Chris Stephenson’s Post

🌵 Is ‘Additive-Free’ Tequila & Mezcal the New Standard for Quality? 🌵 At Bandida Mezcal, we're passionate about crafting spirits that honor the true essence of agave. The demand for additive-free tequila and mezcal is rising as the industry conversation shifts towards transparency and purity. But is additive-free the ultimate indicator of quality? The Rise of Additive-Free Spirits In recent years, consumers have become more discerning, seeking products that are authentic and free from unnecessary additives. This trend is reflected in the growing popularity of apps like Tequila Matchmaker, highlighting brands committed to transparency. Why Additives Matter Historically, additives have been used to mask imperfections and enhance flavors in agave spirits. However, at Bandida Mezcal, we believe that mature agave's pure, unadulterated flavor should be celebrated, not covered up. By avoiding additives, we ensure that our mezcal retains its natural character and quality. Commitment to Quality and Transparency Our dedication to additive-free production goes beyond meeting regulatory standards. We offer thorough evaluations and audits, ensuring that every bottle of Bandida Mezcal reflects our commitment to purity and authenticity. Consumer Awareness and Education The shift towards additive-free products is driven by informed consumers who value transparency. Retailers and bars are increasingly prioritizing additive-free options, reflecting a broader movement towards quality and sustainability in the agave spirits industry. Bandida Mezcal: A Leader in Authenticity At Bandida Mezcal, we are proud to be part of this exciting evolution in the tequila and mezcal industry. Our additive-free mezcal offers a true taste of agave, allowing consumers to experience the rich, complex flavors that define premium agave spirits. Join us in celebrating the natural beauty of agave. Choose Bandida Mezcal for an authentic, additive-free experience that honors tradition and quality. #BandidaMezcal #AdditiveFree #AgaveSpirits #QualityFirst #Transparency #Sustainability #Authenticity #Mezcal #Tequila #CraftSpirits

The global Tequila market was valued at 9.50 billion in 2022 expected to reach a value of 14.69 billion by 2030. The weber blue agave plants juices are fermented to create a Mexican drink called Tequila. Rising popularity of various artisanl sprits among consumers across the globe is one of the factors driving demand for blue agave plants based distilled sprits. Consumers worldwide demand for fresh and exotic drink for a unique taste which make the Tequila market growth The agave must be grown in any one of five Mexican states The most important is Jalisco which where the blue agave originates the blue agave typically take between seven to ten years reach maturity. Maestro Dobel 50 extra Anejo 1969. Maestro Dobel is one of Mexico fastest growing ultra premium Tequila. Maestro Dobel Tequila extra Anejo 1969 it's limited edition only 10,000 bottles were produced. this Tequila is aged in French oak barrels and finished in Sauternes barrel. it has got great aromatic intensity and full fruit notes.A very well structured and complex body gives a pleasant feeling. ends with a very long after taste with aromas flavours and intense sensation giving a long finish. A Tequila must try it's limited edition and limited production grab a bottle before you fly. Salud. #dutyfree #Dutyfreeshopping #Tequilalover #Limitedediction #Productknowledge #Producttraining #MasteroDobel #Spirits

"With countless agave species to choose from, Blue Weber has been the one and only genus to be used in tequila distillation. In spite of that, the tequila space has evolved tremendously over the years. From blancos to the introduction of barrel-aged expressions and Curado infusion techniques — and producers are still finding new ways to push the envelope and experiment with different elements of terroir to set their products apart from the competition. Now, agave spirits make up the second-best-selling spirit category in the country behind vodka. It’s also still growing, flooded with both celeb-endorsed brands (some good, some not so much), nightclub-ready expressions with flashy bottle designs, brands focusing on rustic distillation techniques, and family-run operations passed down from generation to generation. But within the agave fray, a few expressions and distilleries have cemented themselves in the tequila canon, whether they were harbingers of the movement or just a damn good distillate. From Cuervo to Cabo Wabo, from the Don Julio dynasty to the Camarenas, here’s a timeline of some of the most notable tequila milestones and bottle releases over the years." https://lnkd.in/enGHxxrG

Like Tequila? Love Sotol. As agave aficionados seek a (genuinely) craft alternative to overhyped mezcal labels and meaningless celebrity tequila brands, they’re turning to Sotol. . . Mexico’s mythical desert spirit. And while demand for Tequila has led to market shortages—and even environmentally disastrous agave overcultivation to feed the industrial factories churning out literal tankers of the additive-laden “Big Tequila” brands advertised to Americans en masse—Sotol is a distillate of an ancient and native shrub, Dasylirion wheeleri, more commonly known as desert spoon. It can only be wild harvested. By hand. In the desert. So can you even talk about sustainability in spirits unless you’re drinking Sotol? Once overlooked, the Sotol category is now by all accounts primed for takeoff in the American market. Spirits experts have reached a consensus on the matter—they’re done with Big Tequila, and they’ve all left for the desert in search of Sotol. The first and finest they’ll find: Sotol Hacienda de Chihuahua, the category leader by all metrics. OVERTON & ASSOCIATES, Patrick Minogue, and I are honored to partner with Francisco Prieto and this historic brand to help bring Sotol to a wider American audience than ever. It's time to forget Big Tequila forever. Come find us in the desert. #sotol #tequila #mezcal #agave #spirits #spiritsindustry #sustainability

The agave plant's core, known as "piña" due to its resemblance to a pineapple, is exclusively utilized in tequila production. It is extracted, subjected to cooking, and subsequently ground down for fermentation. Tequila has a rich history dating back to 250 to 300 A.D., with Aztec Indians crafting a fermented agave plant juice, known as pulque, for ceremonial purposes, serving as tequila's predecessor. Notably, there has been a significant rise in alcohol consumption in European nations in recent years. The registration of tequila as a geographical indication product within the European Union has notably contributed to increased consumption across the region. Leading companies such as Diageo Plc and Pernod Ricard SA are notable players in the European tequila market. Furthermore, the increasing number of bars has fueled the demand for spirits like tequila, thus propelling the growth of the tequila market. For in-depth insights into the European Tequila Market, connect with us for a tailored report: https://lnkd.in/g2rVVTbY . . . Constellation Brands Brown-Forman Beam Suntory Tequila Centinela #tequila #consumergoods #foodandbeverages #tequilaproduction #agave #fermentation #marketinsights #interestingfact #tritonmarketresearch

Agave spirits, led by Tequila, are surging in popularity, with Tequila recently overtaking American whiskey in the US market. Despite Tequila's dominance, Mezcal is also gaining attention, particularly in the US and Mexico. Handcrafted mezcal from Oaxaca, Mexico, is considering expansion into retail and grocery channels, reflecting the overall growth trajectory of the agave spirits category 🌱. Forecasts suggest continued growth in both volume and value for the combined Tequila and mezcal category, underlining the industry's upward trend 📈.#AgaveSpirits #Tequila #Mezcal #IndustryTrends https://lnkd.in/gG6KQAPs

𝙋𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘 & 𝙇𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙏𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙖 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙪𝙥 𝙖𝙩 𝘽𝘾𝘽 🍹 🍸 After making its mark in mezcal, Pacific & Lime is ready to showcase its 100% agave Tequila to the world. Pacific & Lime has found success in growing the availability of award-winning Noble Coyote Mezcals. But at this year’s Bar Convent Berlin (BCB), the team had a new spirit offering up its sleeve: Pacific & Lime Tequila. The 100% agave blanco Tequila is the brainchild of Pacific & Lime managing director Nikša Pirović and 10th-generation Tequila maker Bruno Barba, who co-owns the business. “When Nikša came to Mexico, he told me about the project and I immediately thought that it will be an amazing project, very different for what we are used to seeing in Tequilas,” Barba explained. “We have a very disruptive brand but inside we have a very traditional Tequila.” In the video above, we learn more about what sets Pacific & Lime Tequila apart from other blanco Tequilas on the market. Tequila has been growing in popularity in the last few years. At the beginning of 2023, IWSR Drinks Market Analysis data revealed Tequila sales by value had overtaken American whiskey in the US, putting Tequila as the second most valuable category in the States. At the time IWSR forecast that Tequila would topple vodka from the top spot by the end of the year.

Over the last 20 years, the spirits industry has undergone a profound transformation driven by technological advancements and process innovations. In this context, tequila has stood out as one of the beverages that has undergone notable progress and evolution. Innovations in maturation methods, the development of new technologies, the implementation of quality standards, and the use of additives are factors that have contributed to the transformation of tequila. Tequila is a globally recognized beverage with prestige and tradition. It has transcended its role as a mere alcoholic drink to become an emblem of Mexican culture and an icon in the spirits industry. In this article, we will take a closer look at the significant changes that have reshaped tequila, transforming it from a traditional drink enjoyed in Mexico since ancient times into a global sensation of premium editions. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/em27e3se #TequilaTradition #bottlesupplier #glassbottle #bottledesign #packagingsolutions #glasspackaging #glassmanufacturer #chooseglass 

Hey! Just read this cool article about tequila and mezcal's booming sales – they're up 17.2% to $6 billion in 2022. It's all about this 'premiumization' trend where people are loving high-end spirits, and tequila is leading the charge. Experts like Carla M. Rivera from Southern Glazer's and Mike Novy from 818 Tequila say people are getting savvy about quality spirits and are happy to pay more for the good stuff. This means distilleries are improving their game with better ingredients and packaging. Mezcal is also on the rise, with a growing interest in craft options from regions beyond Oaxaca, like Bosscal Mezcal's wild-grown agave from Durango. Plus, there's a 'quality trickle down' happening – even more affordable tequilas are getting better. The multicultural consumer market in the U.S. is another big factor. Brands need to be authentic and inclusive to resonate with this diverse audience. In the cocktail world, tequila and mezcal are becoming must-haves. Mixologists are getting creative, and the popularity of margaritas is boosting familiarity with these spirits. Looking ahead, experts are super optimistic. Tequila might become the largest spirits category in the U.S., but the cost of agave could influence growth. Social media and celebrity endorsements are also playing a big role in expanding these spirits' appeal. In short, tequila and mezcal aren't just trends – they're changing the spirits market with a focus on quality and authenticity. Pretty exciting stuff! Reference: Jacobsen, J. (2023). The makings of a hit spirit. Beverage Industry, 114(4), 12 #tequila #mezcal #premium #spirits #spiritsindustry #multicultural #usa #cocktails #mexicanculture

History Of Tequila 🥃 Tequila is a type of distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant, which is primarily grown in the Jalisco state of Mexico. The origins of tequila can be traced back to the Aztecs, who fermented beverages from the agave plant for religious and ceremonial purposes. However, it wasn't until the Spanish arrived in Mexico in the 16th century that the process of distilling agave-based spirits was developed. The first recorded distillery for agave spirits was established in the town of Tequila, located in the state of Jalisco, in the early 1600s. The town's location in the heart of the agave-growing region made it an ideal location for producing the spirit. The early versions of tequila were often harsh and smoky, as the agave was roasted in open pits before being fermented and distilled. However, in the late 19th century, a new method for cooking the agave was developed, which involved steaming the plant in large ovens called autoclaves. This technique, known as the "modern" or "continuous" method, produces a smoother and more consistent flavor. In 1902, the Mexican government officially recognized tequila as a distinctive product of Mexico and established strict regulations for its production. These regulations dictate that tequila can only be made from blue agave grown in certain regions of Mexico, and that it must be distilled and bottled within those regions. There are five main types of tequila: Blanco (silver/white): Unaged tequila, bottled directly after distillation. Reposado (aged): Aged for two to twelve months in oak barrels. Añejo (extra aged): Aged for at least one year and up to three years in oak barrels. Extra añejo (ultra aged): Aged for at least three years in oak barrels. Cristalino: A type of reposado tequila that has been filtered to remove the color. #bartender #bartenderlife #tequila #bar #mixologist