reality show

Last Tequila Standing – A Holiday Bingewatch

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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.

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About Last Tequila Standing

last tequila standing, adan y eva, alderete, alma, alquimia, Azuñia, Casa ZG, Crótalo, cuestion, don pilar, ekeco, Mañana, nature's agave, Pavoneo, Quinta de Gomez, pavoneo, RiAzúl, Sal del Mar, senor rio, Silvercoin, tributo, Vida, casa zgIn 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:

July

August

September

Women In The Tequila Industry: Lisa Barlow

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One of the more intriguing Tequila Boss Ladies, is the brains–and grace–behind Vida Tequila, Lisa Barlow.

A contestant on Last Tequila Standing, and a participating brand during our 2015 Dia de los Muertos Tequila & Mezcal Tour, Ms. Barlow works tirelessly to keep Vida’s image and flavor fresh and consistent.

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 future VIDA ownersNew 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.

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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?

VidaLogo

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 Lisa_Vidadifferent 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.

@LisaBarlow7 “I am very involved because I love what we produce” @VidaTequila

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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?lisa headshot

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.

Last Tequila Standing: Winners Announced!

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What Last Tequila Standing Meant to Us

last tequila standing, winners, pavoneo, mi casa, alquimia, ekeco, senor rio, alma

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.

So without further ado…

 

last tequila standing, winners, pavoneo, mi casa, alquimia, ekeco, senor rio, alma

 

 

The winners of Last Tequila Standing,

the first Tequila Reality Show:

 

302902_134382076669529_1443888204_nFirst Place: Alma de Agave Tequila

Second Place (tie): Mi Casa and Senor Rio Tequila

Third Place: Pavoneo Tequila

 

Organic Winners:

First Place: Alquimia Tequila

Second Place: Quinta de Gomez Tequila

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.

 

Last Tequila Standing: Manana Tequila Perfect Margarita

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In this episode of Last Tequila Standing, Manana Tequila shares their recipe for the perfect margarita.  Mix it up at home and enjoy!

 

 

Find it online at Tequila Manana, Facebook, and Twitter.

Manana tequila, Margarita, last tequila standing

Last Tequila Standing: Summary of Quality

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Last Tequila Standing: Tequila Alderete Vallarta Splash

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About Tequila Alderete

Growing AgaveHIGHLAND AGAVE

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.

Cooking AgaveCOPPER 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.

Last Tequila Standing: Tequila Alderete

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About Tequila Alderete

Growing AgaveHIGHLAND AGAVE

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.

Cooking AgaveCOPPER 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.

Last Tequila Standing: Tasting a Horizontal Flight

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Proper Tequila Tasting Technique Courtesy of Tequila Rack

Evaluation | Tasting Notes | Equipment

Proper Technique

THE 4 “S” PROCESS OF TASTING 100% AGAVE TEQUILA

SEE IT
Begin by examining the color of the Tequila against a white background, tilting the glass away from you. Look for bright and, in the case of Reposado and Añejo, saturated color. Blanco should be clear and “crystal like” without occlusions or sediment.

SWIRL IT
To release the aromas of a spirit, swirl it in the glass and then give it a deep sniff. Much of what you will taste is a result of these aromas. Repeat as necessary, taking notes, and enjoying the aroma.

SIP IT
Take a good-size sip. Hold the spirits in your mouth; swish it around (like mouthwash but less vigorously), allowing it to coat your entire palate. What does the Tequila feel like? Is it thin and acidic? Is it rich and velvety? Does it give your mouth a warm glow?

SAVOR IT
Draw in some air between your front teeth or across your tongue and “gargle” the spirits in your mouth. (We said “in your mouth” – no bathroom noises needed). Keep in mind that your tongue can identify only four basic tastes: saltiness, bitterness, sweetness and acidity. All other flavors actually reach your brain as aromas through the retro-nasal passage at the back of your throat. By “chewing” the spirit, or combining it with air, you cause its volatile elements to vaporize. That’s a good thing.

Last Tequila Standing: Vida Tequila

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Vida Tequila SOPHISTICATION + PASSION

Greatness is rarely a product of research and formula alone. True greatness comes from the passion, pride, and relentless pursuit of perfection. Our entire line of ultra-premium, award-winning tequilas is crafted in Arandas, Mexico, from a single ingredient: 100% pure, highland-grown Tequliana Weber Blue Agave. Only 60% of the distilled product ever makes it into the bottles through the process of cutting the Heads and Tails. To ensure purity of flavor, the bottles are washed in their respective style of tequila before being filled with the finished product. While the Blanco is bottled after the distillation process, the Reposado is aged in white oak barrels for six months, and the Anejo is aged in French oak barrels for 24 months. We embrace the process and strive to make the most sophisticated product; they are the keys to greatness uncommon.

Find Vida Tequila Online here

Last Tequila Standing: Tributo Tequila

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Heritage of Tributo Tequila

What makes a place, more than just a place?

Is it the beauty of its natural features? The traditions carried down by its people? Or the praise and recognition it receives from the rest of the world? For the Tierra de Agaves Distillery, and the home of Tributo Tequila, it’s all of these, and more.

The Location

It’s good to know where you come from. In the picturesque central-pacific of Mexico lies the colonial town of Tequila, and our home, Tierra de Agaves. The estate itself was founded in 2004 by Francisco Beckmann, though we’ve been working these grounds for over eight generations, as long as the history of Tequila itself. Our estate includes a vast agave reserve and our centrally-located distillery and bottling facility. Having every part of the Tequila making process in one place ensures that we can closely monitor every facet of its production—from the field, to the factory, to the bottle.

Find Tributo Online