Like the state it’s named after, Republic Tequila is crafted with passion and determination. Republic Tequila Extra Añejo is the crown jewel in our portfolio of celebrated tequilas. It is carefully distilled from mature blue agave, which is hand picked in the rugged fields of Jalisco, Mexico, where tequila originated. After distillation, Republic Tequila Extra Añejo is patiently aged in one of eight carefully selected charred oak bourbon barrels for over three years. The result is a tequila rich in color, with unparalleled smoothness and a flavor like no other. Each bottle is a salute to the fiercely independent character of the only state in America that was once its own nation. There is none finer. We invite you to come and take it.
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Republic Añejo Tequila is aged for 17 months in American White Oak bourbon barrels, resulting in deep hues and perfect balance. Our Añejo’s smooth, oaky mouth-feel exhibits an extremely complex flavor profile that is bold enough to stand alone or be mixed for an exceptional, hearty cocktail.
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!
Republic Reposado Tequila is aged for seven months in American White Oak bourbon barrels. This aging process allows the tequila to take on the complex characteristics of the oak barrels, while still keeping the sweet properties of the agave plant. Reposado starts with a burst of apple and eucalyptus, with a long finish of oak and mint.
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Republic Plata Tequila is unaged but allowed to rest three to five days after distillation. Aeration along with the resting period results in an ultra-smooth, clear spirit. With its silky feel, our herbal, spicy, sweet Plata is the ideal tequila for your favorite cocktail.
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!
I’ve finally gotten around to binge watching Mad Men on Netflix.
In case you haven’t joined the Streaming Generation, or lived without cable TV for awhile, Mad Men is a series set in the 1960’s about a fictional ad agency called Sterling Cooper based in New York City’s famed Madison Avenue.
[Editor’s note: I still can’t believe I was born during the Eisenhower administration!]
Tequila marketing being my thing, naturally, I’m drawn to the product placement of distilled spirits on the historically accurate show.
Along with adverts concocted by admen for cigarettes, bras, and washing
Vintage Cuervo ad
machine manufacturers, spirits companies like Seagram’s, Jack Daniels, and Jose Cuervo were also a part of the advertising renaissance, and not just on American soil. These early Behemoths of Booze also took the fight offshore.
And nobody can tell you more about those challenges better than José Zevada.
I finally met the charismatic Pepe Zevada, the maker of Pepe Z Tequila, accompanied by Glynn Bloomquist, (CEO and Chairman), and Guy England (South Texas Market Manager), of Empresario LLC, the first Texas company to create, brand, distill, import, and market spirits.
Fernando Lamas
With the elegance and charm suggestive of silver screen Latino Hollywood hunks like Ricardo Montalbán or Fernando Lamas, and peppered with jokes and anecdotes of the “glory days,” you get the sense that you’re reliving spirits industry history, Mad Men style.
Over a delicious lunch at the Iron Cactus Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar on San Antonio’s renowned Riverwalk, Pepe regaled us with episodes of his life as the vice president of Brown-Forman in Latin America, Mexico and the Caribbean. During that time, he traveled to 106 countries (Pepe speaks 5 or 6 languages fluently) introducing Jack Daniels to those parts of the world.
After 30 years with Brown-Forman, he went on to work as vice president for the classic spirits distiller Hiram Walker (Sauza, Kahlúa, Courvasier, Beefeater), until the merger of Allied Domecq.
To Make a Long Story Short
After persistent encouragement from friends in Mexico, Pepe Z Tequila was born shortly after José retired from 35 years in the liquor industry.
But, in the tradition of the three generations of Sauzas, Don Julio González, José Cuervo and Don Eduardo Orendáin, Pepe was determined to only put his name on a quality tequila.
To create a batch of Pepe Z takes over three weeks. He calls the blanco tequila the “mother” of the line, and claims that the selected agave is the key to a sterling product.
Pepe Z Tequila uses only lightly toasted virgin American Oak barrels (not charred) for its reposado and añejo expressions, and it is one of the lowest in methanol after distillation.
Pepe, Guy and Glynn of Empresario.
These time tested techniques have not only achieved an authentic, “old world” flavor profile, but it has also garnered Pepe Z some serious hardware in the form of medals and awards.
Raised in Mexico of Spanish parents, José (Pepe is a common nickname for Josés) was brought up with strict moral values that have guided him throughout his life.
In his words, “I don’t do business without being friends, first.” He asserts, “The liquor business is a people business, not a laptop business.”
In the era dominated by contracted brands with glamorous images and no backstory, Zevada prefers to take a page from those legendary patriarchs of tequila and make every effort to meet and greet each of his customers, personally.
Pepe Zevada and Mike Morales.
Part of the brand’s strategy is to nurture its relationship with its hometown of Austin, and then to solidify its embrace on the rest of Texas before conquering other states. This tactic has worked wonders as evidenced by the glowing testimonials given by his customers.
While his clients enthusiastically preserve their friendship with Pepe, Zevada gratefully acknowledges that, “My customers are part of the Z family.”
And, in a time where spirits are judged on perceived value, Pepe demands that his tequilas remain affordable, believing that luxury shouldn’t be so hard to come by.
Distinguished flavor, devoted friendship and defined family values is the method to Pepe Zevada’s effective–and infectious–“madness.”
[From October 14 to October 28, 2015, Tequila Aficionado Media, accompanied by 33 expressions representing 19 brands, embarked on an epic RV road show christened, The Dia de los Muertos Tequila & Mezcal Tour. In these next passages, we recount the historic–and hysteric–highlights.]
Church, Tacos, and Tequila With Roger Clyne
Phoenix, Arizona
One of the highlights of Tequila Aficionado Media’s breakthrough Dia de los Muertos Tequila & Mezcal Tour was lunch with indy rock legend Roger Clyne of Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers.
After graciously posing for a quick photo outside our Cruise America RV with Lisa’s boys, we anxiously followed Roger and his lovely and elusive wife, Alisa, inside the historic Taco Guild gastropub, a deconsecrated Methodist church where he had recently conducted an exclusive tasting for fans of his Mexican Moonshine Tequila.
Having spent most of my young life inside churches, my first inclination was to
speak reverently in whispers. Like most places of worship, the Taco Guild had its original stained glass windows and acoustically high ceilings that amplified the din of the lunch time crowd.
It didn’t take long before whispering was futile and more tequila and cocktails were needed.
Next On Deck
After ordering and savoring some delicious taco plates, Alisa and Roger clued us in on what was ahead for Mexican Moonshine tequila.
Not only were they planning an extensive 2015 fall tour, but they were also gearing up for 2016’s annual Circus Mexicus. But, there was another surprise–
The exclusive Mexican Moonshine extra añejo in a ceramic, commemorative 20th anniversary collector’s bottle depicting the “Fizzy Fuzzy, Big & Buzzy” album by Roger’s then group, The Refreshments.
The band financed the effort so successfully via an Indiegogo campaign that the extra funds enabled them to parlay Mexican Moonshine as a featured tequila in twenty locations–including their own branded cantinas– throughout Chase Field, the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball club for the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
Tequila Tasting With Roger Clyne
A staunch reposado enthusiast, Roger was making it his personal journey to research extra añejos in order to help him define his preferred flavor profile
for Moonshine’s upcoming XA offering.
Known for their varied and extensive tequila menu,
naturally, an impromptu tequila tasting ensued courtesy of the Taco Guild’s gracious bar manager.
After selecting and sampling a variety of tequilas from other producers with varying production methods,
including some exclusive ultra añejos from behind the Taco Guild’s sacred bar for over an hour, it was time to say goodbye to Roger and Alisa.
After supplying the Clynes with a bottle of blanco tequila and an añejo mezcal (for educational purposes, of course!), we hefted our bulging bag of leftovers onto the Cruise America RV.
Playing Catch Up
On the way back to our RV park, we stopped at the local supermarket to stock up on supplies for the what we expected would be the crown jewel of our tour–
The Grand Canyon.
After catching up on our required social media chores, a light dinner was in order along with sips of Mestizo Mezcal to chase away the creeping chill of the Arizona evening.
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!
[From October 14 to October 28, 2015, Tequila Aficionado Media, accompanied by 33 expressions representing 19 brands, embarked on an epic RV road show christened, The Dia de los Muertos Tequila & Mezcal Tour. In these next passages, we recount the historic–and hysteric–highlights.]
Inspired In Albuquerque
With the help of Mezcal Legendario Domingo, Lisa and I brainstormed about our black water tank problem.
We would contact Cruise America RV’s headquarters in Mesa, AZ via their Facebook page, and make an appointment with their service department. Since we were already fans, this impromptu visit would also serve as more content for Tequila Aficionado and Lisa’s personal blog.
Brilliant!
Get Your Kicks
Having trekked from Albuquerque to Phoenix a few times before, both Lisa and myself were aware that portions of Interstate 40 coursed along the Mother Road, historic Route 66.
And having lived in New Mexico for many years, I knew that a stop at Route 66 Casino for more photo ops was a must, especially because Route 66 Tequila had come on the tour, as well.
It was a memorable pit stop for us. We made a few new friends and had fun doing it! Check out this video highlight.
By The Time I Get to Phoenix
Once we left New Mexico in the rear view mirror and entered Arizona, the scenery changed and so did our mood.
After a mid-evening check-in at the Desert Shadows RV park in Phoenix, coupled with a late dinner, a snifter of Route 66 tequila for a nightcap seemed appropriate. But, not too many.
Our appointment with Cruise America’s service department to address our black water tank problem loomed early the next morning.
Cruise America Headquarters
An impressive fleet of RVs greeted us at Cruise America’s headquarters in Mesa. Its size and depth was deceiving with ample showrooms inside. No matter which department we dealt with, though, the company’s dedication to customer service was first rate.
While the service department examined our damaged RV, we spent time speaking with Vice President, Michael Smalley, on several topics concerning Cruise America’s long history and company philosophy.
An hour later, the head of the service department conferred with Mr. Smalley. Knowing that we were pressed for time, Michael advised that the quickest way to get us back enjoying the road and working on our tour was to switch us to a newer RV rather than to have us wait any longer for repairs on the black water tank.
After unloading clothes and supplies from our old RV and reloading the new one, we waved goodbye to our friends at Cruise America and shuttled back to our RV park in Phoenix.
That afternoon, Lisa was expecting her longtime friends and members of her writer’s group, and she was bound and determined to introduce them to fine sipping tequila from Casa 1921.
The Butterscotch Martini Girls
Once we were safely back at Desert Shadows with a brand new RV, Lisa regaled her friends with 1921 La Crema. You can view their official introduction to this tequila gem here, and their rave review here.
As for me, I took the time to sit underneath one of the many fruit trees near our space, lit a cigar, and enjoyed the rolling clouds that signaled a cooling monsoon shower just before sunset.
[From October 14 to October 28, 2015, Tequila Aficionado Media, accompanied by 33 expressions representing 19 brands, embarked on an epic RV road show christened, The Dia de los Muertos Tequila & Mezcal Tour. In these next passages, we recount the historic–and hysteric–highlights.
You can also view a complete video playlist of our adventures on our YouTube channel here…]
On A Dark Desert Highway
Somewhere outside Carlsbad, New Mexico
On a dark stretch of highway in southeastern New Mexico, a road weary Lisa Pietsch guided the Cruise America RV that Tequila Aficionado Media had rented for the historic Dia de los Muertos Tequila & Mezcal Tour.
Avoiding oncoming eighteen wheelers hauling oil and speeding two-ton diesel trucks, she counted the minutes until she reached her destination for the night, the Carlsbad KOA campground.
Suddenly, she gasped as a huge piece of truck tire appeared in the high beam headlights ahead of her.
With no way to avoid the giant twisted remnant on the two lane highway without swerving and fishtailing the thirty foot RV, she gritted her teeth, straddled the rubber and hoped for the best.
A resounding ka-thunk ka-thunk let her know that she had successfully survived what could have been a perilous situation. It wasn’t until the next morning that Lisa discovered what had actually happened.
Uncomplicated Sipping
Feeling like the castaways from Gilligan’s Island, what was supposed to have been a leisurely six hour drive from San Antonio, Texas to Carlsbad, New Mexico turned into a 9 hour ordeal that began with early morning packing and stocking the RV.
Once we parked and hooked up the water and electricity at the campground for the night, Lisa announced that all she wanted was something uncomplicated to sip on for a late evening nightcap.
After a sluggish morning, we decided to drive for Carlsbad Caverns in the early afternoon.
Unhooking the RV, Lisa noticed the damage to the black water tank. The coiled tire we had straddled the night before had poked a sizeable hole. If any of us needed to use the bathroom while we were on the road, it would spell disaster, especially for those following behind us.
With fingers crossed, we headed to Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
To The Bat Cave!
After struggling with our selfie stick trying to capture a family photo outside the park sign, we hustled into the visitor’s area for a mid-afternoon tour of the caverns.
Once inside, we were met with this alarming notice–
While we weren’t able to manage a tour of the Caverns’ famed bat exhibit that featured the Mexican free tail bats, there was enough important information to post in the above article.
Attack of The 10 Foot Martians
On our way back from Carlsbad Caverns just before nightfall, we were able to do a bit of souvenir shopping and picture taking with carved bears and aliens.
We had no idea that the alien culture was so prominent in Carlsbad, but we were sure that Roswell, our next day’s whistle stop, would have more than enough little green men to spare.
In the meantime, we appropriately eased into the gray, stormy evening with Tromba tequila.
The Truth Is Out There
From the moment that Alien Tequila hopped aboard our Tequila & Mezcal Tour, I knew that a stop in Roswell, NM at the UFO Museum was a must.
Walking through this charmingly quirky city with a bottle of Alien Tequila hidden in a bag made these photos even more delightful.
After more souvenir shopping, it was off to our stop for the next two nights at my old stomping grounds in Albuquerque.
R & R
Having stayed at this particular KOA campground during our first family RV outing earlier in the Spring of 2015, we were familiar with the amenities and felt comfortable enough to enjoy some down time. The driving had taken its toll on Lisa, so a two-day respite was just what she needed.
JLP Margaritas were the order of the evening. After catching up on emails and drafting blogs, Senda Real made an appearance, as well.
Finding Photo Ops
When you’re stuck behind a computer from 5 to 8 hours a day like Lisa and I usually are working to make Tequila Aficionado Media even more interesting, compelling and educational for you, finding ways to create more inspirational photo and video opportunities is challenging.
Stepping away from the home office and being on the road really lends itself to “outside-the-box” creativity. If you remain open to possibilities, even the simplest things can serve to generate epic social media content and articles.
Which is exactly what we needed since we were still faced with the dilemma of the damaged black water tank.
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!
