Women In the Tequila Industry: Erika Vargas Flores

Women In the Tequila Industry: Erika Vargas Flores http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4WpErika Vargas Flores has spearheaded Altos Cienega Unidos (NOM 1570) in the village of Rancho Lagunillas, nestled in Atotonilco El Alto, for the past four years.

When upstart flagship brand, El Consuelo, won the coveted 2016 Brands Of Promise(C) award in the Organic category, tequila aficionados everywhere took notice.

Subsequently, we came to discover that this dynamic micro-distillery where El Consuelo is lovingly produced, and that put the world–and our taste buds–on notice, is also managed by this competent young lady.

Women In the Tequila Industry: Erika Vargas Flores http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4Wp

Naturally, we had to ask if she would agree to join our gallery of Tequila Boss Ladies.

Here’s what she had to add to our handful of questions about being a woman in the male dominated Tequila Industry.

[Editor’s note:  For the convenience of our interviewee and our Spanish speaking audience, this article is in both English and Spanish.]

[Tweet “Women In Tequila: Erika Vargas Flores of @ElConsueloTQ”]

TA:  How would you describe your experiences as a woman in a primarily male dominated industry?  (What are the challenges you face when dealing with the male dominated Tequila Industry?)

(¿Cómo describirías tus experiencias como una mujer de alto rango en su posición en Women In the Tequila Industry: Erika Vargas Flores http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4Wpuna industria dominada principalmente masculina?)

EVF:  It hasn’t been easy, but this is an industry where a woman as much as a man can be capable of carrying out at least 80% of the activities that are implemented for the production of tequila.

The majority of our staff is really made up of women.  In our micro-distillery, the personnel is qualified to perform various duties.

For instance, not only am I the general manager, but I’ve learned to cultivate the yeasts [used in fermentation], and to carry out the distillation and bottling.

Right now, the jobs that belong to the men are the rough ones that at no time can be substituted [performed] by a woman, but are no less important.

Personally, my knowledge and achievements that I’ve obtained with Tequila El Consuelo are recognized by men.  My husband, Pedro Alvarado López, has always motivated and supported me to continue in the industry.

Women In the Tequila Industry: Erika Vargas Flores http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4Wp

Associates, who are all men, have confidence in my abilities.  My being a woman hasn’t made a difference in negotiating with Tequila Spirits, LLC, that imports the brand Tequila El Consuelo.

My right hand is Juan Gerardo Hernández Ramírez who also executes a large part of the industry activities.

I realize that the top leadership of the Tequila Industry is male dominated.

(No ha sido fácil, pero es una industria que tanto el hombre como la mujer puede ser capaz para desempeñar por lo menos un 80% de las actividades que se ejecutan para la elaboración del tequila.

(Nuestra plantilla efectivamente la mayor parte es ocupada por las mujeres.

(Es una micro pequeña empresa en la que el personal está capacitado para ejecutar diferentes actividades. Yo por ejemplo además de ser quien dirige he aprendido a crear las levaduras, realizar la destilación y envasado.

Women In the Tequila Industry: Erika Vargas Flores http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4Wp

(Ahora sí que las actividades del hombre son los trabajos rudos en los cuales en ningún momento puede ser sustituido por la mujer por lo cual no dejan de ser parte importante.)

(En lo personal mis conocimientos y logros que hasta el momento se han obtenido en Tequila El Consuelo SI son reconocidos por los hombres.  Mi esposo, Pedro Alvarado López, siempre me ha motivado y apoyado a continuar en la Industria.

(Los socios los cuales todos son hombres han confiado en mi capacidad.  Tequila Spirits LLC quien distribuye la Marca de Tequila El Consuelo no han hecho la diferencia en las negociaciones conmigo por el hecho de ser mujer.

[Tweet “Nuestra plantilla la mayor parte esta ocupada por las mujeres @ElConsueloTQ”]

(Mi mano derecha es Juan Gerardo Hernández Ramírez quien [también] ejecuta gran parte de las actividades de la Industrias.

(Reconozco que los altos mandos de la Industria Tequilera aun es dominada por los hombres.)

TA:  How have you been able to change things within the Tequila Industry?

(¿Cómo han sido capaces de cambiar las cosas dentro de su industria?)

EVF:  The tequila consumer gets more demanding every day, rejecting one brand they Women In the Tequila Industry: Erika Vargas Flores http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4Wphave imbibed for years when its quality changes.

As opposed to men, women are more methodical when it comes to repeating the tequila process to conserve its consistency.

(El consumidor del tequila cada vez es más exigente, rechaza una marca que por años ha bebido cuando su calidad cambia. 

(La mujer a diferencia del hombre es más metódica lo que hace que en el proceso de elaboración del tequila conserve siempre las mismas características.)

TA:  What do you see as the future of women working within the Tequila Industry?

(¿Qué ves como el futuro de las mujeres que trabajan en la industria del Tequila?)

EVF:  That little by little, women attain higher administrative and operational posts without substituting [replacing] men in the rough jobs of the process that requires physical strength.

(Que poco  a poco logren ocupar los altos mando administrativos y operativos, sin sustituir al hombre en el trabajo rudo del proceso de elaboración por la fuerza física que se requiere.)

Women In the Tequila Industry: Erika Vargas Flores http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4WpTA:  What facets of the Tequila Industry would you like to see change?

(¿Qué cosas gustaría cambiado?)

EVF:  The consumer’s mentality that marries them to a particular brand without taking the opportunity to try other tequilas of equal or better quality simply because a brand isn’t recognized in the marketplace.

(La mentalidad del consumidor ya que estos llegan a casarse con una marca sin dar oportunidad de probar otros tequilas de igual o mejor calidad, por el hecho de que la marca no es conocida en el mercado.)

TA:  Do you approve of how tequila brands are currently marketing themselves?

(Esta Ud de acuerdo con la comercialización de marcas de tequilas, hoy en dia?)

EVF:  No because there exists unfair competition, cheap prices and cheaper quality.

(No, porque existe mucha competencia desleal, bajos precios, baja calidad.)

TA:  Is there anything you’d like to say to women who may be contemplating entering and working in the Tequila Industry in one form or another?

(¿Existe algo que le gustaría decir a las mujeres que pueden estar contemplando entrar y trabajar en la industria del Tequila en una forma u otra?)

Women In the Tequila Industry: Erika Vargas Flores http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4Wp

EVF:  Well, that it’s an interesting occupation, competitive, and with opportunities for growth, both professional and personal.

(Pues que es un trabajo interesante, competitivo, con oportunidades de crecimiento tanto laboral como personal.)

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Tequila Aficionado Media Goes Global with 2016 Brands of Promise Award Winners

Tequila Aficionado Media Goes Global with 2016 Brands of Promise Award Winners

Champions worthy agave spirits brands in various categories

2016 Tequila Aficionado Brands of Promise Blanco Tequila Winners

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February, 7, 2017, San Antonio, TXTequila Aficionado Media kicks off the spirits awards season by breaking the seal on the results of the 4th Annual 2016 Brands of Promise© Awards for Tequila, Mezcal and other assorted agave distillates.

2016 Brands of Promise Legacy Blanco, Legacy High Proof, and Blanco Rustico Winners

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Among the stellar stand outs of the 2016 Brands Of Promise© was upstart DesMaDre Tequila snagging Platinum medals in both the Reposado and Añejo categories.

Congratulations to the 2016 Tequila Aficionado Brands of Promise Reposado Winners!

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Canadian-based newcomer, Siempre Tequila, gave a strong showing capturing a Silver award in the Blanco division, while El Consuelo Tequila was bestowed a Gold medal in the highly underserved Organic Blanco segment.

Congratulations to the 2016 Brands of Promise Reposado Reserva & Legacy Reposado Winners @tequiladonlorenzo @muchotetequila

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Long time fan favorite, Muchoté tequila scored Gold in both the Reposado and Value classes, and was recognized as the top Legacy Reposado, as well.

Internationally acclaimed Tequila Tres Ochos shined with a Gold prize in packaging while also tying for a Bronze decoration in the Añejo bracket.

Congratulations to the 2016 Tequila Aficionado Brands of Promise winners in tequila liqueur & tequila packaging!

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The recently rebranded Tequila 512 from Austin, Texas tied for a Platinum prize in Tequila packaging, and bagged a Silver in the Añejo group.

Esteemed regional Texas brand, Pepe Zevada Tequila tied for a Bronze in the Añejo division, but gathered a Gold in the popular Extra Añejo tier.

For the second year in a row, the burgeoning Ready-To-Drink market was cornered by JLP Craft Margaritas, walking away with Gold honors for both their Strawberry Lime and Pomegranate assortments to go hand-in-hand with last year’s Golden Lime Margarita.

2016 Brands of Promise Awards for Ready-to-Drink tequila cocktails

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Landing the Judges’ Best-of-Show accolade was dark horse, Hacienda Mercado Tequila.  The Illinois based label placed in the money in the Blanco, Reposado and Añejo races.

Mezcals of all types were acknowledged by Tequila Aficionado’s judges at the 2016 Brands of Promise©:

Celebrated mezcal start up, Santo Diablo joven swept a Gold trophy, as did Estancia Raicilla, Sotol Por Siempre, and Los Osuna Blue Agave Spirit, in their respective subdivisions.

Congratulations to the 2016 Brands of Promise Mezcal Winners!

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Special recognition went to pioneering brand, Scorpion, in the Legacy Mezcal classification.  Having commemorated 20 years in 2015 as the original leader in globalizing entry level mezcals into 16 countries and 38 states, it garnered Gold citations for both its Aficionado Sampler 4 Agave Varietal Tasting Pack and 5-year Espadin Extra Añejo.

The Tasting Pack offering, which includes blue agave, espadin, barril and tobala, was especially heralded by the judges as a complete introduction to experiencing different mezcals distilled from distinct species of agave.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2016 Tequila Aficionado Brands of Promise awards for Mezcal Packaging!

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For a complete Consumer Bucket List of Brand Of Promise© winners and nominees, click here.

Presenting the Blue Agave Spirit, Sotol, and Raicilla winners of the 2016 Brands of Promise Awards! @drinklososuna @estancia_distillery

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About the Brands Of Promise© Awards

All agave spirits brands were judged by Founder, Alex Perez, CEO, M.A. “Mike” Morales, as well as by other Tequila Aficionado Media staff, on how they performed during Tequila Aficionado’s wildly popular Sipping Off The Cuff™ video series seen regularly on TequilaAficionado.com and viewable on its YouTube channel.

 

Unlike other spirits contests, The Brands Of Promise© Awards does not require participating agave spirit brands to pay an entry fee.  It also does not charge winners additional hefty licensing tariffs for the rights to use the medal award graphics on their labels, neck tags, shelf talkers, brochures, point-of-sale materials and websites.

To enter your tequila, mezcal, sotol, raicilla, bacanora or other agave spirit or related product in the coveted 2017 Brands Of Promise© Awards, email mike@tequilaaficionado.com , NOW!

Original Press Release Here

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Learn all about tequila from field to glass and then get paid to share your love of agave spirits with others! Buy Them Both Now!

Rediscovering Demetrio Tequila

[From September 11 to October 2, 2016, Tequila Aficionado Media, sponsored by 34 expressions representing 21 brands, embarked on a monumental RV road show dubbed, The Heartland Tour.  In these next passages, we recount the historic–and epic–highlights.  *FTC Disclosure: Brands appearing on the Tequila Aficionado Dia de Los Muertos & Heartland Tour had to be vetted as Brand of Promise Nominees and paid a nominal fee to be on the tour.]

Jim of All Trades

Rediscovering Demetrio Tequila http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4x4

Jim Driscoll bubbles with excitement at the anticipation of talking about his newly retooled Demetrio tequila (NOM 1459) expressions.

A self-proclaimed type-A kind of guy, this dynamo has accomplished more than most of us will in our lifetimes–

Professional bull rider, golfer, mountain climber, sky diver, scuba diver, martial artist, (deep breath!)…

A certified small business coach, international speaker, and best selling author, with the dubious distinction of being thrown out of his Toastmasters Club for winning too often!

Jim is now the CEO of Ekeko Wine and Spirits which handles a portfolio of so many stellar award winners that they’re hard to keep track of.

Rediscovering Demetrio Tequila http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4x4

We met up with Jim at Doneraki restaurant in his home town of Houston during Tequila Aficionado’s 2016 Heartland Tour.

Here’s our visit with the irrepressible Jim Driscoll.

 Tequila Wasn’t on The Radar

Jim Driscoll, CEO of Ekeko Wines & Spirits explains how he came across Demetrio tequila.  Jim relays the story of Demetrio, and why it was important to him to partner with the producer of his tequila.

From Farm to Bottle

Jim discusses how he prefers his Demetrio blanco by starting with the estate grown agave and letting the jimadores choose the plants at their perfect ripeness.

In this way, the quality of Demetrio is controlled from farm to bottle.

The Pure Essence 

Jim reveals that the Mozart Method used in fermentation is a standard procedure in the rum industry, and is also applied to Demetrio tequila.

Jim continues to expound on what makes Demetrio different from other brands which includes double distillation, and double filtration, all in small batches.

The Demetrio Skinny Margarita Difference

Jim explains his strategy to corner the Houston Skinny Margarita market using Demetrio’s specific flavor profile.

Demetrio Plays Well with Others

Jim reveals how his master distiller was able to eliminate Demetrio’s original briney notes.

Driscoll then divulges why he pursued the allspice flavor in Demetrio reposado to pair perfectly with Cointreau in a margarita.

Demetrio Issues a Challange!

Jim discloses why Demetrio was resubmitted to Sipping Off The Cuff(c), and issues a challenge to other brands who have restructured their formulations.

The Perfect Marriage of Agave, Vanilla, and Oak

Quoting our founder, Alex Perez, Jim exposes the secrets behind Demetrio añejo.

Driscoll admits that he has the perfect tequilas for any occasion and summarizes the qualities of each of Demetrio’s expressions.

You Don’t Have to be A Rockefeller

Jim shares his philosophy on providing quality wines and spirits at affordable prices.

Rediscovering Demetrio Tequila http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4x4

Driscoll preaches that you don’t have to pay exorbitant prices for fine tequilas, let alone extra añejos.

Then, he introduces Demetrio’s 5 year Extra Añejo for the first time.

Jim stresses that at Ekeko Wine & Spirits, they’re “Committed to bringing you ultra premium products without the ultra premium price.”

Toasting Demetrio’s 5 Year Extra Añejo

Jim Driscoll leads us in a toast to Demetrio’s 5 Year Extra Añejo.

In The Afterglow

Tequila Aficionado’s CMO, Lisa Pietsch, Jim Driscoll and myself are wowed by Demetrio’s Extra Añejo.

Jim concedes that his sample of the Demetrio Extra Añejo is in actuality a 4 year and a few months expression.

Rediscovering Demetrio Tequila http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4x4

He then announces that the 5 year version will be launched on January 7, 2017.

The Future of Demetrio

Jim conveys his plans for Demetrio’s expansion into other markets scheduled in 2017.

[Tweet “Rediscover @TequilaDemetrio for yourself.”]

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Learn all about tequila from field to glass and then get paid to share your love of agave spirits with others! Buy Them Both Now!

2016 Brands of Promise Nominee Playlist

ta-2016-bop-nominee-rgbSee all the reviews of the 2016 Brands of Promise Nominees in all categories!

 

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Learn all about tequila from field to glass and then get paid to share your love of agave spirits with others! Buy Them Both Now!

20 Reasons Why USA Today’s Craft Tequilas List Failed

Let’s Review…

In a previous post, I enumerated my reasons for  dreading my participation in USA Today’s 10 Best Craft Tequila list.

In my experience, something inevitably goes awry with these sorts of “listicles,” and it usually starts with the editor.

Contrary to the galloping propaganda disseminated by some press releases, there were no additional USA Today editors involved in accumulating the original list of twenty craft tequilas.  Only the recruited “experts” were involved.

This time around, I blame the curator of these lists whose job it is to engage USA Today’s readership, which in turn leads to its increased ad revenue.

Now that the excitement has died down, it’s time to assess the damage done by deliberately withheld facts, and to clear the air of unbridled misinformation.

[Tweet “Why @USATODAY’s #10Best #CraftTequila List Sucks! “]

The Top 20 Reasons Why USA Today’s Top 10 Craft Tequila List

Sucks

[Caution:  Rants Ahead]

20 Reasons Why USA Today's Craft Tequilas List Failed http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4BW

1.  Lack of Respect.

When someone asks you to accrue a list on your area of expertise, you, as the curator, must assume that that person takes this task very seriously, especially since you’ve taken the time to background check the expert who is going to help you get PAID.

2.  Lack of Communication.

When this expert communicates questions to you via email or phone, be aware that this person expects a timely answer, especially when YOU have asked him for his list by a certain deadline.

3.  Lack of Trust.

When you deliberately avoid answering questions about who else is involved in

20 Reasons Why USA Today's Craft Tequilas List Failed http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4BW

accruing a list for you, you immediately raise suspicion.

As with most “industry experts,” we tend to know one another.  In this instance, we could have worked in tandem to come up with a more complete list.

4.  Lack of Respect for Relationships.

You must also assume that the expert not only admires those items on his list, but personally knows each producer of those items and has forged lasting relationships with them over the years.

5.  More Lack of Respect for Relationships.

Because of these relationships, you must assume the expert is also highly regarded by those craft producers that he has included on his list.

6.  Lack of Understanding the Craft Segment.

By virtue of being craft distillers, you must understand that they are not made of money like the Big Boys.  These guys literally live by their shoestrings.

20 Reasons Why USA Today's Craft Tequilas List Failed http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4BW

7.  Lack of Transparency.

Total and complete transparency when communicating with your experts is vital.  Explaining what opportunities and hidden fees await the winners is of utmost importance as that intelligence could alter the final list.

8.  Lack of Vergüenza (shame).

Where the HELL do you get off asking the winners for money for the licensing rights to use your seals, medals and trophies?

9.  Lack of Seriousness.

Do you realize that you are asking for similar fees by more respected and reputable spirits judging contests like the San Francisco World Spirits Competition or the SIP Awards?

20 Reasons Why USA Today's Craft Tequilas List Failed http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4BW10.  Lack of Consideration.

Do you see that this lack of transparency on your part on behalf of USA Today could possibly put the expert’s friendships and reputation at risk?

11.  Lack of Realistic Expectations.

Do you really believe that these craft brands will fork over money for a meaningless popularity contest–for bragging rights?

12.  Underestimating the Brands.

How stupid do you think they (or we, the judges) are?

13.  Concealment of True Intentions.

Do you get that we understand that these contests you curate for USA Today are only to generate reader engagement which in turn determines your pricing to advertisers?

14.  Greediness.

Double dip, much?

20 Reasons Why USA Today's Craft Tequilas List Failed http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4BW

15.  Conscious Collateral Damage.

Do you catch on that the winning and losing brands on this list probably now believe that the experts knew about the additional costs to the winners but chose not to divulge this information to them?

16.  Lack of Good Faith.

Most all professionally held beer, wine and spirits competitions openly inform participants of additional licensing costs to the winners.  YOU deliberately chose to keep this information from your experts.

17.  Elimination Due to Perceived Lack of Relevance.

Was it fair for you to eliminate those craft tequila brands because they had little or no social media presence?

18.  Lack of Foresight on Your Part.20 Reasons Why USA Today's Craft Tequilas List Failed http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4BW

Bet you didn’t see that one coming, huh?

19.  Naïveté On My Part.

I only reluctantly became involved to help promote these deserving craft tequila brands.

20.  Underhandedness.

Thanks for cheapening the craft tequila segment.

 

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Learn all about tequila from field to glass and then get paid to share your love of agave spirits with others! Buy Them Both Now!

Women In The Tequila Industry: Graciela González Cortes

ElMayortequila-ambassadorsThe latest Tequila Boss Lady to join our gallery of famed Women In The Tequila Industry is Graciela González Cortes of the family owned El Mayor tequila.

More than just her family’s brand ambassador, she is also a co-owner of Destiladora González González (NOM 1143) and a fourth generation Master Distiller herself.

Over 125 years of hard work by the González clan has gone into perfecting the art of growing agave and distilling tequila, with Graciela, her brother Paul, and their father, Don Rodolfo working closely to make El Mayor–a 2015 Brand Of Promise(c) winner–widely acclaimed and heavily sought after.

Tequila Aficionado Media asked Ms. González our standard handful of questions.  For her convenience, and that of our Spanish speaking audience, this interview is published in both English and Spanish.

el mayor

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TA:  How would you describe your experiences as a high ranking woman in your position in a primarily male dominated industry?

(¿Cómo describiría sus experiencias como una mujer de alto rango en su posición en una industria dominada principalmente masculina?)

GG:  My experiences have been very gratifying [rewarding] since it is this same GG_ElMayorposition that has allowed me to learn and to increase my knowledge in order to globalize [expand] them within the industry.

It’s satisfying to experience, step-by-step, the opening [opportunities] for women in this field, even though it is primarily male dominated.

(Muy gratificantes, ya que la misma posición me ha permitido aprender y acrecentar mis conocimientos para globalizarlos en la industria.

(Es satisfactorio vivir paso a paso la apertura de la mujeres en este ámbito aunque aun sea dominada principalmente por hombres.)

TA:  How have you been able to change things within your industry?

(¿Cómo han sido capaces de cambiar las cosas dentro de su industria?)

GG:  To be honest, I’m not sure that I’ve changed anything, but I’m definitely working on it.

One of my major dreams is to get people to appreciate the years of arduous work that exists behind every bottle of tequila and to transmit the passion my family, our team and I put into each product.

(Para ser honesta, no se si he logrado algún cambio pero definitivamente estoy trabajando en ello.

(Uno de mis mayores sueños es lograr que la gente sepa apreciar los años de arduo trabajo que existen de tras de cada botella de Tequila, poder transmitir la pasión que mi familia nuestro equipo y yo ponemos en encada producto.)

elmayor

TA:  What do you see as the future of women working within the Tequila Industry?

(¿Qué ves como el futuro de las mujeres que trabajan en la industria del Tequila?)

GG:  Very good and promising.

Actually, women’s participation within the industry is growing incrementally in different parts [aspects] of the process.  From the fields, tasting panels, bottling and administration.

It’s gratifying being a part of these changes and to witness, day-by-day, how the doors are opened for us women.

(Muy bueno y prometedor. 

(Actualmente la participación de la mujeres dentro de la industria va en incremento en diferentes partes del proceso.  Desde el campo, panel de catado, embazado y administración.

LMAYORambassadors-cortes(Es gratificante poder ser parte de este cambio y presenciar como día a día se abren mas las puertas para nosotras las mujeres.)

TA:  What things would you like to see changed?

(¿Qué cosas gustaría cambiado?)

GG:  I’d like to see the volumes of tequila in more countries.  That its presence increases incrementally worldwide so that more people can take delight in Tequila’s unequaled flavor.

To take the tradition and grandiose Mexican culture throughout the world with just a sip of this majestic spirit.

(Me gustaría que los volúmenes del Tequila estuvieran concentrados en mas países.  Que su presencia incrementara globalmente para que así mas personas pudieran deleitase con el inigualable sabor del Tequila.

(Llevar la tradición y grandiosa cultura Mexicana por todo el mundo, con tanGG_ElMayorToast solo un sorbo de esta majestuosa bebida espirituosa.)

TA:  Is there anything you’d like to say to women who may be contemplating entering and working in the Tequila Industry in one form or another?

(¿Existe algo que le gustaría decir a las mujeres que pueden estar contemplando entrar y trabajar en la industria del Tequila en una forma u otra?)

GG:  Yes, definitely do it.

In my experience it’s an industry filled with challenges, but more than anything, rewards.  For women, these include, day-by-day, more participation, acknowledgement and respect.

I invite you to form part of this passionate industry!

(Si, que definitivamente lo hagan.

(En mi experiencia es una industria llena de retos pero mas que nada gratificaciones.  La cual es incluyente con las mujeres, día a día tenemos mas participación, reconocimiento y respeto.

(Las invito a formar parte de esta apasionante industria!)

[Tweet “#GracielaGonzalez @elmayortequila Las invito a formar parte de esta apasionante industria!”]

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Learn all about tequila from field to glass and then get paid to share your love of agave spirits with others! Buy Them Both Now!

Tequila Aficionado Media Announces the 2015 Brands Of Promise Award Winners!

Honors Bestowed During LIVE Blab Webcast

For Immediate Release!

PLATINUMFINAL2015March 14, 2016, San Antonio, TXTequila Aficionado Media’s Third Annual 2015 Brands Of Promise© Awards were broadcast LIVE on Blab in Tequila, Mezcal and other assorted agave-related categories. See the full list of medal recipients here.

[Tweet “@TequilaAficion Announces #2015BOP Medal Winners!”]

Among the brilliant stand outs of 2015, Ambhar Tequila took the Judges’ Best-of-Show accolade scoring highly in several categories. Recent upstarts GOZA and Papa Bueno also made significant showings.  In a surprise return to the Brands Of Promise© Reposado class, Del Bravo Spirits unanimously took the Platinum award with Route 66 tequila.

[Tweet “Congrats to @AmbharTequila for winning Best-Of-Show #BOP2015”]

Legacy brands Orendáin, Milagro, Tequila 1921, Centinela and Herradura were well represented in both the High-End and Value segments, while Dulce Vida and Suerte convincingly cornered the Extra Añejo tequila market.

In what proved to be the toughest bracket for the judges to date, Malinalli Tequila swept the Platinum trophy in the hard fought Blanco division, with Ambhar, El Mayor, and Mamalón tequilas close on its heels.

The surging Mezcal classification was dominated by the popular Gracias A Dios brand, while Montelobos and Amarás collected Golds in each of their groups.

[Tweet “Congrats to @graciasadiosmz and @Montelobos in the #2015BOP mezcal categories!”]

Gold Medal Winner Lisa Elovich, brand owner of Organic Tequila One With Life, was ecstatic, saying, “Thank you so much! It is such an honor to get this award. I know this will help us with marketing and distribution.” She graciously added, “Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners! So happy to be part of it!”

In an equally gracious statement made over their Instagram account, medal recipient Papa Bueno Tequila wrote, “We are honored to have been among this impressive group of nominees! We love tequila and congratulate all the winners and thank Tequila Aficionado for the time, humor and love they bring! Definitely Bueno!”

About the Brands Of Promise Awards

All brands were judged by Founder, Alex Perez and CEO, M.A. “Mike” Morales, as well as by other Tequila Aficionado staff, on how they performed during Tequila Aficionado’s wildly popular Sipping Off The Cuff™ video series seen regularly on TequilaAficionado.com and viewable on its YouTube channel.

[Tweet “The Brands Of Promise™ Awards help brands by leveling the playing field with NO FEES”]

Unlike other spirits contests, The Brands Of Promise™ Awards does not require participating agave spirit brands to pay an entry fee.  It also does not charge winners additional hefty licensing tariffs for the rights to use the medal award graphics on their labels, neck tags, shelf talkers, brochures, point-of-sales materials and websites.

For a full list of Brands Of Promise© winners, click here.

 

 

To enter your tequila, mezcal, sotol, raicilla, bacanora or other agave spirit or related product in the coveted Brands Of Promise™ Awards, click here.

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Learn all about tequila from field to glass and then get paid to share your love of agave spirits with others! Buy Them Both Now!

Winners Announced – 2015 Brands of Promise

Winners Announced – Congratulations!

It’s official!  The 2015 Brands of Promise winners were announced last night in a LIVE webcast from San Antonio, Texas, and Pasadena, California.  Alex, Mike, and Lisa were pleased to announce the winners of such a stellar and diverse selection of agave spirits.

You can find the complete list of all the wonderful and worthy nominees here.

Who Won?

Did you miss our live webcast?  See who won by watching the winners announced in the replay below!

 

Were You a Winner?

If you were a winner and haven’t received your medal graphic yet, don’t panic.  See the links below:

BRONZEFINAL2015, winners announced, 2015 brands of promise, tequila aficionado SILVERFINAL2015, winners announced, 2015 brands of promise, tequila aficionadowinners announced, 2015 brands of promise, tequila aficionado winners announced, 2015 brands of promise, tequila aficionado

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Learn all about tequila from field to glass and then get paid to share your love of agave spirits with others! Buy Them Both Now!

3rd Annual Brands of Promise Awards Show

See it here!  We’ll start with the red carpet pre-show with Mike & Lisa at 7pm CDT and then join Mike, Lisa and Alex for the award presentations beginning at 8pm CDT (Don’t forget to spring your clocks forward on Sunday, March 13.)

Awards Announced

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Learn all about tequila from field to glass and then get paid to share your love of agave spirits with others! Buy Them Both Now!

2015 Brands of Promise Nominees: Anejo Tequila

Slide6 Anejo

 

 

Who would you vote for?  Leave a comment and let us know.

Don’t Miss It:

LIVE 2015 Tequila Aficionado Brands of Promise Award Show

We’ll be presenting our 3rd Annual Tequila Aficionado Brands of Promise Awards LIVE on Blab.im on March 14, 2016!  If you don’t want to go all the way to Blab.im, just tune in to www.TequilaAficionado.com on the evening of March 14th and you can watch all the action there.  We’ll have the live feed set up, so bring your favorite nominee for sipping and enjoy the show!

See the red carpet pre-show with Mike & Lisa at 7pm CDT and then join Mike, Lisa and Alex for the award presentations beginning at 8pm CDT (Don’t forget to spring your clocks forward on Sunday, March 13.)

 

 

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Learn all about tequila from field to glass and then get paid to share your love of agave spirits with others! Buy Them Both Now!