In 2011, a group of television professionals sought to create the first tequila reality show. They called upon the industry expertise of then journalist and Editor at Tequila Aficionado, Mike Morales. When production began, just under 20 tequila start ups vied to be crowned the Last Tequila Standing in the world’s first broadcast Tequila Reality Show.
What? No Tequila Shots?
The creators of Last Tequila Standing only filmed their pilot season back in 2011. From there, in the old school way of doing things, they sought to sell the program to a television network. But the Latino markets they were approaching had no love for a tequila show that didn’t include shots. They felt the world, or at least their audiences, wasn’t ready for such a thing.
Tequila History Preserved
Here at Tequila Aficionado, we knew better. After years of discussions, we were finally given access to most of the show’s recorded materials. As this was not a Tequila Aficionado Media Production, we don’t expect to see another season but we’re thrilled that we were able to preserve these tequilas’ stories, personalities, and cocktails for posterity here at Tequila Aficionado Media.
The litmus test for most tequila start-ups is five years. If you can make it in this business for that long, you’re in it for the long haul. We’re very happy to see that many of these then “start-ups” are alive and kicking down doors five years later in the industry today!
Watch the whole Last Tequila Standing series here:
The creators of Last Tequila Standing only filmed one season back in 2011 and we were very limited in our access to the show’s materials. As this was not a Tequila Aficionado Media Production, we don’t expect to see another season but we’re thrilled that we were able to preserve these tequilas’ stories, personalities, and cocktails for posterity here at Tequila Aficionado Media.
Watch the whole Last Tequila Standing series here:
Or watch them in order, as they appeared initially on Tequila Aficionado:
Looking for some fireworks to mix up at your barbeque this weekend? Look no further than Last Tequila Standing!
Enjoy a healthy bingewatch of the first ever Tequila Reality Show and mix up some classic flavors to really wow your guests.
About Last Tequila Standing
In 2011, eighteen tequila start ups vied to be crowned the Last tequila Standing in the world’s first broadcast Tequila Reality Show.
The creators of Last Tequila Standing only filmed one season back in 2011 and we were very limited in our access to the show’s materials. As this was not a Tequila Aficionado Media Production, we don’t expect to see another season but we’re thrilled that we were able to preserve these tequilas’ stories, personalities, and cocktails for posterity here at Tequila Aficionado Media.
Watch the whole Last Tequila Standing series here:
Or watch them in order, as they appeared initially on Tequila Aficionado:
Aside from being a Woman In The Tequila Industry, Lisa was also a partner in one of the most celebrated restaurants in Park City, Utah, called Silver. Up until June 2015, it hosted wildly popular events that were the hottest tickets to come by during the star-studded Sundance Film Festival. In 2016, a pop-up Vida Tequila Lounge continued that tradition at Sundance.
A triple threat, this wife and mother of two also runs a marketing firm based in New York. Lisa Barlow makes working her businesses seem effortless, and does it all with flawless style.
Here are her thoughts on our customary handful of questions.
***
TA: How would you describe your experiences as a woman in a primarily male dominated industry?
LB: I have never felt as though the challenges in the spirits industry stem from being a woman. I have a strong vision for VIDA and a strong business acumen. I like being in an arena where I am constantly challenged and the spirits industry gives me that opportunity.
Man or woman, it really doesn’t matter; what matters is that you are on point and doing the right things for your business. Being a mother of two boys, I think its a great example for them to see me work hard at our family business.
TA: How have you been able to change things within the Tequila Industry?
LB: One always hopes they are making a difference.
When we launched in 2007 there were less than 400 tequila brands in the USA. For me it was important that the brand had a clear vision and an authentic one. Your customers feel your passion. It engages them into your product and drives them to search for more information, which helps the category.
I love what I do. I really wanted to integrate things that were important to me into our brand. We launched with a beautiful white package that was very different from the bright colors and busy boxes we were seeing on the store shelves.
I also incorporated my vision of what tequila should be in early advertisements; tequila is modern, sophisticated.
We had campaigns that said “NO WORM, JUST ROCKS,” or “VIDA COUTURE” moving VIDA away from the cliches and stereotypes. This is one thing and those things take time and [it] was challenging in the beginning.
[It is] much easier to launch a brand today with how much education is now available, that was not there when we launched.
Being able to make a great tequila is beautiful. Everything from the plant to the process is bold. To be able to take this into the USA and other countries and grow the category is huge. I am very involved because I love what we produce and our brand, VIDA.
TA: What do you see as the future of women working within the Tequila Industry?
LB: As the category continues to rise, so will the number of women who work within the category and the roles they play. From Distiller to CEO, I think there will be a lot of growth and changes on multiple levels.
TA: What facets of the Tequila Industry would you like to see change?
LB: This is a tough question.
There is an art to making tequila. From start to finish; to me it’s beautiful. The rich history of this spirit is in Mexico – it’s important to maintain this.
Within any industry, it’s important to make sure that production and distribution are continually evaluated.
Change is good, always. We are constantly trying to evolve and put our focus on a global future.
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?
LB: Its an amazing industry to be a part of. Have a clear plan and go for it.
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!
In 2011, eighteen tequila start ups vied to be crowned the Last tequila Standing in the world’s first broadcast Tequila Reality Show.
The creators of Last Tequila Standing only filmed the one season back in 2011 and we were very limited in our access to the show’s materials. As this was not a Tequila Aficionado Media Production, we don’t expect to see another season but we’re thrilled that we were able to preserve these tequilas’ stories, personalities, and cocktails for posterity here at Tequila Aficionado Media.
Click on the links below to catch up on any episodes you may have missed:
Thank you for joining us here at Tequila Aficionado Media for the very first airing of Last Tequila Standing since it was filmed in 2011. We’ve spent years building Tequila Aficionado into more than just a magazine, reviews, recipes or drinking show. We wanted Tequila Aficionado Media to reflect all that is Tequila Culture – the land, the food, and all the people who love agave spirits from the newbs who still have the occasional shot to the seasoned sippers. We continue to strive daily in that mission.
When we finally received permission from the creators of Last Tequila Standing to produce and air the show in its entirety, we felt we had taken one more step toward our goal. Soon, we’ll be making yet another big announcement about continued growth here at Tequila Aficionado, but today we finally (after years of waiting) have the pleasure of announcing the winners of Last Tequila Standing.
Thank you to all the tequilas that were forward thinking enough to participate in Last Tequila Standing back in 2011. Your continued presence in such a challenging market, four years later, makes you all winners.
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!
It is well documented that the best agave in the world come from “Los Altos de Jalisco” or “the Highlands of Jalisco.” It is in this region, some 7,200 feet above sea level, that Tequila Alderete takes great pride in growing the best Blue Weber Agave in world. Because of this unique combination of micro-climate, soil, and altitude; our agaves develop complex characteristics, high sugar content, and flavors unlike any other agaves on the planet.
The result is the award winning spirit know as Tequila Alderete.
COOKING IN STONE OVENS
Tequila Alderete’s Agaves are cooked the traditional way in clay ovens. Where many of the large distilleries use stainless steel Autoclaves and cook the agaves for four to six hours giving the agave a bitter and unnatural taste. Tequila Alderete cooks our Agave slowly for up to 36 hours, allowing the Agave to keep its rich natural flavors and unique characteristics.
MOZART FERMENTATION
Tequila Alderete allows the agave juices to ferment slowly for 4-5 days, during this time Mozart classical music is played to give the yeast a relaxed atmosphere. The yeast are working hard to turn the agave sugars into alcohol.
COPPER STILLS
Most alcohol stills that are used today are made out of either stainless steel or copper. Both are very good conductors of heat and both metals won’t put any bad chemicals into your final spirit. However, copper has one important advantage over all the other metals when distilling. It has been used for so many years because copper actually reacts with alcohol on a molecular level making the final spirit taste better and Copper is known for its ability to remove sulfides that are produced during the distilling process.
SMALL BATCH
When you taste Tequila Alderete, you will immediately be able to distinguish our product from the large batch, mass produced products that line the store shelves. Tequila Alderete is hand crafted in small batches and distilled in copper pot stills to allow for the best possible flavors. Crafting our family Tequila is a hands-on process that is a delicate mix of science and art. There are many benefits to artisan distilling in small batches.
We craft our tequila in small batches so we have complete control over each and every bottle of Tequila Alderete that leaves the distillery. Fermentation, distilling, aging, and bottling are all completed under the direct supervision of the Alderete family. This type of oversight can only be maintained in small batches. It allows us to deliver the perfect Tequila so you can Sip Perfection.
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!
It is well documented that the best agave in the world come from “Los Altos de Jalisco” or “the Highlands of Jalisco.” It is in this region, some 7,200 feet above sea level, that Tequila Alderete takes great pride in growing the best Blue Weber Agave in world. Because of this unique combination of micro-climate, soil, and altitude; our agaves develop complex characteristics, high sugar content, and flavors unlike any other agaves on the planet.
The result is the award winning spirit know as Tequila Alderete.
COOKING IN STONE OVENS
Tequila Alderete’s Agaves are cooked the traditional way in clay ovens. Where many of the large distilleries use stainless steel Autoclaves and cook the agaves for four to six hours giving the agave a bitter and unnatural taste. Tequila Alderete cooks our Agave slowly for up to 36 hours, allowing the Agave to keep its rich natural flavors and unique characteristics.
MOZART FERMENTATION
Tequila Alderete allows the agave juices to ferment slowly for 4-5 days, during this time Mozart classical music is played to give the yeast a relaxed atmosphere. The yeast are working hard to turn the agave sugars into alcohol.
COPPER STILLS
Most alcohol stills that are used today are made out of either stainless steel or copper. Both are very good conductors of heat and both metals won’t put any bad chemicals into your final spirit. However, copper has one important advantage over all the other metals when distilling. It has been used for so many years because copper actually reacts with alcohol on a molecular level making the final spirit taste better and Copper is known for its ability to remove sulfides that are produced during the distilling process.
SMALL BATCH
When you taste Tequila Alderete, you will immediately be able to distinguish our product from the large batch, mass produced products that line the store shelves. Tequila Alderete is hand crafted in small batches and distilled in copper pot stills to allow for the best possible flavors. Crafting our family Tequila is a hands-on process that is a delicate mix of science and art. There are many benefits to artisan distilling in small batches.
We craft our tequila in small batches so we have complete control over each and every bottle of Tequila Alderete that leaves the distillery. Fermentation, distilling, aging, and bottling are all completed under the direct supervision of the Alderete family. This type of oversight can only be maintained in small batches. It allows us to deliver the perfect Tequila so you can Sip Perfection.
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!
In 2011, a group of television professionals sought to create the first tequila reality show. They called upon the industry expertise of then journalist and Editor at Tequila Aficionado, Mike Morales. When production began, just under 20 tequila start ups vied to be crowned the Last Tequila Standing in the world’s first broadcast Tequila Reality Show.
First Place: 
HIGHLAND AGAVE
COPPER STILLS
