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:
It’s one of the most expensive spirits in the world, and probably the most misunderstood. Tequila journalistMike Morales educates us on the history, background and proper way to enjoy tequila.
We learn that tequila comes from a lily, not a cactus…that tequila can only come from a specific area in Mexico, or it can’t be called tequila. We learn that if there’s a worm in it, it’s NOT tequila! And Mike shares his recipe for the perfect margarita!
Special thanks to www.lrfoodcast.com for providing such a great video of David Suro’s presentation and staff training on tequila at Local Lime in Arkansas. This is one of the best Tequila 101s we’ve seen yet!
A brilliant businessman, Suro-Piñero has made it his life’s mission to preserve and promote the tequila industry, a surprisingly complex industry that is in danger of losing so much of its heritage. In this presentation, Suro-Piñero details the process of tequila-making, from planting agave plants to the final distillation and aging. He also talks about the challenges facing the tequila industry and what needs to change to keep tequila from wasting away. ~ Little Rock Foodcast
Tequila 101
In this comprehensive video presentation, David Suro-Piñero, owner of Siembra Azul tequila, presents on the history and current state of the tequila industry at Local Lime restaurant in Little Rock, Arkansas. We at Tequila Aficionado highly recommend this video to anyone who enjoys good tequila or wants to learn more about tequila.
[Tweet “One of the best Tequila 101s ever! Thanks, @DavidSuroP & @LRFoodcast”]
Salud!
Siembra Azul Tequila
Siembra Azul (Blue Harvest) is a small-batch, artisanal, premium tequila made from 100% of the finest blue agave, grown and produced in the town of Arandas, in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. It is a kosher and double distilled spirit of unparalleled quality.
Siembra Azul is the result of a meticulously monitored production process which is supervised by a carefully assembled team of expert tequila connoisseurs. Leading this team is David Suro-Piñera whose lifelong quest for the highest quality tequila propelled him to create Siembra Azul. Siembra Azul’s trademark, “The Future of Tradition,” is Suro-Piñera’s mission. He travels throughout the U.S. and Europe conducting seminars on the history, traditions, terroir distinctions and varying flavor profiles of tequila for consumers as well as the spirits and hospitality industries. His intent is to create transparency in tequila production and educate the drinking community about tequila so it can finally be accepted as one of the most complex spirits in the world.
Siembra Azul’s portfolio includes a fruity Blanco, a flavorful Reposado, a complex Añejo and profound Extra Añejos.
Find out more about the Siembra Azul Tequilas online here.
[Tweet “David Suro-Piñera’s quest for the highest quality tequila propelled him to create Siembra Azul. @davidsurop @siembraazul”]
The Tequila Interchange Project
The Tequila Interchange Project (TIP) is a non-profit organization and consumer advocacy group for agave distilled spirits comprised of bartenders, consultants, educators, researchers, consumers and tequila enthusiasts. Our organization advocates the preservation of sustainable, traditional and quality practices in the industries of agave distilled spirits. In light of concerning trends that are currently becoming mainstays in the production of agave distillates, TIP seeks to place a renewed emphasis on the importance of preserving the great heritage of agave distillation in Mexico.
Find out more about the Tequila Interchange Project online here.
[Tweet “The Tequila Interchange Project (TIP) advocates the preservation of sustainable, traditional and quality practices in the industries of agave distilled spirits. @DavidSuroP”]
Local Lime Restaurant
Welcome to Local Lime. Join us for flavor-packed dishes inspired by Mexican street fare, Latin American flavors with a hint of Tex-Mex flare and delicious handcrafted cocktails made with premium tequila, mezcal, and juices. Each menu item served at Local Lime is crafted by our chefs, from scratch, using original recipes and prepared with premium ingredients (sourced locally whenever possible). Every cocktail at Local Lime is hand crafted with just-squeezed juices, house-made syrups, and premium tequilas and liquors. Whether you’re enjoying a bit of sunshine and a few street-style tacos on our year-round patio, enjoying a night with friends and frozen margaritas in our oversized booths or seated in the middle of the mezmorizing cocktail crafting experience at our bar while dining on a sizzling plate of Pescado Vera Cruz, every seat at Local Lime is great seat – and yours is waiting.
Find out more about Local Lime Restaurant online here.
[Tweet “Local Lime hand crafts their drinks with just-squeezed juices, house-made syrups, and premium tequilas. @locallime”]
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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!
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.
