Tattoo Anejo Tequila Review

Tattoo Anejo Tequila Review

With Mike Morales and Rick Levy

Publisher’s Note: Ai doesn’t quite understand tequila and agave spirits. Sadly, it will never taste them and, as yet, it’s ability to grasp English, Spanish, and the specialized language of agave spirit distillation is somewhat limited. But we welcome you to enjoy Ai’s attempt to transcribe this video and hope you’ll find a funny transcription worth mentioning in the comments below.

Mike Morales 

Hi folks you are watching and listening to sipping off the cuff on tequila aficionado media on all of our channels and networks on Mike Morales your friendly neighborhood got that or that you’re in Southern California here in the San Gabriel Valley. That guy out there is

Rick Levy 

Rick levy your friendly neighborhood cat a dork also in Southern California.

Mike Morales 

Yes, I’m rocking my city locks cat I have. I just got it today right before we came on online. And I have to I have to show it off because it’s beautifully done. Very well done anyway. I might just post that on Instagram like everybody else has. Today, Rick and I have a wonderful chance to taste and dissect this. So far. We fell in love with the repple silo. This is tattoo to Kima and this is the annual it is organic. Organic certified. Oh check that out with that.

Rick Levy 

red accents on the metal medallion that’s embedded in the woods stopper.

Mike Morales 

Yep. We just broke the seal off of these. They’ve been sitting on my living room floor for like weeks, probably a couple of months. Because when we got this delivered to us it was after our cut off for for our 2021 brands with promise. So I

Rick Levy 

mind spin sitting on a shelf for three months. Yeah, I just took the plastic

Mike Morales 

off. Yeah, we just had to dust this off. So you know, you know, we were

Rick Levy 

we were blown away by the organic Repko that comes out of 14 ad which always seems to dazzle us. And you know, it’s right there in a mighty time. And they produce a lot of organics. And they’re just they’re just firing on all cylinders, man, they’re doing everything right. I just got Oh, you opened it and smelled it? Yeah, I’m gonna melt I really think I’m gonna stick my nose in here because just the ripple I was getting those warm tingles down my spine like, like I had just returned home after being away for 10 years. It was that kind of comfort.

Mike Morales 

Well, you know, to be fair, Rick’s been on the bench. He’s had some remodeling and his home. And this is February when we’re recording this and you’re probably won’t see it till April. You know, I haven’t I really haven’t spoken to Rick since like before the holidays.

Rick Levy 

I think I may have done my last tasting in October. Yeah,

Mike Morales 

yeah. Something like that. And I think it was cabal which also ironically, or coincidentally come comes out of 1480 So we’re thankfully

Rick Levy 

Mike tends to have all the 1480s Come to me. Yes guys. Although being on the bench I missed one or two. Did you find it?

Mike Morales 

Yeah, you know what? There’s plenty for there’s enough for everybody. That’s why we have we have we have a tasting team a tasting squad. I’m always so grateful to you guys. Oh come to the island. Yeah, I know that all everybody smiles everybody’s fine. Nobody nobody’s gonna kiss it represents you in a fantasy your fantasy island person Okay, again, I’m I’m shocked looking.

Rick Levy 

Oh my god.

Mike Morales 

I Yeah. See? Am I the only one I first of all we the Reconciler. We have no idea where I don’t have any information. The deck that they sent us did not tell us how long it’s been rested.

Rick Levy 

That is so light. Now such a white.

Mike Morales 

And so we know that as it’s

Rick Levy 

like a Carlos Camarena barrel type

Mike Morales 

comedy in a barrel life. Yeah, Felipe

Rick Levy 

Camarena. You know, it’s just so light. It in the Repco we had these amazing layers of barrel notes in addition to the agave. I’m wondering, you know if if it’s gonna like color, I’m expecting incredible barrel notes in this in Yamo. But with such a light color, maybe we’ll still get a lot of that that Agave forward character with them. Yeah,

Mike Morales 

well, you know, I read the information from their from their marketing deck on the repple silo and they did say that last testimonial.

Rick Levy 

I need a moment to myself.

Mike Morales 

Shall we shall we?

Rick Levy 

Let’s pause so I can have a moment alone with this.

Mike Morales 

Well, we had to pause it when you choke the other day. He’s gonna melt I’m gonna have to pause the camera again, folks. I’m sorry. Rick gets really emotional. You know when he when he when he

Rick Levy 

never is Have a visceral reaction to tequilas. Oh, and this is

Mike Morales 

a good one. Oh my god. I know what that combination of the wood notes is. And the agave but you know what it is it’s sometimes you and I from tequila swirl mighty time we get that liquid that anus and bloco that’s what that what’s in here. It’s blending in with the with notes. And it’s coming up like it’s this lovely combination of anise and wood notes. And it’s creating something different. It’s like a whole other aroma. I I can’t place

Rick Levy 

Yeah, no, you’re absolutely right. Oh, yeah, that Ns is just doing amazing stuff with a with a other barrel nuts.

Mike Morales 

Oh, my goodness. I don’t know how long this is being aged.

Rick Levy 

Incredible. I’m getting dried fruits in here.

Mike Morales 

Yeah, it’s got a bit more depth more almost reacts, like it’s been resting in the barrel much longer than it actually looks. You know, to be an unusual one to three years. So this could be you know, 24 months? It could be I don’t know, I don’t know. We know it’s over a year, because it’s fairly light. I mean, if you don’t believe us, I mean, look at look at how like this. Yeah. That’s, that’s almost as light as the reposado. And yet, we know character.

Rick Levy 

And we’ve had repose more than twice as darkness.

Mike Morales 

Oh, yeah. Yeah, you know, years back, right. Because, you know, we’re, we’re still, we’re still, you know, on the downhill slope of a pandemic, there’s still an annual shortage. A lot of people said that there was going to that was going to go into the Reconciler category. We found out last year that some of the trends that we saw was that they were doing wonderful things with rebel silos, making them almost blending barrels and making you know, blending them with extra and yellows and giving the reposado way more character to emulate and yeah, hope because nobody had an idea who was in some mode a lot of distilleries did not have a reserve of on yellows because people people drank in 2020 people drank really well because he couldn’t and now we’re feeling that that effect as well but this however long they’re resting it it’s perfect Shall we dive in sir oh please okay so oh my god oh oh. Residual Anis on the back end of the pallet along with the witness at the top wow, I want to Blonko we can get a blood LiveCode MAN Yeah, they only sent us a report on the whole we didn’t get a Blonko so I’ve got a bone to pick with

Rick Levy 

the pepper spice and anus together.

Mike Morales 

Yeah. Great. And I didn’t detect any Anacin follow it was was really barrel forward. You know, we got Agave on the nose of course, of course. Because there’s nothing I don’t think they’re they’re using anything less than six year old god is and if you follow them on Instagram, take a look at lesson Medicus or anybody else that has or just has them as their distillery they have five year old a goddess that are enormous, enormous. Okay, and that’s unheard of. There’s very few growers that can grow them like that. Okay. But this one the the the

Rick Levy 

well they have a they have a knock of arrow that goes out to alien and whisper sweet nothings into the pink tennis right?

Mike Morales 

I’m telling you they they whatever the it’s this is it’s it’s very it’s it’s black magic what they’re doing

Rick Levy 

with those Agave is know that their love to their 14 at

Mike Morales 

huh oh, this is a symphony. Sweet whiskey notes. Long, long finish. Yeah. It keeps evolving and your glass repple solid did the same thing. Folks, if you don’t spend time with this tequila, you’re you’re you’re doing your yourself a disservice.

Rick Levy 

I had to go back and check out the repo.

Mike Morales 

You didn’t detect any anesthesia on that? Rep. Well, I didn’t. I didn’t not not to the depth that I’m getting here,

Rick Levy 

right. Yeah, well, this comes across well, not as sweet as the Ripa was, you know, with those barrel notes, okay. So we’re a bit drier, the, the

Mike Morales 

sweetness is different.

Rick Levy 

It’s more like the dried fruit kind of thing. Whereas with the reposado because getting those kind of creamy buttery butterscotch kind of

Mike Morales 

notes. Yeah, yeah, the depth on this nose and the flavor. There’s this is there’s depth. It really is more complex than boulder. I think at first intake just you know, and I think also the white pepper and the barrel notes I think they also create that little bit of the summit cinnamon heat at mid palate, but it’s not it’s not overpowering. He’s just kind of it’s it’s how shall I say it? Because we’ve had we’ve had some hot cinnamon you know from from barrel notes that were the pepper turns into hot cinnamon because it’s been Ah, this one is a nice play on both you get the pepper and the sentiment together. It’s not one doesn’t overpower the other. And that’s what I’m trying to say. Wow, that’s just gorgeous. What a nose on this thing. Yeah, huh. Oh my goodness. Hmm. Lot of engineers. Oh my god. Wow. Wow. Yeah. Random promised nominee. And that organic and yellow category. This is do we have a price point on this thing?

Rick Levy 

I don’t, I haven’t been able to find it anywhere. I wonder in in San Diego Old Town tequila has the Bronco for 40.

Mike Morales 

So you think this is probably a 60 $65? Bottle?

Rick Levy 

That’s probably where I’d start.

Mike Morales 

Yeah, yeah. And worth every penny. I wouldn’t hesitate to to pay that much for this quality. This is a quality tequila. All right. Yeah, it’s been around. I will say it’s a legacy brand. Because I know for a fact it’s been around for at least eight years. I told the story on the ripple solid review where they when I reached out to them like eight years ago. They sent me all the tchotchkes you know, a salt river shot, I shot glass shot glasses, t shirt bar mat, all the really cool stuff that never got the juice. I kept looking. I kept pulling out all the all the tchotchkes out of the box and go where the hell is that juice, no juice, nothing. And then and then when I tried to reach back to the person Mark contact person, email boughs, so I couldn’t get ahold of anybody. And I’m gonna chase and I’m gonna chasing this down ever since.

Rick Levy 

Well, good on. You’re forgetting a man.

Mike Morales 

Highly, highly underrated, highly underrated. If you found this, folks pick it up. It’s a gem. It’s a habit. Yeah. Grab it grab all you can. I will I hopefully, I’ll be able to get the CEO that calls himself tequila, John. I can’t offhand I can’t remember his first name. I didn’t pull up his email when he when he reached out to me. But I will. And I will I will try to get him on open bar. And maybe Rick, you can sit in on that with me like you do with Juan De Leon. Open bar has been going crazy. People love the I’ve had some wonderful, great conversations on open bar. really memorable.

Rick Levy 

As it’s fantastic to hear the stories directly from the makers. Yeah, you can’t you

Mike Morales 

can’t you can’t beat that. No, no, I mean, and who else is letting you tell your story? You know, this, that’s what open bar was about. It was about you know, it always been about nobody can tell your story better than you can. And that’s and I’m gonna I’m gonna find tequila, John is it even exists anymore. And it’s not the reality show on I never, you know, I almost had one. But I’ve never heard of that one. But hey, you know what, if you folks are watching us or listening to us on Spotify, and you’ve had it, send us an email, shoot us a comment, whatever. Let us know what you’re doing with it, how much you’re paying for it, how long you’ve been drinking it? What you know about it because other than the information they sent us there’s not a whole a lot and and apparently in Southern California, I know they had, they had nationwide distribution at their strength at their height. And if if Zach doesn’t have his Z tequila does not have it. It’s it’s getting scarce, in my opinion, or so you may want to pick it up because I’m not sure what’s going on with the brand I will find out. But for us, finally brand promise nominee, I think in that legacy category, it’s beautiful. So let us know what you’re doing with it. Leave us a comment. Please subscribe to us. Follow us on Instagram and all of our other platforms Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, we’re on there too. Except for Rick. He’s not on Pinterest. You shouldn’t

Rick Levy 

be not on any social media.

Mike Morales 

Yeah, he’s slow Instagram. But I don’t think you’d do anything with that either. But that’s okay. Because you know, he’s, he’s just has a moment to himself. He’s gonna, after we’re done, we’re just gonna go into the corner. And and you know, and just and just smile.

Rick Levy 

I’m gonna take these bottles with me and go find a corner somewhere and curl up and

Mike Morales 

curl up in the fetal position. So folks, if you’re curling up in the fetal position, tell us how and where. And I’m Mike Morales and in the San Gabriel Valley that guy out there is

Rick Levy 

Rick levy down in San Diego County.

Mike Morales 

You’ve been watching and listening to something off the cuff I tequila aficionado media follow us on all our our platforms and whatever you do. So my Savia main theme, sip wisely.

Transcribed by https://otter.ai

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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!

4 Copas Anejo Tequila Review

About 4 Copas Añejo:

Sipping Off the Cuff | 4 Copas Tequila Anejo http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4VhPure and authentic, the ultimate taste experience. 4 Copas Añejo is aged in American White Oak carefully charred and refined in taste.

The Añejo, a crowning achievement, was the special creation of Sebastian Melendrez and his all-star team whose work spanned seven years.

In the mouth, it is ever so soft and pleasant with sweet texture. The nose is harmonious and elegant with aromas of dry fruit, hints of cherry, peach, apricot and rose petals, special and purely organic.

It is best to approach this special Tequila as a scotch or cognac drinker would, raising your level of expectation to meet the agave flavored purity. Expect to be in love with the experience upon the very first sip.

Enjoy this expression chilled or neat over ice. Know that this pure organic Tequila experience in the 4 Copas Añejo will be an unparalleled experience.

 

FTC Disclaimer: All samples are received free of charge but no payment is accepted by Tequila Aficionado or its agents for reviews.  All reviews are the opinions of those participating in the tasting and positive reviews are never guaranteed.

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4 Copas Reposado Tequila Review

About 4 Copas Reposado:

Sipping Off the Cuff | 4 Copas Tequila Reposado http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4VgThis flavorful selection of 4 Copas takes the artfully crafted product and ages the juices an additional 9 months to enrich and enhance the pure agave flavor cues—so pleasing in the Blanco—to new and surprising levels of taste. The Editors of Wine and Spirits Magazine have specifically called out the Reposado vanilla, coconut and gently cooked agave flavor cues.

These characteristics led to 4 Copas Reposado winning the esteemed San Francisco World Spirit Competition Gold Medal.

The noble and distinct pure taste of 4 Copas award winning Reposado is its own reward, but we are very proud of each of its awards nonetheless.

Enjoy chilled either neat or over ice and you will experience its most pure taste experience.

 

FTC Disclaimer: All samples are received free of charge but no payment is accepted by Tequila Aficionado or its agents for reviews.  All reviews are the opinions of those participating in the tasting and positive reviews are never guaranteed.

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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!

4 Copas Blanco Tequila Review

About 4 Copas Blanco:

Sipping Off the Cuff | 4 Copas Tequila Blanco http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4Vf4 Copas Blanco is at one with its organic agave taste. To experience one is to experience the other. It is the foundation of 4 Copas pure agave taste with all impurities eliminated and none added from source to distillation. To best enjoy while envisioning the farm to distillation and bottling process, chill to 16 degrees then let the product breathe in the glass to allow the full fruit of the tequila to roll gently across your palate. A rush of natural fruit flavor cues will connect you to its organic and pure roots.

 

FTC Disclaimer: All samples are received free of charge but no payment is accepted by Tequila Aficionado or its agents for reviews.  All reviews are the opinions of those participating in the tasting and positive reviews are never guaranteed.

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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!

Serpiente Emplumada Extra Anejo Tequila Review

About La Serpiente Emplumada

The Feathered Serpent, Quetzalcoatl

Sipping Off the Cuff | Serpiente Emplumada Extra Anejo Tequila http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4USLegend tells that there was one day when Quetzalcoatl, enraged by seeing how humans worshiped other gods with temples and sacrifices, decided to descend to the underworld and became a human himself in order to teach the people his knowledge.

Quetzalcoatl, by stopping one of the sacrifices, provoked the fury of his brother Tezcatlipoca (Huitzilopochtli) and the latter decided to get revenge using a trap against his brother. Tezcatlipoca handed his brother a liquid as a “gift”.

Quetzalcoatl drank the liquid and got drunk. Without knowing what he was doing, he slept with one of the women of the temple. The next morning feeling guilty for what he had done, he decided to build a boat with snakes and leave the town. He sank forever and was reborn as the Morning Star. He later adopted the name of Quetzalcoatl, which means The Feathered Serpent.

FTC Disclaimer: All samples are received free of charge but no payment is accepted by Tequila Aficionado or its agents for reviews. All reviews are the opinions of those participating in the tasting and positive reviews are never guaranteed.

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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!

Serpiente Emplumada Anejo Tequila Review

About La Serpiente Emplumada

The Feathered Serpent, Quetzalcoatl

Sipping Off the Cuff | Serpiente Emplumada Anejo Tequila http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4UQLegend tells that there was one day when Quetzalcoatl, enraged by seeing how humans worshiped other gods with temples and sacrifices, decided to descend to the underworld and became a human himself in order to teach the people his knowledge.

Quetzalcoatl, by stopping one of the sacrifices, provoked the fury of his brother Tezcatlipoca (Huitzilopochtli) and the latter decided to get revenge using a trap against his brother. Tezcatlipoca handed his brother a liquid as a “gift”.

Quetzalcoatl drank the liquid and got drunk. Without knowing what he was doing, he slept with one of the women of the temple. The next morning feeling guilty for what he had done, he decided to build a boat with snakes and leave the town. He sank forever and was reborn as the Morning Star. He later adopted the name of Quetzalcoatl, which means The Feathered Serpent.

FTC Disclaimer: All samples are received free of charge but no payment is accepted by Tequila Aficionado or its agents for reviews. All reviews are the opinions of those participating in the tasting and positive reviews are never guaranteed.

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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!

512 Blanco Tequila Review

ABOUT TEQUILA 512:

Sipping Off the Cuff | Tequila 512 Blanco http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4UPSCOTT WILLIS WENT TO JALISCO IN SEARCH OF THE PERFECT ANYTIME TEQUILA. HE RETURNED WITH TEQUILA 512.

In Austin, tequila isn’t saved for special occasions. It’s a standard go-to. It’s one of the many things Scott loves about the town he calls home, and why he set out to create a tequila that could be enjoyed anytime.
In Jalisco he found Luis Trejo, master distiller at La Cofradia. Batch by batch, they made their way to the earthy, spicy yet surprisingly smooth tequila we bottle today. The magic moment came when Scott decided to add a third distillation, making the good juice they’d created together just a bit smoother.
Scott’s friends back in Austin loved the results. So did the judges at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, who awarded Tequila 512 Double Gold and Best In Show.
To this day, Scott returns to Jalisco to taste every new batch, ensuring each is as good as the last. Because when it comes to great tequila, taste is the only test that matters.

FTC Disclaimer: All samples are received free of charge but no payment is accepted by Tequila Aficionado or its agents for reviews. All reviews are the opinions of those participating in the tasting and positive reviews are never guaranteed.

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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!

Serpiente Emplumada Silver Tequila Review

About La Serpiente Emplumada

The Feathered Serpent, Quetzalcoatl

Sipping Off the Cuff | Serpiente Emplumada Silver Tequila http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4UOLegend tells that there was one day when Quetzalcoatl, enraged by seeing how humans worshiped other gods with temples and sacrifices, decided to descend to the underworld and became a human himself in order to teach the people his knowledge.

Quetzalcoatl, by stopping one of the sacrifices, provoked the fury of his brother Tezcatlipoca (Huitzilopochtli) and the latter decided to get revenge using a trap against his brother. Tezcatlipoca handed his brother a liquid as a “gift”.

Quetzalcoatl drank the liquid and got drunk. Without knowing what he was doing, he slept with one of the women of the temple. The next morning feeling guilty for what he had done, he decided to build a boat with snakes and leave the town. He sank forever and was reborn as the Morning Star. He later adopted the name of Quetzalcoatl, which means The Feathered Serpent.

FTC Disclaimer: All samples are received free of charge but no payment is accepted by Tequila Aficionado or its agents for reviews. All reviews are the opinions of those participating in the tasting and positive reviews are never guaranteed.

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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!

Hacienda Mercado Reposado Tequila Review

Mike and Alex taste and discuss Hacienda Mercado Reposado Tequila.

FTC Disclaimer: All samples are received free of charge but no payment is accepted by Tequila Aficionado or its agents for reviews. All reviews are the opinions of those participating in the tasting and positive reviews are never guaranteed.

From Hacienda Mercado 
Sipping off the Cuff | Hacienda Mercado Anejo http://wp.me/p3u1xi-4F3Our product preserves the history and tradition in its process of elaboration, in which a product of the best quality of exportation is obtained in a NATURAL way, without chemicals that accelerate the fermentation, to obtain products apocrifos that the people does not know even to distinguish, the costumers deserve respect and we deliver only quality, thanks to the technology and the utility of modern techniques, a product is obtained with high standards of quality, vouched for by the CRT (Consejo Regulador del Tequila) and the NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana).
The plant is chosen with a delicate sense of responsibility, matured by time, at the ideal moment to be harvested (JIMADA). It is transported back to its manufactures where it is again selected before it is cooked.
The boiling carries out in autoclaves where it does not loose any of its properties since it totally conserves the juices which are the base for the quality. The extraction of the juices by mechanical methods and the utilization of pure spring water, which emanates from the mountain, they guarantee the following step.
The juice which ferments in a natural way, at its own pace, at its own moment, guarantees the excellent quality of our product, that’s our secret to achieve the exellence and finesse. The alembics take care of extracting the maximum benefit, obtaining a really clean product, clear, and crystal with the but the highest standards given by our tequila masters, with 3 generations of experience. The procurement of a product that emphasize the respect for their consumers cannot be left unrecognized and recommended broadly, above all by the large experts that in a special way they recommend TEQUILA HACIENDA MERCADO.
The base to obtain an AÑEJO & REPOSADO is without doubt an execellent BLANCO, Which is obtained of the casks of oak tree the fragrance and bouquet in a natural way through time.
We recommend extensively to taste it to the RIGHT, traditional way (straight) in its shot glass, and that with confidence you say: I INVITE YOU A Tequila, IN A TRULY, EXCLUSIVE HORSE HEAD SHOT GLASS OF OUR BRAND, FOR THE MOST FINEST LIKINGS AND DELIGHT, NOT ONLY TASTE WISE BUT ALSO ITS APPEARANCE IN OUR PRESENTATION.

SO IF YOU CAN’T REST YOUR HORSEHEAD SHOT GLASS IN THE BAR THAT MEANS YOU ARE NOT DRINKING IT.
SALUDD AND ENJOY RESPONSIBLY!!

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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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