades, awarded The New York Times’ highest rating and named “Top 10 Blanco Tequilas” by Food & Wine magazine.

About Sombra Mezcal

Produced by Master Sommelier Richard Betts since 2006, Sombra Mezcal sets the highest standard in Mezcal production. Made from organically farmed, high altitude Espadin Agave, and distilled in Oaxaca, Mexico at the traditional strength of 90 proof, Sombra Mezcal was named the Best Agave Spirit in the World by F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal. In 2017, Sombra opened a new, state-of-the-art Palenque (distillery) created as a model of sustainable production. The resulting mezcal is a testament that world class agave spirits do exist outside of Tequila. www.SombraMezcal.com

About Astral Tequila

Founded by Master Sommelier Richard Betts, Astral Tequila is a unique spirit reminiscent of the way tequila was made 150 years ago before it was industrialized. Produced as a celebration of beautiful culture and spirit, Astral was awarded The New York Times’ highest rating and named one of the “Top 10 Blanco Tequilas” by Food & Wine magazine. www.AstralTequila.com

About Davos Brands

Davos Brands’ mission is to build and develop the highest quality, best in class craft spirit brands that create a meaningful and valuable connection with consumers. This is done through teamwork, passion, innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and relentless perseverance. The Davos Brands team members are recognized to be amongst the best performers in the industry; the team operates in a collegiate, open-structure, and dynamic mode. The team thinks out of the box and finds ways to obtain outstanding results through an entrepreneurial focus. Based in New York, the Davos Brands luxury portfolio is currently composed of TYKU Sake, Aviation American Gin, Sombra Mezcal, and Astral Tequila. www.DavosBrands.com

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1800 Tequila Launches “Just Refined Enough” Ad Campaign

1800 Tequila, the 100% agave premium tequila, is launching a new ad campaign that highlights both the refinement and raw personality at the heart of the modern male, and the drink itself. The “Just Refined Enough” campaign celebrates this duality with a new TV spot launching today, and continues throughout the year in a series of collaborations with cultural creators in the worlds of style, music and art who embody this persona.

The campaign launches with a 60-second TV spot – created by the advertising agency of record, CP+B LA – that captures the juxtaposition of toughness and refinement through the hero story on screen and through the music of Octave Minds featuring Chance the Rapper. The song, “Tap Dance,” mixes passionate lyrics by Chance the Rapper, the sophisticated piano work of Chilly Gonzales and production by Boys Noize.

“Successful modern men expect more from brands than to be defined by outdated, one-dimensional perceptions of masculinity,” said Erin Chin, Group Brand Director, 1800 Tequila. “We want to celebrate a new masculinity — the modern Renaissance man. Someone with a keen eye on culture and a refined professional appearance, but with an inherent raw edge and unique style. That is also at the root of 1800 Tequila and how we have always behaved as a brand.”

“Spirits advertising is notorious for depicting one-note stereotypes of ‘successful’ men – slick, flashy guys usually seducing or ogling women in a bar,” said Paddy Fraser, Creative Director, CP+B LA. “But men at the forefront of culture are much more multi-dimensional and evolved than this lazy portrayal. 1800 Tequila shares their complexity and aims to celebrate those who contradict the expected and lead the edge of modern urban culture.”

1800 Tequila has been an ever-increasing staple of hip-hop, urban art and fashion culture over the past few years, working with cultural mavens who share the same values the brand was founded on – hard work, passion and honesty, as seen on the bottle’s crest. In the past year, 1800 Tequila was featured in more than 10 urban music videos and worked with notable hip-hop artists, including A$AP Ferg, G-Eazy, Rae Sremmurd, Travis Scott, Wale, Mike Will Made It and Kid Ink. The brand also brought an art zone to ComplexCon and worked with preeminent photographers on a hip-hop exhibition in the heart of Art Basel.

The new “Just Refined Enough” positioning will run through all 1800 Tequila channels this year. Also happening today, 1800 Tequila will launch the eighth edition of the Essential Artists Series with famed artist Enoc Perez unveiling six bottle designs at the Guggenheim New York. Later the brand will be collaborating with Billboard to promote up-and-coming musicians, working with rising fashion designers and more.

About 1800® Tequila

Named after the year created, 1800 Tequila is made from 100% Weber Blue Agave — aged for 8-10 years and harvested at their peak. The liquid is double distilled, and a special selection of white tequilas is blended together for added complexity and character. The result is a premium tequila with a smooth, more interesting flavor. The clean, balanced taste with hints of sweet fruit and pepper is perfect sipped neat, on the rocks, as a shot or in a cocktail. 1800 Tequila is recognized for its iconic bottle shape, the trapezoidal shape of the bottle being reminiscent of the Mayan pyramids found throughout Mexico. The complete 1800 Tequila portfolio includes Silver, Reposado, Añejo, Milenio, Coconut and 1800 Colección®, an extra añejo tequila that is released periodically in highly limited quantities. 1800 Tequila is available nationwide at most exclusive bars and retailers.

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El Mayor Blanco Review

Name: El Mayor Blanco

ABV: 40%

Proof: 80

Nose: White Pepper, Agave

Palate: Light Vanilla, Pepper, Agave

Finish: Short and light with a straight forward agave flavor.

Overall: This is a straight forward unaged tequila perfect for sipping or cocktails. On the nose there is a white pepper and agave aroma that smells pure and authentic. At first sip there was a light vanilla flavor with white pepper and agave. The finish was short and light with a straight forward agave flavor. When I first opened the bottle of this tequila the aroma made me think it was going to be another standard blanco tequila but once I poured a glass and tasted it I could tell is was different. The flavor is so simple and light it truly is refreshing. It’s definitely not a complex tequila and in this case that is a good quality. I tried El Mayor neat and in a cocktail and although I prefer it neat, it did well in a cocktail. It has such a light flavor profile that it allows you to really taste the other flavors in the cocktail. I thoroughly enjoyed this tequila and the crisp, light flavor profile. I previously tried El Mayor Reposado earlier in the year at a bourbon tasting and I know that the time spent in the barrel gives this tequila a slightly more complex flavor profile with more fruits. Stay tuned to our site next week when we review the Reposado. Overall, I would recommend this to those who enjoy a light, easy sipping tequila as this one deserves a spot on the shelf. If you have given this one a try, let us know what you think.

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El Mayor Reposado Review

Name: El Mayor Reposado

ABV: 40%

Proof: 80

Nose: White Pepper, Vanilla, Light Floral Notes

Palate: Vanilla, Caramel, Agave

Finish: Moderate, light, and sweet with caramel, vanilla, and honey.

Overall: I first tried this tequila earlier this year at a bourbon tasting in St. Louis. On the nose there is a noticeable white pepper aroma with some vanilla and light floral notes similar to honeysuckle. On the palate vanilla and caramel were the two distinct flavors but there were some light honey and apple flavors. The finish was moderate and light with caramel, vanilla, and honey and no burn. This was an exceptionally smooth tequila, no burn or bite and was truly an easy sipper. This one was best enjoyed neat as adding a splash diluted the flavor too much in my opinion. This is a great bottle of tequila for those looking for an easy sipper or something not too strong and also perfect for those looking to get into sipping tequilas as it is easy to approach. El Mayor Reposado is made from 100% blue agave and is aged for 9 months. Overall, I enjoyed this whiskey a bit more than I did the Blanco; however, both are good tequila worthy of a spot on any tequila lovers shelf.

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Jose Cuervo’s New Campaign, Tomorrow Is Overrated

Jose Cuervo®­­, the world’s leading tequila brand, is launching a new advertising campaign intended to resurrect the spirit’s original intensity. While other tequila brands focus on refinement and conformity, Jose Cuervo is bringing back a historic disregard for anything but celebrating the moment. Starting today with an epic online video and national TV ad, Jose Cuervo will deliver the bold and irreverent message to U.S. consumers to embrace the now because “Tomorrow is Overrated.”

“At tequila’s core is an energy and excitement that sets it apart from other alcoholic beverages. But all we see on TV is a string of bottle beauty shots, agave fields and sweaty rocks glasses,” said Daniel Mandelbaum, Group Brand Director, Jose Cuervo. “With over 220 years of tequila-making experience, it’s our duty to remind people that tequila is the ultimate catalyst to fully embrace the moment you are in right now.”

The center of the campaign is a two-minute online video depicting how a group of bargoers choose to spend their last moments while civilization crumbles around them. As the impending doom worsens outside in the most cinematic way, the partiers bring the “Tomorrow is Overrated” message to life by doubling down on their music, dancing and drinking.

The video – created by Jose Cuervo’s advertising agency of record, CP+B LA, and directed by Ringan Ledwidge – will appear as a 60-second national TV ad starting today. Additionally, the campaign message will manifest in pre-roll ads that will compare some mundane tasks awaiting people tomorrow to the fun of living in the moment.

“This campaign bluntly points out that whatever awaits us tomorrow might not be that great of a reason to miss out the fun you could be having tonight,” said Kevin Jones, Chief Creative Officer, CP+B LA. “And with all the uncertainty there is in the world now, this message seems particularly relevant.”

About Jose Cuervo® Tequila

Jose Cuervo® is the largest and most widely distributed tequila brand in the U.S. and the world. The Jose Cuervo® portfolio of tequilas includes Jose Cuervo Especial®, the world’s best-selling tequila, Jose Cuervo Tradicional®, Jose Cuervo® Reserva de la Familia®, Jose Cuervo Golden Margarita®, Authentic Jose Cuervo Margaritas® and Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix®. Jose Cuervo® is distributed in the U.S. by PROXIMO, a privately owned, premium spirits importer founded in 2007 and based in Jersey City, New Jersey.

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Grand Mayan Tequila Names M.S. Walker United States Importer

BOSTON, MA – M.S. Walker has today announced its appointment as the U.S. importer for Grand Mayan Tequila. Based in Guadalajara, Mexico, Grand Mayan’s portfolio of very special, premium, 100% Blue Agave tequilas are meant to be enjoyed on any occasion that calls for a smooth crafted spirit or a refreshing cocktail.

Grand Mayan’s portfolio currently offers three premium tequilas – Grand Mayan Silver, Grand Mayan Ultra Aged, and Grand Mayan Single Barrel. Grand Mayan Silver (80°; SRP: $69.99 for 750mL) is slowly distilled three times, resulting in a light, crystal clear tequila with fresh agave aromas and hints of citrus, mixing flawlessly into almost any cocktail. Grand Mayan Ultra Aged (80°; SRP: $89.99 for 750mL) is a blend of tequilas aged three, four and five years in American and French oak casks to produce a tequila that is dark in color with the sweet aroma of nuts, blue agave and chocolate, finishing with a smooth taste that is pleasurable on the palate. For the true connoisseur, Grand Mayan Single Barrel (80°; SRP: $149.99 for 750mL) is a limited release Ultra Aged tequila sourced from single barrels aged between five and six years.

Grand Mayan is presented in beautiful, artisanal hand-made talavera bottles crafted by Mexican artists, packaged with the same care as the high-quality spirit contained inside. A painstaking process, each bottle is crafted from scratch out of clay, baked for more than eight hours, individually numbered and painted by hand.

“We are excited to partner with Grand Mayan and help introduce these very special tequilas to a wider range of consumers as their National Importer,” said Gary Shaw, Executive VP of National Sales at M.S. Walker. “We have great respect for the work founder Carlos Monsalve has done to craft these outstanding tequilas.”

For more information on Grand Mayan Tequila, please visit http://www.gmtequila.com. For customer inquiries, please contact Brett Allen at [email protected].

About M.S. Walker

Founded in 1931, M.S. Walker, Inc. is a New England-based importer & distributor of fine wines and spirits, serving both national and international brands. Based in Massachusetts, the company acts as an Agency Importer of select national spirit brands and several wine brands from around the world, in addition to manufacturing its own brands in Boston, MA.

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Tequila Don Julio and Partners Present A Celebration of “AGAVE AND EEEEEATS”

Every foodie knows a thing or two about sharing their favorite food and drink experiences with the social world, but there’s something even more special about sitting with a group of individuals and sharing food, together. In celebration of all things delicious, delectable, mouth-watering and sippable, Tequila Don Julio has partnered with The Infatuation, the ultimate digital guide to all things food and drink, on a nationwide private dinner series. Attendees will feast on family-style dinners and will be treated to an ode to the brands’ expertise in two areas: agave and #eeeeeats. Guests will enjoy Mexico’s original luxury craft tequila alongside custom curated menus from a collection of top chefs and bartenders in the U.S. While guests will delightfully satiate, they will also be giving back to the community beyond the one created at the dinner table, as their attendance will benefit #HashtagLunchbag, a nonprofit organization that provides meals directly to those in need. The series will feature six private dinners kicking off in New York City with additional stops in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Austin and Chicago.

Agave and EEEEEATS will bring together chefs and bartenders from city to city, hosting dinners at hotspots that not even The Infatuation has gotten the chance to write about yet, opening the doors to the places that trendsetters don’t even know they should be dreaming of. Chefs in each city will also share the food from the table with those less fortunate that will be distributed with the help of #HashtagLunchbag the following day in each city.

“Tequila Don Julio and The Infatuation came together as two like-minded brands, both created as a passion project, and who strive to deliver the best in food and drink,” said Rodolfo Aldana, Director of Tequila at Diageo North America. “We’ve joined forces with The Infatuation to create a truly special night where guests can celebrate responsibly and know that they are giving back to #HashtagLunchbag while also experiencing the best of Mexico – the home of our founder Don Julio González and the place that defines Don Julio.”

The Infatuation has fostered a community that is serious about food, but doesn’t take food too seriously, creating the perfect mindset for the inaugural guests of Agave and EEEEEATS. “Bringing people together for an awesome experience over food and drink is what we do best,” said Andrew Steinthal, The Infatuation co-founder and CRO. “We’re looking forward to bringing this Agave and EEEEEATS series across the country, while making bagged lunches for those in need along the way.”

Like Tequila Don Julio and The Infatuation, #HashtagLunchbag was created first as a passion project, that ultimately ended up bringing together communities. “#HashtagLunchbag all started in 2012 as I was looking for a way to give back meaningfully with some friends, it has since grown and we’re so excited to partner with Tequila Don Julio and The Infatuation on this series,” said Will Smith, co-founder of #HashtagLunchbag. “In traveling across the country with Agave and EEEEEATS, we look forward to Living Through Giving with our friends at The Infatuation and Tequila Don Julio.”

For more information on Tequila Don Julio, please visit www.DonJulio.com or follow us on social media to catch inspiration on delicious cocktails to craft at-home and food pairing recommendations from the dinner series: @donjuliotequila (Instagram and Facebook), @donjulio (Twitter), #donjulio.

About Tequila Don Julio

Founded on the pioneering agricultural principles of Don Julio González and his personal pursuit of perfection, Tequila Don Julio revolutionized the tequila industry and set the standard for ultra-premium tequila. The original luxury tequila of choice in Mexico, Tequila Don Julio uses only the highest caliber, fully matured and ripened Blue Agave that has been hand-selected from the rich, clay soils of the Los Altos region of the state of Jalisco. The Tequila Don Julio portfolio includes Tequila Don Julio Blanco, Tequila Don Julio Reposado, Tequila Don Julio Añejo, Tequila Don Julio 70, Tequila Don Julio 1942, and Tequila Don Julio REAL. For more information on Tequila Don Julio, please visit www.DonJulio.com.

About Diageo

Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people and its brands, visit www.diageo.com. For Diageo’s global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit www.DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

About The Infatuation

Started in 2009 by two music industry executives, The Infatuation is the brand that young people turn to when it’s time to decide where to eat. What was initially a well-known and influential app and website focused on covering New York City has now grown to become a globally trusted resource for finding restaurants around the world, thanks largely to The Infatuation’s massive following of millennial-aged consumers. With offices in New York, Los Angeles, and London, the company now offers definitive restaurant guides and reviews in more than a dozen major cities with various product offerings, including iOS & Android apps, SMS messaging, and 22 Instagram accounts dedicated to discovery.

Since the beginning, The Infatuation has built its strategy around creating a relatable and authentic voice in the world of food, along with a unique approach to content distribution, community development, and social media. In 2013, The Infatuation launched what was one of the first “branded hashtags” on Instagram: #EEEEEATS. The tag has now become an Instagram phenomenon, and has been used on over 6 million photos from around the world. In May of 2015, they launched Text Rex, an SMS based recommendation service powered by real humans and The Infatuation’s database of several thousand restaurant reviews and guides. Both are examples of The Infatuation’s innovative approach to achieving a simple goal – helping average people avoid eating average meals.

About #HashtagLunchbag

#HashtagLunchbag is a program under The Living Through Giving Foundation, which is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit corporation in the US. The #HashtagLunchbag experience consists of bringing together a group, creating bagged lunches, dropping in a handwritten love note acknowledging the recipient, distributing the meals to your local community, and sharing your experiences with your friends & followers, inspiring them to pay it forward – turning one ripple of kindness into a wave, one lunch bag at a time!

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Padre azul Tequila Launches in the US, Opening Florida and Georgia Markets

Padre azul Tequila, owned by beverage company Tradition Mexico, is now imported to the United States by Park Street Imports, with current distribution in the Georgia Market. Padre azul Tequila is the number-one specialty tequila in many global markets and currently sold in over 16 countries.

Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Padre azul Hans-Peter Eder said that the brand’s natural growth into the US Market is a direct result of consumer demand.

“People are responding to the brand’s premium quality, value and rock style which has led to a strong focus on the natural launch into the US,” he said.

Just last week, the company announced that Padre azul Tequila will be imported by Park Street Imports, LLC out of Miami, Florida as well as distributed in the Georgia market by Savannah Distributing Company and is seeking distributors in other markets.

“This brand is a major player internationally,” Eder said. “Now that it’s available in the US, it should come as no surprise that both retailers and consumers would respond to its quality and value.”

Mexico’s famed Padre azul Tequila is the world’s fastest growing tequila, and although it is somewhat new to the US market, the brand is well known globally. According to the International Taste & Quality Institute (ITQI), Padre azul Tequila has been rated Superior in quality and taste of all tequila brands.

Padre azul Tequila’s growing popularity is a result of its quality. Padre azul Tequila, commonly dubbed “Padre” was named among the world’s best tequila brand at the World Spirit Worlds Competition in 2016 and received a 921 in the Falstaff Bar & Spirit Competition for the Padre azul Tequila Blanco Aejo 2016.

The Padre azul Tequila distillery is located in Amatitn, Lowlands, Jalisco, Mexico. Distilled from the finest blue weber agave consisting of 400 agave species with the best conditions to produce high quality tequila. True Tequila must be 100% made from agave. While the Tequila Silver is bottled, Reposado (min. 8 months) and Aejo (min. 18 months) are stored in oak barrels. Padre azul Super Premium Tequila is produced according to the highest requirements and quality criteria in Mexico.

Currently, there are three items within the Padre azul Tequila line imported to the United States; Blanco, Reposado and Anjeo – Padre azul Tequila Anejo, which is the most popular item in the line, retailing for $99.00 per 750-mL.

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Don Sebstiani & Sons Introduces New Line of Tequilas

Don Sebastiani & Sons, the Sonoma-based, family-owned producer of leading wine and food products, today introduces a new line of super-premium tequilas, hand-crafted in Jalisco, Mexico, using traditional methods and 100% Blue Weber agave.

The launch of its new tequila line by the fourth generation of Sebastianis continues the family’s expansion of its 112-year wine business into complementary categories, including organic flavored sparkling water, snack foods, and now distilled spirits.

The three new tequila brands are:

Contigo, a clear, silver tequila (40% ABV), with smooth, sweet flavors of agave nectar, ruby grapefruit and blood orange. Twice distilled in stainless steel tanks, Contigo is a 50/50 blend of highland and lowland grown Blue Weber agave, aged for 59 days in oak barrels.

El Fumador, a golden bronze Reposado tequila (40% ABV) with flavors of vanilla, nuts, white chocolate, and a hint of oak. Twice distilled and aged for eight months in American oak whiskey barrels.

El Macho, a dark Añejo tequila (40% ABV) aged 24 months in American oak whiskey barrels, made from 50% highland and 50% lowland Blue Weber agave, imparting earthy and vegetal flavors with herbaceous, spicy characteristics and citrus fruitiness.

What sets these three tequilas apart are the traditional methods used in their production, which relies on the expertise of Master Distiller Augustin Sanchez, a 40-year veteran tequila distiller, and the reputation for quality products that extends across the wine, food and beverage portfolio of Don Sebastiani & Sons. All three tequilas are made from the fermented juice of the Blue Weber agave plant, grown and bottled in Mexico.

“Producing hand-crafted tequilas from Mexico’s finest blue agave is a natural for our company, as it furthers our goal to offer wine, food and beverage products that help people celebrate life’s occasions,” said Donny Sebastiani, President and CEO of Don Sebastiani & Co., and a member of the family’s fourth generation. “People know our family as producers of great wines, but increasingly we’re extending that reputation across numerous complementary food and beverage segments.” The goal, he explained, is “to elevate at-home entertaining with an array of complementary products to provide a ‘Happy Hour at home’ occasion.”

In September, Don Sebastiani & Sons launched Aqua, a line of organic flavored sparkling waters. In spring 2016, the company entered the snack foods category when it introduced U Gottabee Nutz, a line of seasoned dry-roasted nuts. According to Donny Sebastiani, the new product lines complement the company’s well established wine business, which includes such well-known labels as Smoking Loon, B Side, Pepperwood Grove, Il Donato, The Crusher, and Don & Sons.

“After 110 years of focusing on making superior California wines, it makes sense to apply that expertise to the tequila category,” Sebastiani said. “The underlying principles of making wine and tequila are essentially the same: start with great fruit, then rely on masters of the craft to transform it into a superior product suited to celebrating life’s important occasions. And for our family, that’s pretty much any occasion.”

Contigo, El Fumador and El Macho tequilas will be available in both restaurants and select retail stores across the United States in February 2017. Along with the launch, Don Sebastiani & Sons is releasing a variety of custom cocktails featuring Contigo and El Fumador, including the “Mayan Mule,” the “Sonoma Paloma,” the “Mexican Manhattan,” and the “El Fumador Fire.” El Macho is best enjoyed neat. Recipes for these original craft cocktails are available at www.contigotequila.com and www.elfumadortequila.com.

About Don Sebastiani & Sons

Don Sebastiani & Sons is a family-owned company rooted in the Sonoma Valley, with a winery in the Napa Valley. Since 1904, the family’s adventures have often included making and marketing products complementary to wine, and today, products range from wine to water and tequila, to pistachios, almonds, and cashews, all sourced from premier growing regions throughout the world. Natural, healthy beverages and foods to complement life’s special occasions and celebrations with family and friends. The company was recently named one of the Best Places to Work by the North Bay Business Journal for the fourth consecutive year.

Today, fourth-generation proprietor Donny Sebastiani is expanding his family’s vision to include other aspects of the “Mediterranean Diet” to create a “Happy Hour At Home”, with such products as:

Small-lot, single-vineyard wines from Sonoma. Including Chardonnay grown on Donny Sebastiani’s home ranch.

Premium, seasoned almonds, pistachios, almonds called U Gottabee Nutz.

Organic flavored sparkling water: AquaJava, AquaMocha, and AquaKola.

Craft 100% Blue Weber agave Tequilas grown and hand-made in Jalisco, Mexico: Contigo Plata, El Fumador Reposado, and El Macho Anejo.

For more information about the company, visit http://donsebastianiandsons.com.

[tequilaandoak]

Azuñia Tequila Announced as Official Portland Trail Blazers Team Sponsor

Azuñia Tequila and the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers announced today that the estate-crafted tequila – the exclusive U.S. export of Agaveros Unidos de Amatita´n – is teaming up with the Portland Trail Blazers in a multi-year agreement, providing Azuñia significant visibility and consumer engagement at Trail Blazers home games and through the team’s traditional and digital marketing channels. Azuñia also becomes an official Trail Blazers sponsor in the wine and spirits product category.

Azuñia will be featured during Trail Blazers home games and other events and through a series of fan events featuring former team star Bill Walton, in-venue signage, and additional digital marketing activities.

“How cool to bring two of the greatest things in my life together for the first time – the Trail Blazers and Azuñia – through this exhilarating new partnership. I’m the luckiest guy on earth,” said Bill Walton, the Trail Blazers’ legend and part owner of Azuñia. “It’s beyond fantastic to unite with the Trail Blazers again, especially as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of our NBA Championship season. That team was totally authentic and original, just like our organic, handcrafted Azuñia.”

Continued Walton, “This is a harmonic convergence that defies description… Cheers to celebrating this epic, historic and momentous occasion. Go Oregon! Go Trail Blazers! Azuñia Rocks!!!”

About Azuñia Tequila

Azun~ia is smooth, clean craft tequila with authentic flavor from the local terroir in every sip. It is the exclusive export of Agaveros Unidos de Amatita´n and its second-generation, family-owned-and-operated Rancho Miravalle estate, which has created exceptional tequila for nearly 20 years.

Made with 100% pure Weber Blue Agave grown in dedicated fields of the Jalisco lowlands, we harvest by hand and roast the organic agave in traditional clay hornos to ensure authenticity and depth of flavor.

We then finish with a natural, open-air fermentation process and bottle on-site in small batches using a consistent process to deliver field-to-bottle quality.

Find out more about Azuñia at http://www.azunia.com, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

About The Portland Trail Blazers

Members of the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Portland Trail Blazers were founded in 1970 and purchased by Paul G. Allen in 1988. The team’s rich heritage includes 32 playoff appearances, three trips to the NBA Finals, an NBA championship in 1977 and a commitment to community service and sustainability. The Trail Blazers are dedicated to positively impacting underserved kids and their families throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington where they live, learn and play. Portland is the first and only professional sports franchise to receive the prestigious National Points of Light Award for excellence in corporate and community service. The Trail Blazers home arena, the Moda Center, earned LEED Gold Recertification in 2015 after becoming the first existing professional sports venue in the world to receive LEED Gold status in 2010. The team is also one of the founding members of the Green Sports Alliance. For more information, visit http://www.trailblazers.com.

#drinkwire #tequila #tequila and oak

[tequilaandoak]

Corazon Tequila Announces Release of Expresiones Del Corazon

Corazón Tequila is announcing the 2016 release of its limited line of Expresiones del Corazón. This high-end line of tequilas are aged in barrels that used to hold world-renowned whiskies from the most award winning distillery, Buffalo Trace Distillery. This year’s release includes tequilas aged in Buffalo Trace, Old Rip Van Winkle and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac barrels, as well as an Artisanal Blanco.

The Buffalo Trace Reposado was aged 10 and-a-half months in Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels, and tastes of caramel, vanilla and a touch of spice.

Old Rip Van Winkle Añejo was aged 23 months in Pappy Van Winkle bourbon barrels, and has creamy notes of oak, almond and vanilla.

New to the Expresiones lineup is Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Añejo. This tequila was aged 19 months in Thomas H. Handy Sazerac whiskey barrels, and has a light, sweet taste. This expression is the most limited expression in the collection, yielding a very limited number of bottles.

The Artisanal Blanco was held for 60 days in stainless steel, and with less aging, is able to brilliantly express the terroir in the tequila. This expression has a sweet, soft, mint, eucalyptus and slightly tangy taste.

Many factors play a role in the creation of these tequilas, however inside the barrel is where all the magic takes place, and is what makes the Expresiones del Corazón line so unique. The barrels impart unique characteristics on the tequila that when aged creates a spirit unlike any other.

The Corazón brand, which falls under the Sazerac umbrella, is produced at the Casa San Matías Distillery, which is celebrating 130 years of tequila making in Acatic, Los Altos Jalisco. With this third release of Expresiones del Corazón, the Corazón team again worked with experts from the tequila and bourbon industries to combine expertise and work toward a shared passion of creating the best spirits in the world.

“We are very pleased to announce this year’s release of Expresiones del Corazón,” Tequila Marketing Manager Megan Hurtuk said. “The combination of the Artisanal Blanco with these flavorful barrels from Buffalo Trace Distillery has resulted in three one-of-a-kind tequilas, including this year’s addition of Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Añejo, which we’re thrilled to share.”

Using 100 percent blue agave from the highlands of Jalisco, the brix for Expresiones del Corazón are measured to determine sugar levels before harvest, rather than a traditional clear cut. Two sets of agave were harvested, one with a lower sugar content and flavored a little drier, and one with a higher sugar content considered a little sweeter for agave, resulting in more floral notes. The result was a harmonization of the two sets of agave in the amazing Blanco, which was then used as the base for the other Expresiones del Corazón.

The agave is slow cooked in stone ovens before being distilled in stainless steel pots using fresh spring water from the Jalisco highlands. The filled barrels are stored in the first row at Casa San Matías aging facility in Acatic, Los Altos Jalisco, where the barrels receive the ideal level of air flow to aid in the again process. The barrels are then evaluated every two months until the desired characteristics are achieved.

Expresiones del Corazón are available nationally, however quantities are very limited. The suggested retail price for the Artisanal Blanco is $59.99, Buffalo Trace Reposado is $69.99, Old Rip Van Winkle Añejo is $79.99 and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Añejo is $79.99. All four expressions in this release are 80 proof.

#tequila #tequila and oak

[tequilaandoak]

Tequila Herradura Unveils Fifth Limited-Edition Colección de la Casa, Reserva 2016 – Port Cask Finished Reposado

Tequila Herradura, crafted by the last true tequila-producing hacienda on the planet, announces the release of the fifth Colección de la Casa, Reserva 2016 – Port Cask Finished Reposado, a reintroduction of the critically-acclaimed Colección de la Casa, Reserva 2012. The ultimate holiday gift for tequila aficionados, Tequila Herradura Colección de la Casa, Reserva 2016 – Port Cask Finished Reposado is made from 100% blue agave, aged for 11 months in medium-char American oak casks, and then aged for an additional two months in hand-selected vintage port casks from the renowned Duoro Valley in Portugal. This process provides a complex body and extraordinarily smooth taste. Paying homage to the first of its series of small-batch tequila experiences, Tequila Herradura maintains its commitment to discerning spirits drinkers who appreciate hand-harvested artisanal tequila with the re-release of this limited edition expression.

  “We are delighted to re-introduce Colección de la Casa, Reserva 2016 – Port Cask Finished Reposado to our loyal fans and Tequila enthusiasts in the United States just in time for the holidays,” said Jennifer Simmonds, Brand Manager for Tequila Herradura. “The fifth edition in Tequila Herradura’s small-batch tequila series is a reminder of one of the brand’s most successful innovations, the first Colección de la Casa, Reserva 2012 – Port Cask Finished Reposado. This is a true exemplification of the brand’s pioneering and experimenting with small-batch concepts that complement our traditional production methods credited for crafting the finest tequilas and surpassing industry standards with barrel aged expressions.”

Crafted by Master Distiller Maria Teresa Lara, one of the only female Master Distillers in the tequila industry, this small-batch tequila is produced using only the finest blue agave plants, harvested at the peak of perfection. It is then fermented with natural yeast amid the warm breeze and citrus trees of Casa Herradura, a process entirely unique in the industry. The double-maturation process accentuates the notes of cooked agave, increases complexity and delivers a nose of dried fruit and ripe plum infused with hints of cinnamon, caramel and chocolate. Bottled at 80 proof, Colección de la Casa, Reserva 2016 – Port Cask Finished Reposado is a gorgeous expression for true tequila lovers.

“I am excited to share Colección de la Casa, Reserva 2016 – Port Cask Finished Reposado with consumers throughout the United States,” said Ruben Aceves, International Director for Brand Development and Tequila Herradura’s Master Taster. “The 2012 expression was our first innovative barrel finish concept and one that resonated well with fans of Tequila Herradura. In many ways, the initial introduction of this expression was a milestone for the brand, consistent with our heritage as an industry innovator, introducing the first-ever Reposado in 1974 and Extra Añejo tequila in 1995.”

Colección de la Casa, Reserva 2016 – Port Cask Finished Reposado will be available nationwide for a limited time beginning this month at a suggested retail price of $89.99.

Tasting Notes for Herradura Colección de la Casa, Reserva 2016 –Port Cask Finished Reposado

Color: Amber with shades of rose and copper

Aroma: An enticing balance of sophisticated smoky notes, warm tobacco, dried fruit, and a hint of spice.

Taste: The distinctive taste of oak aged agave complemented by hints of rich port, plum, and pepper.

Finish: Finishes smooth with the familiar taste of Herradura tequila and with undertones of dark chocolate.

About Tequila Herradura

Tequila Herradura is an ultra-premium 100% agave tequila crafted by Casa Herradura in Amatitán, Jalisco, the last true tequila-producing hacienda on the planet and one of Mexico’s most historic and renowned tequila producers. Since 1870, Casa Herradura has been hand harvesting and estate bottling 100% agave tequila using only the most mature blue agave and artisanal methods, such as slow cooking the agave in traditional clay ovens and natural fermentation. Tequila Herradura is distilled twice and aged to perfection in American white oak barrels. Herradura Silver, Reposado, Añejo, and Seleccion Suprema Extra Añejo are available throughout the U.S., Mexico, and more than 80 other countries around the world. For more information about Tequila Herradura, visit www.herradura.com/or connect with Tequila Herradura on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

#tequila #tequila and oak

[tequilaandoak]

Jose Cuervo Launches Limited Edition Day of the Dead-Inspired Bottle

In celebration of the Mexican holiday, Dia de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead), Jose Cuervo Tradicional is launching an exclusive, limited edition bottle. As the first 100% agave tequila created over 220 years ago, Jose Cuervo Tradicional is embracing Day of the Dead to pay tribute to Mexico’s rich cultural heritage.

Typically observed on November 1, the two day festival of Dia de los Muertos honors deceased friends and family with spirited festivals, elaborately decorated altars, and of course, festive food and drink. The new bottle design features a traditional Day of the Dead skull, representing the graphic icon of the holiday that often is decorated on faces and used on the traditional altars erected to honor the spirits of loved ones.

Jose Cuervo Tradicional is the original recipe created by José Antonio de Cuervo himself and remains unchanged after over 220 years. Tradicional is distilled from 100% blue agave and aged for two months in oak barrels at the brand’s home, La Rojena, in the town of Tequila in Mexico. Tradicional’s rich heritage, intricate production and smooth, complex taste have made it the best-selling premium tequila in all of Mexico.

Jose Cuervo Tradicional limited edition Day of the Dead bottle is available starting October 17 nationwide in liquor stores for $29.99.

About Jose Cuervo Tradicional

Jose Cuervo has been making tequila for over 220 years utilizing the experience, craftsmanship and recipes that have been handed down through 10 generations.The family’s distillery, La Rojeña, is the oldest of its kind in Latin America, and remains dedicated to producing its award-winning tequila today on the same land in the town of Tequila, Jalisco.

[tequilaandoak]

Texas-based Pepe Z Tequila Gets New Look

Founded in 2008 by Pepe Zevada, the award-winning Pepe Zevada Z Tequila has been a longtime Austin favorite since its launch. As of this month, Z Tequila bottles have a vibrant new look. Austin designer, Trina Bentley, of Make & Matter Studio, created the new label keeping the iconic Z but taking inspiration from both colonial and mid-century modern Mexican styles.

  Dee Kelleher, President of Empresario Brands, the parent company of Z Tequila, led the design initiative. “We wanted a new label that would represent the bold agave flavor of Z Tequila while honoring the traditions and heritage of Mexico’s national spirit.”

Pepe Zevada Z Tequila was created to the specifications of Pepe Zevada. Pepe is a renowned spirits industry veteran with 35 years experience. Z Tequila is made from 100% Mature Agave in the Highlands of Jalisco, where tequila originated.

The Z Tequila line has four expressions: Z Tequila Blanco, Z Tequila Reposado, Z Tequila Añejo, and Zevada Family Gran Reserva Extra Añejo. All of the Z expressions have the updated label, aside from the Gran Reserva Extra Añejo, which kept its own distinct packaging. The photo showcases a side-by-side of old and new Z Tequila bottles.

About Z Tequila

Pepe Zevada Z Tequila is based in Austin, Texas and produced in Arandas, Jalisco. It is made with 100% Natural Highland Agave, which is cooked in ecologically designed vertical pressure cookers that utilize gravity to extract only the auguamiel, the sweet honey of agave. The leftover parts of the agave are dried and used as fuel to heat the ovens and copper stills used to produce Z Tequila. Pepe’s Reposado, Añejo and Gran Reserva Extra Añejo tequilas are aged in lightly charred American Oak barrels. Pepe Zevada Z Tequila is 80 proof. Learn more about Z Tequila by visiting http://www.pepeztequila.com. Find them on Facebook at facebook.com/PepeZTequila and follow them on Twitter @PepeZTequila.

About Empresario Brands

Empresario LLC is the first Texas company to create, brand, distill, import, and market spirits. Empresario’s award-winning portfolio currently includes Paula’s Texas Spirits, Pepe Zevada Z Tequila, Republic Tequila, Republic Spirit Blends, and the newest addition, Martine Honeysuckle Liqueur. Learn more about Empresario Brands by visiting www.empresariobrands.com.

[tequilaandoak]

Soltado Tequila Expands Distribution Footprint

Soltado Tequila, infused añejo tequila portfolio of DM Spirits, LLC, announced this month that they would be partnering to expand distribution and support into three new markets.

After achieving record growth over the past 11 months, Soltado Spicy Añejo Tequila, the brand’s 100% blue Weber agave, Serrano chile and Mexican cinnamon infused expression, has achieved millions of views from readers of national and international food and beverage publications, as well as garnering their own loyal, spice-loving fans-now nearly 22,000 on Facebook alone.

This media attention has also caught the eye of distributors nationwide. At the beginning of this month, Soltado Tequila chose Allied Beverage Group as partner to increase availability across 21 counties throughout the state of New Jersey.

<img class=”aligncenter size-medium wp-image-114967″ src=”https://dg6qn11ynnp6a.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/24102452/184137417.soltado-tequila-distillery-horno-oven-480×270.jpg” alt=”SOLTADO TEQUILA EXPANDS Q4 DISTRIBUTION FOOTPRINT” width=”480″ height=”270″ srcset=”https://dg6qn11ynnp6a.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/24102452/184137417.soltado-tequila-distillery-horno-oven-480×270.jpg 480w, https://dg6qn11ynnp6a.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/24102452/184137417.soltado-tequila-distillery-horno-oven-768×432.jpg 768w, https://dg6qn11ynnp6a.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/24102452/184137417.soltado-tequila-distillery-horno-oven.jpg 889w” sizes=”(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px” />

For Michigan, Soltado Tequila is now available to all 83 counties, through their recently signed partnership with Republic National Distributing

As of October 1st, Soltado Tequila is also now available to all 58 counties in California, through their newest distribution partnership with 88 Spirits Corporation, based out of Los Angeles.

Soltado Tequila is also currently expanding in the New York and Florida markets, with self distribution through Park Street Imports.

Upon its original debut last fall, Soltado boldly disrupted the tequila and flavored-tequila categories, hitting shelves as the first infused and aged tequila on the market. Their trailblazing product has met with gaining demand from both on and off-premise accounts, rave reviews, and critical acclaim.

“Soltado represents the best that Mexican spirits have to offer, while meeting with current consumer demand for spice, flavor, and fresh products that are easy to use. We’re thrilled to announce this growth in our distribution footprint, and excited to introduce our award-winning tequila to three entirely new regions of the country,” says founder and CEO, David Weissman.

As part of their core values and brand mission, socially responsible Soltado has supported local and national charities through dollar matching programs, event donations, and by leveraging their fan base to drive awareness. From raising funds for humanitarian causes, to animal welfare, cancer survivor foundations, and urban farming initiatives, Soltado Tequila remains a purpose driven brand.

Soltado also plans to continue support for their retail and on-premise partners through strategic social promotions, advertising, and high profile media outreach.