Showing posts with label tequila. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tequila. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

La Fogata Features New Tequila for April

Hornitos Reposado

La Fogata is excited to announce that they will be featuring a new tequila throughout the month of April. Well-known tequila Hornitos will be available to customers. The restaurant encourages customers to come in and enjoy a Fiesta Margarita with Hornitos Tequila.

Hornitos Tequila is available in a variety of drink options, including a Blood Orange Margarita, Sauza Skinny Margarita and the Top Shelf Margarita. Customers also have the option of enjoying a frozen margarita with Hornitos Plata Tequila.

The Blood Orange Margarita is made with Hornitos Plata Tequila, Dekuyper Blood Orange Liqueur and fresh lime juice. The Sauza Skinny Margarita is made with Agave Nectar and Hornitos Plata Tequila. The Top Shelf Margarita contains Hornitos Reposado Tequila, Orange Liqueur and fresh lime juice.

La Fogata is also currently completely decorated for Fiesta and is ready to create a memorable experience for all their guests. Stop in today to check it out.

In addition, the Lent Entrée Feature will continue to be offered through the month.

La Fogata encourages all their customers to come in and try one of their famous margaritas today. For more information about the restaurant or to make a reservation, call 210-340-1337.





The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Tequila Avion Introduces Avion Reserva 44

Avion Reserva 44 tequila

Tequila Avion is excited to announce the launch of Avion Reserva 44, an exceptional extra anejo tequila. Avion Reserva 44 is hand bottled in extremely limited batches and carefully filled into a fire-polished, luxurious crystal bottle. Only 744 cases of the unique, handcrafted extra anejo tequila will be available worldwide and the brand will unveil the first 150 select cases of Reserva 44 just in time for the holiday gift-giving season. This very special addition joins the already exceptional line of handcrafted tequila from Avion, which was voted World's Best Tasting Tequila at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Avion Reserva 44 is crafted in the highlands town of Jesus Maria, Mexico. The process to create this exceptional tequila begins with the founder's unwavering commitment to quality. Avion Agave is hand selected and estate grown at 7,000 feet above sea level. Slow roasted in brick ovens for 72 hours, the Avion Agave is carefully distilled and filtered through Avion's proprietary ultra-slow filtration method, where it is then aged for 43 months in oak barrels to create an incredibly smooth and finely balanced finish. The final step for Avion Reserva 44 is aging the liquid for an additional month in specially selected petite barrels, which are rotated daily. It is during this intensive process that Reserva 44 takes on its rich, complex character. The liquid is then hand-filled into a fire polished crystal bottle, hand numbered and individually signed by Founder, Ken Austin. Reserva 44 is then enclosed in a uniquely crafted luxury gift box and shipped in a wooden crate.

"I've waited and waited to release Avion Reserva 44. Years ago, I reserved specific batches of our tequila to be placed into the Reserva 44 barrels and have closely watched their progression," said Ken Austin, Founder and Chairman. "This release is the culmination of our bespoke tequila process. Reserva 44 is a spirit that the most demanding of tequila connoisseurs and single malt scotch drinkers will fully appreciate."

Jenna Fagnan, President of Tequila Avion, said, "Tequila Avion has become the fastest growing ultra-premium tequila on the market and it's due to Ken's unwavering dedication to always push traditional tequila rules and never settling until all previous limits have been surpassed. Avion Reserva 44 once again reminds us of why Avion was voted the world's best tasting tequila."

Avion Reserva 44 has the distinctive character of Avion Agave with hints of warm vanilla, ripe luscious fruits and a touch of spice—the hallmark of Avion fine tequila. It is 80 proof and is available in 750ml fire polished crystal bottles (SRP - $150.00). It is best enjoyed neat at room temperature or with a single cube of ice.





The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Justin Timberlake's 901 Tequila Heading to the UK

Justin Timberlake

The tequila, named after Timberlake's area code in his hometown of Memphis, is 40% abv triple-distilled silver and will be available to both on-trade and off-trade retailers with an off-trade RRP of £32.85 for a 700ml bottle.

901 is produced by Destileria Santa Lucia from a 60-year-old recipe and was co-founded in 2009 by Justin Timberlake and Kevin Ruder.

The tequila is produced in small batches from 100% Blue Weber Agave from Jalisco in Mexico and was awarded a Double Gold medal at the 2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

“901 Tequila has been extremely well received by our distributors, cocktail experts and most importantly, consumers during our first four years in the American marketplace,” said Kevin Ruder, president of 901.

Added Ruder, “we look forward to continuing to build the brand with Hi-Spirits in the UK.”

“Justin Timberlake’s deep respect for the heritage and quality of Tequila has led to the development of a premium spirit that has a wide appeal,” remarked the Managing Director of Hi-Spirits, Dan Bolton.





The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Peligroso Launches Cinnamon Flavored Tequila

Peligroso Launches Cinnamon Flavored Tequila

Peligroso Tequila, known for its dangerously exceptional juice, is heating up the market yet again with the launch of the newest member of its premium tequila family—Peligroso Cinnamon. The world’s first 84 proof cinnamon-flavored tequila is infused with 100% pure cinnamon and a blend of secret ingredients, creating a distinct juice with a kick that leaves some sweet heat on the palate.

Peligroso Cinnamon has a distinct flavor profile described as warm and savory, with spicy aromas and a light finish. As unique as the very country from which it’s produced, Peligroso Cinnamon is sticking to its roots—made with 100% Weber blue agave, and gluten free. True to the Peligroso standard, Cinnamon retains its 42% alc by volume/ 84 proof quality. Every batch of Peligroso Cinnamon is taste tested and approved by their chief taste masters to guarantee perfection in every sip. Every bottle is hand made, certified, numbered—and produced in Mexico.

“We recognized a demand for something new in our rapidly growing category,” said Keith Ross, Peligroso Tequila’s President and CEO. “When we discovered the complex flavor that resulted as we infused cinnamon with our tequila, we knew we had something exceptional on our hands. We are thrilled to bring Peligroso Cinnamon to market and share this new remarkable juice with tequila enthusiasts and Peligroso fans nationwide.”

Whether as the perfect shot, sipped, mixed in a cocktail, served at room temperature or chilled, Peligroso Cinnamon delivers one of the most unique & delicious flavor experiences to ever enter the spirits industry! The Peligroso team is thrilled to bring Peligroso Cinnamon to the market and excited to introduce the world to this outstanding spirit.





The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Tequila el Jimador Revamps Its Bottle

el Jimador New Bottle Design

Tequila el Jimador, the No. 1 selling 100 percent agave tequila in Mexico, significantly updated its bottle aimed at expanding the brand's footprint. Tequila el Jimador's evolution in packaging design presents a new premium look to match the quality of the product. As part of the campaign, the brand will continue to encourage consumers to live life at 100 percent, with courage, passion and pride, attributes that are found in every bottle of Tequila el Jimador.

The revamped bottle features a dynamic embossed illustration of the iconic Jimador, a figure that represents the hard work and dedication to craftsmanship displayed by the master agave harvesters. The slightly modified body of the bottle features stylized, pronounced corners at the shoulders and base, giving the body of the bottle a sleek, modern appeal. Some of the other design changes include a bigger bottle size, smaller streamlined, colored metallic label design to showcase more of the premium tequila, and uniform caps, all aimed at creating a better presence on the shelf. All bottle sizes will be evolving to the new packaging and will maintain the same price point.

To support the launch, the brand will implement a focused brand investment in OOH, digital, print and social platforms including a new intuitive, user-friendly website. Through all these elements, the brand will provide a more valuable experience to consumers.

"With more than 1300 tequila brands in the marketplace, consumers are faced with many options making packaging an important and differentiating aspect. By revamping our bottle design, we are aligning our packaging with our great tasting liquid and making it more relevant to consumers. El Jimador will continue to offer consumers a premium tequila at an accessible price but now with a better presentation," said Jesus Ostos, brand manager for Tequila el Jimador.





The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Montalvo Tequila Awarded Two Gold Medals in 2013 Spirits of Mexico Tasting Competition

Montalvo Tequila

Montalvo Spirits, Inc. is proud to announce that Montalvo Tequila was awarded Gold Medals in the Reposado Tequila and Anejo Tequila categories for the 10th Annual Spirits of Mexico Tasting Competition, held by the IWSC Group.

"Being awarded Gold Medals for both our Reposado and Anejo is a wonderful accomplishment for Montalvo Tequila," says Montalvo's CEO Alex Viecco. "We are especially proud of our acknowledgement from such an esteemed panel of judges in a completely blind tasting," added Viecco.

The Spirits of Mexico Tasting Competition took place on September 15th and 16th. Internationally recognized industry experts, in a blind tasting, selected which brands were awarded the coveted 2013 Spirits of Mexico Medals. Brands are judged on five essential characteristics: appearance, aromatics, flavor, mouthfeel and finish. Each of these subsets has varying ultimate scores, with aromatics and flavor scoring the highest possible points.





The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Patron Anejo Adorned with David Yurman Limited Edition Bottle Stopper

Patron Anejo Adorned with David Yurman Limited Edition Bottle Stopper

For the second time in a series of designer collaborations, Patron Spirits introduces a limited edition bottle stopper for this holiday season. The new collectible bottle accessory is crafted exclusively for Patron Anejo by Evan Yurman, Chief Design Director for David Yurman men's and timepiece collections. Patron's relationship with Yurman emerged from a shared commitment to understated luxury, meticulous craftsmanship and masculine elegance.

Die-cast in solid metal and electroplated in gun metal and 24K gold, the bottle stopper is an exceptional two-toned sword featuring elaborate metal carvings inspired by those depicted on the hand guards of 18th century Japanese Samurai swords; a reflection of Yurman's love for unique and rare objects, artwork and artifacts. Like Patron Anejo, Yurman's bottle stopper is bold, intricate and truly distinct.

"It was a thrill to work with Patron on this unique project," said Yurman. "Throughout time, armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical ability of the artisans who craft them. For me, there is an inseparable parallel between a finely honed weapon and a beautifully crafted piece of jewelry – they are truly one in the same and a natural extension of the work that inspires me." This inspiration is unmistakable in the one-of-a-kind, sophisticated design Yurman created to adorn the iconic bottle of Patron Anejo.

Each bottle of Patron Anejo is handcrafted with recycled glass and produced with unparalleled attention to detail. Patron Anejo is a delicate blend of uniquely aged tequilas, all aged in small white oak barrels for a minimum of 12 months. Similar to winemaking, each vintage of Patron Anejo is carefully blended to produce a smooth and distinctive-tasting tequila.

The bottle stopper, which comes in a special limited edition gift box, will be available at select retailers across the U.S. in November 2013 for a suggested retail price of $59.99.





The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Olmeca Altos Introduces New Agave Tequila

Olmeca Altos

Unlocking a new option in the super-premium tequila category, Olmeca Altos announces the national launch of 100% Agave Tequila. Olmeca Altos Tequila offers the smooth taste and hand-crafted quality that today’s bartenders and trend-conscious consumers are seeking in premium cocktails, but without the premium price. The secret to the tequila lies in the expertise of two of the UK’s most prominent mixologists, Henry Besant and Dre Massoalongside Master Distiller Jesus Hernandez. Together they created an accessible, mixable 100% agave tequila distinguishable from other spirits in the category.

“We’re excited because Olmeca Altos is truly a product that is on-trend with the tastes of today’s consumers looking for authentic tequila,” said Clare Kanter, Vice President, White Spirits, Pernod Ricard USA. “The tequila was created by bartenders for bartenders who understand the need for a superior craft-quality product that’s accessible, which is why the traditional methods for creating Olmeca Altos are the core of our brand.”

The Secret Ingredients

The secret to a great night lies in selecting the perfect drink. Today’s trendsetters now more than ever are looking for unique cocktail creations, rich flavors and twists on traditional drinks. Olmeca Altos is the choice for these consumers unlocking the perfect flavor for any occasion. The three ingredients to Olmeca Altos’ winning tequila combination lie in the brand's:

Hand-Crafted Quality— Olmeca Altos is different from other super-premium options because of its traditional process using the centuries old Tahona Method to create a tequila of unmatched quality. Master Distiller Jesus Hernandez is responsible for supervising production from the initial harvest of the agave plants to the end result in the bottle.

Smooth Taste— The agave for Olmeca Altos is handpicked at peak ripeness, and then slow cooked at low-temperatures to seal in the plant’s sweet, honey-like flavors. The cooked agave “juice” is then extracted from the plant by the 500-year-old Tahona production process in which a giant volcanic millstone is used to crush the cooked Agave pinas and expose the juice and fibre from the plant, which is then added to Olmeca Altos’ fermentation and distillation process to deliver the rich, sweet, citric taste and aroma.

Affordable Price— To get authentic quality, consumers expect to pay a higher price. But Olmeca Altos is bringing consumers a premium, quality product they can drink regularly, making it a go-to choice on its own or in a range of signature tequila cocktails and margaritas.

Olmeca Altos is available nationwide in Plata or Reposado. Olmeca Altos is 40% alc/vol (80 proof) and retails for a suggested price of $24.99 for 750 mL.

To mix up premium cocktails at home, try these Olmeca Altos signature margarita recipes:

Tommy’s Margarita
2 parts Olmeca Altos Plata
1 part fresh squeezed lime juice
½ part agave nectar
Shake all ingredients with ice and fine strain into chilled glass.
Serve on the rocks.

Jasmine Tea Margarita
2 parts Olmeca Altos Reposado
1 part fresh squeezed lime juice
½ part agave syrup
4 parts jasmine tea
Build up all ingredients over ice.
Stir in mason jar.





The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Monday, November 11, 2013

AsomBroso Del Porto To Be Offered Via Exclusive Website

AsomBroso Del Porto To Be Offered Via Exclusive Website

What makes an ultra-premium spirit superior? First and foremost, it's taste. Second, it's the process. Ultra-premium spirits, like AsomBroso's Del Porto and El Carbonzado tequilas, are both time- and labor-intensive. The final result are two limited-edition 11-year old tequilas that are so rare, both typically sell out immediately after their release, leaving tequila aficionados wanting for more.

This year, after the El Carbonzado sold out to his past clients, AsomBroso founder and master distiller, Ricardo Gamarra, came up with an equitable solution: Create an exclusive website reserved for those who truly appreciate a fine, hand-crafted ultra-premium tequila, allowing them to pre-order AsomBroso Del Porto, which is typically released just before Christmas time. The web address is: http://asombroso-tequila.myshopify.com/

AsomBroso Del Porto – legendary taste 20 years in the making

Tequila is a time-intensive spirit. It takes from eight to twelve years for the blue agave to mature. The key is knowing the exact time when to harvest so it creates the ideal flavor profile. Next, AsomBroso follows a centuries-old distilling process that produces a hand-crafted tequila that's second to none.

The final step is the aging. Like making fine wine, the proper aging of tequila requires patience and skill, the proper facilities and equipment. To create AsomBroso Del Porto, only the finest tequila is set aside and rested in French oak barrels. After eleven years, the tequila is then rested in vintage port barrels that were hand-selected in Portugal and shipped to Mexico. The tequila rests in the port barrels up to one year, with periodic taste tests. Only once Ricardo deems it ready, is it bottled.

The beauty of AsomBroso Del Porto is its flavor profile. Using wood to flavor tequila is both art and science. Just the right amount of resting allows the subtle nuance of the vintage port wine barrels to give this tequila a sweet agave taste this is like no other tequila in the world. It has been described as the "nectar of the gods," and is best enjoyed when sipped neat in a tulip shaped sipping glass.

One-of-a-Kind Tequila Demands a One-of-a-Kind Bottle

"One of the trademarks of AsomBroso is our signature bottle," said Ricardo Gamarra. "Because our Del Porto is a limited edition, we wanted to create a crystal decanter that's as unique as our tequila. We literally searched the globe before selecting Gambaro & Poggi from Murano Venezia, Italy, as they embrace the same commitment to creating a premium product as we do."

Gambaro & Poggi is one of the most innovative and accomplished hand-blown glass companies in the world. It was founded by Mario Gambaro and is run by his son, Luciano. "After almost 40 years, my father is still the most important person and creative power of our glass factory thanks to his intuition, great taste, and his willingness to engage in new experiments and challenges," Luciano said. Each AsomBroso Del Porto crystal decanter is hand-numbered and signed by the artist.

The final element is the presentation, and each bottle of AsomBroso Del Porto comes in its own custom-made, inlaid hardwood humidor. "Our customers are making an investment to buy one of the finest tequilas in the world, so we provide them with a humidor that not only enhances the look of the bottle, but also keeps their tequila fresh. We work with the best craftsmen who understand the importance of humidor construction, and the end result is sure to please any tequila connoisseur."

AsomBroso Del Porto is $2,800 per bottle. An additional benefit, once someone orders a bottle of AsomBroso Del Porto, Ricardo will sent them a 50 ml tasting sample so they can enjoy this "nectar of the gods" prior to the arrival of their actual bottle.





The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Chef Shannon Bard and Tequila Sommelier Sergio Ramos to Host Patron Tequila Dinner

Zapoteca Portland Maine

Chef Shannon Bard and Tequila Sommelier, Sergio Ramos are at it again with another great Tequila Dinner planned for November at Zapoteca restaurant in Portland, Maine on November 18 at 6:30 p.m. The five-course dinner will be paired with several varieties of Patron, the award-winning tequila that has been recognized with many awards including the "Five Star Diamond" award by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.

The five-course menu includes:

The first course

Gordita Dorada con Huevo de Cordoniz, Golden Quail Egg Gordita, House Made Mexican Chorizo, Frisee, Queso Fresco, Smoked Red Chile Sauce paired with Zapoteca's specialty cranberry sage margarita.

The second course

Sopa del Calabaza Oaxaquena. Oaxacan and Orange Spiced Pumpkin Soup, Chocolate Chile Bolillo Crisp. This course will be paired with Patron Silver.

The third course

Cielo- Pato Magret en Mole de Higo. Pan Seared Duck Breast, Fig--Nut Mole, Blind Tamale and Crisp Greens paired with Patron Reposado.

The fourth course

Tierra, Duo de Venado, Chile Rubbed Venison, House Made Venison Sausage, Oaxacan Red Mole, Huitlacoche Flan, Grilled Mushrooms and paired with Patron Anejo.

The fifth course

Dessert and will be Pudin de Canela which is canela bread pudding with ancho caramel sauce and spiced whipped cream paired with Gran Patron Platinum.

"Sergio Ramos, our manager, is the only tequila sommelier in the Northeast and has completed the first phase of tequila expert class 'T' certification by the Tequila Regulatory Council of Mexico and is endorsed by the association of tequila from Mexico. He loves to share his knowledge of tequila and great Mexican cuisine which I know will be a treat for our guests," said Shannon Bard, Executive Chef and Owner of Zapoteca.

Tickets are $75 for the tequila dinner and seats are limited so please call the restaurant today to make your reservation at 207-772-8242.





The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Saturday, November 9, 2013

bestofluxury.com Releases November 2013 Rankings of Best Tequila Manufacturers

Partida Elegante Tequila

The independent authority on luxurious living, bestofluxury.com, has announced the 10 top tequila providers in the November 2013 edition of the ratings reported online. Businesses searching for well-known tequila providers access the ratings at bestofluxury.com. Each tequila provider showcased within the ratings has been put through a veracious evaluation to decide how well they perform compared to industry standards and competitors.

The 10 top tequila liquor providers for November 2013 are:

1. Partida Elegante

2. Don Julio Real Tequila

3. Clase Azul Extra Anejo (Ultra)

4. Casa Noble Single Barrel Extra Anejo

5. Rey Sol Anejo

6. Gran Patron Burdeos Tequila

7. Casa Herradura Seleccion Suprema

8. AsomBroso Reserva Del Porto

9. Ultra Premium Tequila Ley .925 Pasion Azteca

10. Gran Patrón Platinum

While many tequila liquor companies are considered for the methodical evaluation process each month only the top companies are featured in the standings. The rankings are revised each month in order to account for the latest developments and achievements of competing tequila liquor companies in areas most commonly associated with successful tequila liquor services. The five areas of evaluation used to determine the best companies include reputation, taste, ingredients, aroma, and availability.





The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Patron Tequila's John Paul DeJoria Joins ABC Show Shark Tank

Shark Tank TV Show

John Paul DeJoria, the self-dubbed "serial entrepreneur" will join season five of the critically-acclaimed ABC business competition show, Shark Tank as a guest shark this week. Best known as co-founder of Paul Mitchell Hair Care and The Patron Spirits Company, DeJoria has also found success in dozens of additional ventures spanning from conflict-free diamonds to hand-built yachts.

A prudent believer that "America works," John Paul can often be seen and heard in top business and news media outlets spreading this message and divulging the secrets of his success. Living by his motto, "Success Unshared is Failure," he will now join the Sharks to pay it forward, providing promising entrepreneurs the chance to turn their dreams into reality by making an investment in their future.

On his first dive into the tank, John Paul will listen to two men from St. Louis who have a line of safe, natural cleaning products, a New Yorker inspired by cups at frat parties who hopes for a $300K investment in his standard party cup with a hidden shot glass inside, an entrepreneur from Pleasanton, California with an electric, lightweight bodyboard he claims could be the hottest new thing in water sports, and an entrepreneur from Arcadia, Florida pitching a tented root cover for newly planted trees he claims will save farmers thousands of dollars in fuel and water.

"As a guest shark, I look forward to providing opportunities to future entrepreneurs to change our world for the better," says DeJoria. "Our country still works, and success is possible when paired with determination."

DeJoria's rags-to-riches story exemplifies the American dream—once homeless, he struggled against the odds to achieve success, launching three global enterprises. With just $700 he started Paul Mitchell, the largest privately held salon hair care brand, and later turned a passion into success by co-founding Patron, the world's No. 1 ultra-premium tequila.

A longtime activist for sustainable business and corporate responsibility, John Paul makes these practices paramount as he continues to evolve and grow his businesses, and inspire others, insisting "corporations can and should change the world for the better."





The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

At Last: 75 Year Old Tequila Tapatio Brand Arrives in the U.S.

Tapatio Tequilas

After 75 years of distilling in Arandas and sales across Mexico, the venerable Tapatio Tequila has arrived in the US. Distiller Carlos Camarena has developed cult like status with Tequila lovers with the quality and integrity of his hard to obtain Tapatio brand. It stands alone with its pure classic flavor profile of 100% Blue Agave Tequila from the highlands. Why is it so loved? Tapatio sets the bar for the old authentic flavor that is disappearing in modern Tequilas. Respected author, Robert Plotkin, of Bar Media and a respected Tequila writer, wrote: “Wow, Tapatio...I'm already salivating”.

The Camarena Family distills 100% estate grown blue agaves. Many know the family distillery through El Tesoro and other custom Tequilas. Charbay’s father and son team distilled their Tequila there. That’s the friendship that brought Tapatio to America.

True Tequila aficionados and star bartenders make the trek to Camarena’s La Altena Distillery in Arandas as a rite of passage into the old Tequila world. Enlightened by Tapatio’s intriguing flavor profile, many tried to find a way to get it in the US. It took the friendship & trust of two distilling families to make it happen.

Charbay Distillers is the exclusive USA Importer of the Tapatio brand.

Dori Bryant, founder of ‘Spirits of Mexico’ events across the country, could only sing the praises of Tapatio. She wrote: “Tapatio is one of the most stellar brands out there. When asked about Tapatio... each time [someone] asked my opinion I'd say: GET IT - GET IT - GET IT!!!!!!!!!!”

The first states carrying Tequila Tapatio include California(MK Spirits), New York(Martin Scott), New Jersey(Martin Scott), Nevada(SWS), Missouri(Vintegrity), New Jersey(Martin Scott), Florida(Vinquiry), Florida(Vincraft), Texas(Virtuoso), Maryland(Bacchus).

For National sales information, contact Bryan Fontana, Charbay Distillers, 707-287-4633, Bryan@charbay.com





The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Chicago's 2nd Annual Mariachi & Tequila Festival 2013

Chicago's 2nd Annual Mariachi & Tequila Festival 2013

The 2nd Annual Mariachi & Tequila Festival showcases Mexico’s first loves: Mariachi & Tequila! This incredible pair fused together creates an unforgettable night with proven success last year. Back by popular demand, this event is our most anticipated event of the year.

Over 20 Tequilas, will be showcasing their products and providing free samples, while enjoying the wonderful sounds of live Mariachi music, Latin folkloric dancing, Charro rodeo-style rope tricks, and not to mention, delicious authentic Mexican cuisine.

o When: Saturday – November 16, 2013 from 6:00 pm - 12:00 am
o Where: Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University – 50 East Congress Parkway, Chicago

• Stellar concert by Rafael Jorge Negrete, grandson of the one and only, Mexican icon, “El Charro Cantor” Jorge Negrete. Plus, an astounding performance by Diana Elisa Negrete.
• Joining the Negrete legends is the remarkable Gabriel Solis, son of “El Rey del Bolero” (King of Bolero) Javier Solis.
• Sharing this night with these amazing legends is the talented María Elena Leal, daughter of “Lola La Grande” (Lola the Great) Lola Beltrán.
• Special appearance by the talented, famous Mexican telenovela actor, Arturo Peniche, singing with Mariachi!
• For the first time, all these legends sharing a stage in Chicago; this is a must see performance.
• Estimated attendance for Mariachi & Tequila Festival is over 4,000 guests.
• Ticket prices for this 21 yrs. old and older event ranges from $30 to $120 (includes tequila tastings).





The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Cabo Wabo Tequila Introduces Cabo Diablo Coffee Liqueur

Cabo Wabo Tequila Introduces Cabo Diablo Coffee Liqueur

For coffee and tequila fanatics looking to shake up the mundane, it’s time to dance with the Diablo. Rolling out in select markets this fall, Cabo DiabloTM features a coffee punch coupled with an unmistakable tequila kick in this newest extension from the infamous Cabo Wabo® Tequila. Enjoyed best in chilled shots, unquestionably smooth Cabo Diablo is enticing, unpredictable and rebellious – a devilish mix perfect for any Halloween celebration.

Cabo Diablo delivers delectable sweetness and a silky body with notes of rich roasted coffee, vanilla and chocolate thanks to its coffee liqueur base made with the highest quality Arabica beans. That is accompanied by a burst of 100% blue weber agave Cabo Wabo Blanco Tequila that takes your taste buds to new heights, crackling with sweet notes of blue agave, honey and pepper.

“Cabo Wabo Tequila was founded by famed rebel rocker Sammy Hagar so we wanted to make sure we captured his devilish, no-holds-barred, fun-loving attitude in Cabo Diablo,” said Kathleen Schuart, Senior Marketing Director, Campari America. “With Cabo Diablo we take the popular coffee liqueur category and body slam it with a kick of our gold medal-winning blanco tequila that will make all other shots pale in comparison.”

As surprising as the deliciously smooth liquid itself, Cabo Diablo sports a unique color-changing label with a devilish surprise appearing only when the bottle is chilled. The 35% ABV Cabo Diablo is currently available in limited release in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Wisconsin in 750mL ($22.99).





The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Friday, November 1, 2013

Award Winning Nobleza Azul Tequila Now On Costco Shelves

Nobleza Azul Tequila

San Diego, CA - Nobleza Azul, the ultra-premium tequila, produced by the Torres family, grown from the finest Blue Weber Agave in the fertile highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, is now available in select San Diego Costco stores.

During October Paula Torres-Symington, President of Nobleza Tequila, will be greeting shoppers, and passing out Nobleza tequila recipes at the Morena Blvd. Costco from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, October 25; at the Mission Valley Costco, noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, October 26; and Saturday afternoon, October 25, at the Carlsbad Costco, 4-6 p.m.

Described by connoisseurs as subtle and sexy, a newcomer to the tequila industry, Nobleza Azul has already achieved critical acclaim among tequila experts, attracting awards and admirers.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to offer our tequila to Costco consumers. As a small family owned company, we are used to competing with older more established brands and winning over their followers,” said Torres-Symington.

“Costco shoppers,” she added, “are savvy and price conscious and we know they will appreciate the quality of Nobleza’s blanco. While we are newcomers to producing our own brand of tequila, my father’s family has been growing agave for some of the most prestigious tequila producers for four generations.”

According to Torres-Symington, growing and harvesting agave is a very labor intensive and personal business. “You have to love agave and the land on which it grows to produce premium tequila. Nobleza is our celebration of both. In our family, it’s more than a temporary fascination, or business investment. It’s a long time love affair.”

To Torres-Symington, tequila has a fiery spirit and viva Mexico tradition, and a feminine mystique, which is much richer than the raucous-boys- night-out, throwing-back-shots-image. “It has character and heart, like a woman, and it was my family’s goal to produce such tequila — a drink for sipping or mixing that a woman would be proud to order, and enjoy in the more elegant manner that cocktails are sipped.

“It’s not our desire to take the man thing and fun out of tequila drinking, but simply add more sophisticated dimensions and options,” added Torres, one of the first women to head a tequila company. The brand has taken on a female personae marketing as “the new girl in town.” The metaphor also applies to Torres-Symington’s experience in breaking into the male dominated industry.

The new wave of real premium tequilas is changing the image of tequila as a sipping drink alongside fine scotch, wines, and bourbons. Torres-Symington is an outspoken advocate of recognizing the sophistication and multiple flavors of tequila. “The interesting thing, unlike most other premium aged liquor, tequila is just beginning to be recognized for its versatility, enhancement, and creative use in mixed drinks,” Torres-Symington noted.





The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Dulce Vida Continues Its Run as the Most Awarded Tequila with Recent Accolades from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Tequila.net

Dulce Vida Tequila

Dulce Vida, the world’s only certified USDA organic, 100 Proof tequila, continues to be recognized within the spirits industry, thanks to recent accolades received from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Tequila.net.

At the 2013 San Francisco Spirits Competition, Dulce Vida’s small-batch, organic tequila received a Gold medal for Blanco and a Silver medal for Anejo, along with two highly regarded packaging awards. From Tequila.net, two “Best of the Best” awards were also received for the brand’s Reposado and Anejo expressions.

As an artisan distiller of handcrafted tequilas, Dulce Vida is pleased with the recognition that they continue to gain from many elite competitions.They have been fortunate in their short, four-year tenure to have gained over 40 top honors for both packaging and taste profile. Of the awards received, Dulce Vida has earned 27 Gold medals for flavor profile along with eight packaging awards, taking top awards in categories as broad as all of Wine & Spirits.

Dulce Vida offers a boutique line of the finest tequila, truly authentic and unique from other brands on the market. Not only is Dulce Vida 100 Proof and Organic, excellent brand distinctions in their own right, but particular care is a constant priority throughout the fermentation and distillation processes. While raising costs and reducing overall yields with this approach, the Dulce Vida small-batch tequila goes through a second fermentation that improves the aromatics and flavor attributes of the product. This extra effort helps Dulce Vida to stand out amongst an extremely competitive field of tequila.

About Dulce Vida Spirits:

Dulce Vida, translated as “sweet life” in Spanish, uses only 100% organic agave from the Los Altos region of Jalisco, Mexico. Due to the unique climatic characteristics and the distinctive air & soil, this area is well known for producing larger, fruitier agave, ideal for tequila. This organic agave ensures Dulce Vida produces their product the way tequila has always tasted best: pure and powerful, free of any additives.

Dulce Vida’s products are 100 Proof to capture the absolute purest form of tequila with minimal dilution. The result is a decidedly flavorful and authentic tequila, distinct and smooth.

Dulce Vida’s tequilas are distilled under the supervision of founder and master distiller Carlos Jurado. Dulce Vida has established relationships with local organic growers – securing harvest rights to agave fields and acting as a community partner, playing a role in the well being of the region through utilization of sustainable practices.

Dulce Vida Spirits is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with distilling operations near Guadalajara, Jalisco.





The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Festival Sayulita 2014 - Film, Tequila, Music and Surf on the Riviera Nayarit

Festival Sayulita 2014

The first annual Festival Sayulita, presented by SayulitaBeach.com, is a unique gathering for all lovers of Mexico, film, tequila, food, music and surf to be held Jan 16-19th in the idyllic coastal town of Sayulita, Nayarit. Sayulita provides a scenic, bohemian background perfect for this international festival. Creative and provocative films will be shown in various venues throughout the town. Additional events include tequila and food pairings, master tequila tastings, beach-front film venues, private screenings and live music.

Once known only for its fishing business and scenic beaches, Sayulita now boasts a thriving community of local, Mexican restaurants and craftsman alongside trendsetting establishments. Surfing, paddle boarding, yoga, mountain biking and other outdoor activities helps make Sayulita an irresistible destination.

Festival Sayulita will highlight these many assets while spicing up the town with new and never-been-seen international films in the genres of action, short feature, documentary and animation. Tequila vendors will be offering tastings of locally made specialty spirits and sharing some of their knowledge on growing and processing methods.

Sayulitas La Casa de la Cultura will be the heart of the Mexican culture scene during the Festival and will feature a special installation of art and photos about the local culture. El Andalon, directed by Consuelo Alba and John Speyer, will clearly be one of the documentary highlights. This intriguing film drew the directors to Chiapas and to the man who, for 45 years, listens to indigenous people, heals them and preserves their culture in a small museum in his home. While his words are simple, his emotion and the visits that he makes to village members are compelling. The directors of this incredible film will be attending the Festival after conducting a visit to their protagonist in Chiapas and will give a live presentation about their new discoveries. Hugo Prado offers another take on Latin heritage in El Abuelo de Macondo. This short follows Virgilio Alvarez, a Cuban gentleman who is about to turn 105. Every day, he rises up to walk around the whole town of Baracoa and he says that he “still got a long path to live”. Through his routines and his powerful spirit, one is able to see into the soul of another generation. A feature length film not to miss is Leonora Carrington: El Juego Surrealista, directed by Javier Martin-Dominguez. The film is a biographical account of the last living member of the surrealist group and follows her stories, and those of others, into nearly a century of art and creativity. Ms. Carrington died in 2011 at the age of 94. She spent the majority of her inspired life in Mexico City and is now recognized as one of the leading female artists of the 20th century.

Ticket sales are moving fast for Festival Sayulita. New film announcements are happening every week and there are some incredible surprises in store including locally made films, a local children’s project and films from indigenous groups here in Mexico. This is an event not to miss. For complete details of the Festival, go to festivalsayulita.com. Sayulita is a one of a kind place which deserves a one of a kind site, please visit SayulitaBeach.com for an inspired view of Sayulita on the web.





The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Paul Mitchell Introduces Tequila Infused Soap

Patron Mitch Agave Bar

With Patrón being the official tequila partner of Paul Mitchell it was only a matter of time that was had an agave-infused soap! (Agave, is the plant that produces tequila) Agave prevents moisture loss and helps soothe the skin. The deep men’s cologne smell is intoxicating and is the perfect way to prep for a happy-hour date.

The newest product to the Mitch Line was released at the beginning of the month and has not stopped flying off the shelves.

We’ve seen many trends recently in the Beauty Industry come and go but one major up and coming trend that is not going anywhere anytime soon is Men’s grooming. Paul Mitchell released the men’s grooming line, MITCH THE MAN, back in 2011 and it has increasingly been a huge success. Men from all over are cleaning up their look and molding towards a “GQ” look and less of the rugged mountain man appearance.

The products featured in the Mitch line make men’s grooming easy, quick and simple. For instance the ‘Double-Hitter’ Product is a 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner that cuts back the amount of product in a man’s shower and speeds up the process.





The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Aeroplano LX Tequila Sets Their Sights on China

Aeroplano LX Tequila

Tequila makers are celebrating the long-awaited opening of China’s premium Tequila market as up until recently the only tequila Chinese consumers were able to purchase was mixtos tequila. However, in June of this year, China’s President Xi Jinping and his Mexican counterpart Enrique Peña Nieto signed a bilateral trade agreement that will allow Mexican imports of 100% agave tequilas into China for the first time since 2008. In 5 years, it is forecast that China could become one of the world’s top tequila importers.

If these predications are accurate, China would go from being the world’s 23rd largest tequila importer to the second largest in five years, with tequila supplanting Whisky and cognac as China’s spirit of choice. Even then, China would rank far below the world’s largest tequila consumer, the United States, which imports around 130m litres annually, followed by Germany where the market is around 7m litres per year.

Aeroplano LX Tequila has welcomed the lifting of China’s ban on 100% agave tequilas and expects to capitalize on the markets projected growth. Recently the company won multiple awards at the prestigious Spirits International Competition, 2013 held in Las Vegas with LX Tequila winning multiple Gold and Silver Medals.

Pointing to the predicted boom in the market, John Anderson, International Sales Director for SRI Brands stated the LX Tequila brand would be “well positioned to take advantage of this growth”, and confirmed that they were currently in talks with a number of distributors and importers, and that their plans were to launch the full range of LX 100% agave tequilas, which included LX Silver, Reposado, Anejo, and Extra Anejo Tequilas.





The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.