Dulce Vida Continues Its Run as the Most Awarded Tequila with Recent Accolades from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Tequila.net

Dulce Vida, the world’s only certified USDA organic, 100 Proof tequila, continues to be recognized within the spirits industry, thanks to recent accolades received from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Tequila.net.

At the 2013 San Francisco Spirits Competition, Dulce Vida’s small-batch, organic tequila received a Gold medal for Blanco and a Silver medal for Anejo, along with two highly regarded packaging awards. From Tequila.net, two “Best of the Best” awards were also received for the brand’s Reposado and Anejo expressions.

As an artisan distiller of handcrafted tequilas, Dulce Vida is pleased with the recognition that they continue to gain from many elite competitions.They have been fortunate in their short, four-year tenure to have gained over 40 top honors for both packaging and taste profile. Of the awards received, Dulce Vida has earned 27 Gold medals for flavor profile along with eight packaging awards, taking top awards in categories as broad as all of Wine & Spirits.

Dulce Vida offers a boutique line of the finest tequila, truly authentic and unique from other brands on the market. Not only is Dulce Vida 100 Proof and Organic, excellent brand distinctions in their own right, but particular care is a constant priority throughout the fermentation and distillation processes. While raising costs and reducing overall yields with this approach, the Dulce Vida small-batch tequila goes through a second fermentation that improves the aromatics and flavor attributes of the product. This extra effort helps Dulce Vida to stand out amongst an extremely competitive field of tequila.

About Dulce Vida Spirits:

Dulce Vida, translated as “sweet life” in Spanish, uses only 100% organic agave from the Los Altos region of Jalisco, Mexico. Due to the unique climatic characteristics and the distinctive air & soil, this area is well known for producing larger, fruitier agave, ideal for tequila. This organic agave ensures Dulce Vida produces their product the way tequila has always tasted best: pure and powerful, free of any additives.

Dulce Vida’s products are 100 Proof to capture the absolute purest form of tequila with minimal dilution. The result is a decidedly flavorful and authentic tequila, distinct and smooth.

Dulce Vida’s tequilas are distilled under the supervision of founder and master distiller Carlos Jurado. Dulce Vida has established relationships with local organic growers – securing harvest rights to agave fields and acting as a community partner, playing a role in the well being of the region through utilization of sustainable practices.

Dulce Vida Spirits is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with distilling operations near Guadalajara, Jalisco.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Festival Sayulita 2014 - Film, Tequila, Music and Surf on the Riviera Nayarit

The first annual Festival Sayulita, presented by SayulitaBeach.com, is a unique gathering for all lovers of Mexico, film, tequila, food, music and surf to be held Jan 16-19th in the idyllic coastal town of Sayulita, Nayarit. Sayulita provides a scenic, bohemian background perfect for this international festival. Creative and provocative films will be shown in various venues throughout the town. Additional events include tequila and food pairings, master tequila tastings, beach-front film venues, private screenings and live music.

Once known only for its fishing business and scenic beaches, Sayulita now boasts a thriving community of local, Mexican restaurants and craftsman alongside trendsetting establishments. Surfing, paddle boarding, yoga, mountain biking and other outdoor activities helps make Sayulita an irresistible destination.

Festival Sayulita will highlight these many assets while spicing up the town with new and never-been-seen international films in the genres of action, short feature, documentary and animation. Tequila vendors will be offering tastings of locally made specialty spirits and sharing some of their knowledge on growing and processing methods.

Sayulitas La Casa de la Cultura will be the heart of the Mexican culture scene during the Festival and will feature a special installation of art and photos about the local culture. El Andalon, directed by Consuelo Alba and John Speyer, will clearly be one of the documentary highlights. This intriguing film drew the directors to Chiapas and to the man who, for 45 years, listens to indigenous people, heals them and preserves their culture in a small museum in his home. While his words are simple, his emotion and the visits that he makes to village members are compelling. The directors of this incredible film will be attending the Festival after conducting a visit to their protagonist in Chiapas and will give a live presentation about their new discoveries. Hugo Prado offers another take on Latin heritage in El Abuelo de Macondo. This short follows Virgilio Alvarez, a Cuban gentleman who is about to turn 105. Every day, he rises up to walk around the whole town of Baracoa and he says that he “still got a long path to live”. Through his routines and his powerful spirit, one is able to see into the soul of another generation. A feature length film not to miss is Leonora Carrington: El Juego Surrealista, directed by Javier Martin-Dominguez. The film is a biographical account of the last living member of the surrealist group and follows her stories, and those of others, into nearly a century of art and creativity. Ms. Carrington died in 2011 at the age of 94. She spent the majority of her inspired life in Mexico City and is now recognized as one of the leading female artists of the 20th century.

Ticket sales are moving fast for Festival Sayulita. New film announcements are happening every week and there are some incredible surprises in store including locally made films, a local children’s project and films from indigenous groups here in Mexico. This is an event not to miss. For complete details of the Festival, go to festivalsayulita.com. Sayulita is a one of a kind place which deserves a one of a kind site, please visit SayulitaBeach.com for an inspired view of Sayulita on the web.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Bubbles and Tequila Now Available in Texas

Bubbles & Tequila are now available in Texas! TeQava Sparkling Tequila Cocktail, the first premium sparkling tequila cocktail imported from Guadalajara, Mexico is proud to announce that it has signed an exclusive distribution deal with Glazers in Dallas, Texas.

“We are very excited about working with Glazers. With distribution in 13 other states, Texas is a great starting point for TeQava. In addition, Glazers has the same family values that are important to the founders of TeQava,” says Gustavo David, Marketing Director.

TeQava Sparkling Tequila Cocktail is a mix of premium tequila, natural flavors and carbonation. TeQava is a refreshing and best in class ready to serve tequila cocktail. TeQava is best served chilled to 3-5 Celcius or 37-41 degrees Fahrenheit in a champagne flute or cordial glass. Turbo charge your Margarita by topping it off with some TeQava Sparkling Tequila Cocktail. There’s no mistake you are drinking something remarkable!

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Paul Mitchell Introduces Tequila Infused Soap

With Patrón being the official tequila partner of Paul Mitchell it was only a matter of time that was had an agave-infused soap! (Agave, is the plant that produces tequila) Agave prevents moisture loss and helps soothe the skin. The deep men’s cologne smell is intoxicating and is the perfect way to prep for a happy-hour date.

The newest product to the Mitch Line was released at the beginning of the month and has not stopped flying off the shelves.

We’ve seen many trends recently in the Beauty Industry come and go but one major up and coming trend that is not going anywhere anytime soon is Men’s grooming. Paul Mitchell released the men’s grooming line, MITCH THE MAN, back in 2011 and it has increasingly been a huge success. Men from all over are cleaning up their look and molding towards a “GQ” look and less of the rugged mountain man appearance.

The products featured in the Mitch line make men’s grooming easy, quick and simple. For instance the ‘Double-Hitter’ Product is a 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner that cuts back the amount of product in a man’s shower and speeds up the process.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Aeroplano LX Tequila Sets Their Sights on China

Tequila makers are celebrating the long-awaited opening of China’s premium Tequila market as up until recently the only tequila Chinese consumers were able to purchase was mixtos tequila. However, in June of this year, China’s President Xi Jinping and his Mexican counterpart Enrique Peña Nieto signed a bilateral trade agreement that will allow Mexican imports of 100% agave tequilas into China for the first time since 2008. In 5 years, it is forecast that China could become one of the world’s top tequila importers.

If these predications are accurate, China would go from being the world’s 23rd largest tequila importer to the second largest in five years, with tequila supplanting Whisky and cognac as China’s spirit of choice. Even then, China would rank far below the world’s largest tequila consumer, the United States, which imports around 130m litres annually, followed by Germany where the market is around 7m litres per year.

Aeroplano LX Tequila has welcomed the lifting of China’s ban on 100% agave tequilas and expects to capitalize on the markets projected growth. Recently the company won multiple awards at the prestigious Spirits International Competition, 2013 held in Las Vegas with LX Tequila winning multiple Gold and Silver Medals.

Pointing to the predicted boom in the market, John Anderson, International Sales Director for SRI Brands stated the LX Tequila brand would be “well positioned to take advantage of this growth”, and confirmed that they were currently in talks with a number of distributors and importers, and that their plans were to launch the full range of LX 100% agave tequilas, which included LX Silver, Reposado, Anejo, and Extra Anejo Tequilas.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Tequila Herradura Releases Cognac Cask Finish Reposado

Tequila Herradura announces the release of its second in a series of small-batch tequilas, Coleccion de la Casa, Reserva 2013 – Cognac Cask Finish Reposado. Credited with creating the first reposado expression and extra anejo expression in the tequila industry, Casa Herradura continues its legacy of innovation with Coleccion de la Casa, Reserva 2013 – Cognac Cask Finish Reposado, a tequila that undergoes a double maturation process in two different types of oak casks: American and French.

Coleccion de la Casa, Reserva 2013 – Cognac Cask Finish Reposado is uniquely crafted by Master Distiller Maria Teresa Lara, using traditional production methods and a proprietary fermentation from naturally-occurring wild yeast. The tequila is then aged to perfection in American oak barrels for 11 months and is transferred to French oak casks sourced from the historic Cognac region for an additional three months. The double-barrel maturation process accentuates the aromas of cooked agave and dried fruit, which is balanced on the palate by earthy and spicy notes. The finish is exceptionally smooth and warm with caramel and vanilla undertones. The Coleccion de la Casa series is the best example in the industry of how each of the sources of flavor – agave, water, fermentation, distillation, and maturation – impacts the character of the final product.

"The barrel is a key ingredient in the final aging process of tequila and through cask-finishing our tequila in two different types of woods, we are able to add a new layer of flavor and aroma and create a superb and multi-dimensional tequila," said Tequila Herradura's Master Distiller Maria Teresa Lara.

"Tequila is a vibrant industry and we are proud of our leadership in the category for the last 143 years," said Ann Stickler, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Brown-Forman's Tequilas. "It is a formidable challenge to create a whole new style of tequila and that is what we've been able to achieve with our limited edition Coleccion de la Casa releases."

Coleccion de la Casa, Reserva 2013 – Cognac Cask Finish Reposado will be available throughout the United States at fine wine and spirits stores in November. The 750ml bottles will be available with a suggested retail price of $89.99. A limited quantity will be available in Mexico, Canada, Australia and El Salvador.

Tasting Notes for Coleccion de la Casa, Reserva 2013 – Cognac Cask Finish Reposado
Color: Clear, with golden and brilliant hues.
Aroma: A masterful combination of agave and smoked oak transitioning to robust spice and dried fruits.
Taste: The finest aged tequila is highlighted by the balance of earthy and spice notes with a touch of smoke and fruit.
Finish: The unique cognac aging results in a smooth warm finish of caramel and vanilla.

About Casa Herradura
Casa Herradura is one of Mexico's most historic and renowned tequila producers. Casa Herradura has been hand harvesting, handcrafting and estate bottling fine tequilas from the small town of Amatitan, Jalisco, since 1870. In 2007, Casa Herradura was acquired by Brown-Forman Corporation of Louisville, Ky. Brown-Forman is a diversified producer and marketer of fine quality beverages and alcohol brands.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

3 Amigos Tequila Official Tequila Of 2013 Arizona Jazz Festival featuring Robin Thicke

Attendees of the 2013 Arizona Jazz Festival will have an opportunity to sample award-winning 3 Amigos Tequila at this year's festival to be held Oct. 25-27 at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa in Phoenix. As the official tequila of this year's festival, 3 Amigos Tequila will be available for purchase at bar concession areas located throughout the grounds as well as the festival's Rockstar VIP Experience and Cigar Lounge for premium seat ticket holders.

Now in its 4th year, the 2013 Arizona Jazz Festival features an all-star lineup of over 20 artists including Robin Thicke, Maxwell, Charlie Wilson, Erykah Badu, Keyshia Cole, Brian Culbertson, and Chaka Khan. The festival's venue, the beautiful Arizona Grand Resort & Spa, is situated on the doorstep of 17,000 acres of South Mountain Preserve, the largest municipal park in the world. For festival information, visit ArizonaJazzFestival.com

3 Amigos Tequila is a family-owned business headquartered in El Mirage, Arizona. The family grows and distills its own 100% blue Weber agave in Mexico and imports it into the United States as four different products: Blanco, Organic Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo. 3 Amigos Tequila can be purchased at retail outlets such as AJ's, BevMo!, and Total Wine & More. It is also available at a number of restaurants, including Calico Jack's and America's Taco Shops. For more information, visit www.3amigostequila.com.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

New Tequila Remembers Jenni Rivera

There is a new tequila called La Gran Señora that remembers the Mexican-American singer Jenni Rivera by featuring the beloved entertainer on its label.

According to Rivera's brother, Jenni had been working on this tequila at the time of her death.

Rivera has had a surge of popularity since her untimely demise, with record sales and numbers for her autobiography reaching astronomical heights.

Jenni Rivera's family has not been pleased with many of the attempts to cash in on their beloved's fame, but this tequila is different because it is something that Jenni herself was a part of while she was still alive.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

One Of The Funniest Things To Ever Appear On Television

From the brilliant The IT Crowd:

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

In Toronto Tequila Tromba Smashes Existing World Record for Largest Tequila Tasting

It’s no contest that Tequila Tromba beat the existing largest tequila tasting record of 341 with more than 950 people in attendance of their event this past Thursday, September 19th at 99 Sudbury.

Not only did guests get to drink Tromba Blanco, Reposado and Anejo, they were also served Tromba verdita chasers, signature Tromba cocktails and Tromba caesars. Devoured on the food side were specialties from several Toronto favourites like Playa Cabana, Rock Lobster, Hot Bunzz, Valdez, Gourmet Bitches and the soon-to-be-open eatery, Fonda Lola.

“It was an epic night,” beams Eric Brass, co-founder of Tequila Tromba. “We were at full capacity with an additional overwhelming response from those who wanted to purchase tickets after we sold out. It is heart-warming to see so much love for tequila, and especially for Tromba.”

The night was a true testament to Tromba’s following and to the devotion Torontonians have for their local start-ups. Tromba, along with all of those food vendors, started from nothing and built these successful businesses (and brands) because they love what they do. It’s evident in their products and in their followings.



Even more amazing was the number of Toronto’s best bartenders and mixologists who came out to both work the bar and to celebrate with the crowd. The bar was led by Tromba’s “Cantinero,” Robin Kaufman.

While the paperwork is off to official Guinness hands, it’s clear the record has been broken.

“We anticipate the event will officially be in the Guinness Book of World Records, but more importantly, it was an incredible way for us to have a great time with our fans, customers, partners and friends,” says Brass. “We couldn’t be happier with the night and we look forward to celebrating in true Tromba style again soon.”

Tromba Blanco can be found in the LCBO and is distributed across Canada. In winter/spring 2014, Tromba Reposado and Anejo will be available in-stores.

About Tromba Tequila:

Tequila Tromba is a boutique tequila produced in small batches in Arandas, Mexico. Tromba was co-founded by Canadian Eric Brass, his international partners and Marco Cedano, Mexico’s pre-eminent master distiller. Tequila Tromba has won many accolades and awards, most notably, second place with a rating of 93 at the 2012 Ultimate Spirits Challenge in New York City; and was named Globe and Mail’s wine and spirits Pick of the Week in May 2012, with a rating of 92/100. Tromba has become one of the top premium tequilas in Ontario in a very short period of time. Please visit www.tequilatromba.com

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

George Clooney and Justin Timberlake Create Celebrity Tequilas

from The Hollywood Reporter:

In the heady early days at MTV, the drink of choice was tequila, according to network co-founder Bob Pittman. At company celebrations, tradition dictated that employees congregate and drink a shot, flinging the glasses against whatever wall was convenient. This bit of controlled mayhem was a galvanizing force, even if, as Pittman says, "we had to stitch up a few bloodied feet in the process."

Rumbling behind the scenes at rock 'n' roll shows, tequila has inspired more than its share of monster jams and postgig revelry. But during the past half-decade, its allure has attracted public figures into brand partnerships and ownership.

This ever-expanding group includes rockers Carlos Santana (Casa Noble) and Motley Crue's Vince Neil (Tres Rios), country star Toby Keith (Wild Shot) and Justin Timberlake (901 Silver). This year, George Clooney and nightlife entrepreneur Rande Gerber (with real estate developer Mike Meldman) debuted Casamigos, named for Clooney's and Gerber's adjacent properties in Cabo San Lucas. In 2009, Pittman launched Casa Dragones, which at $275 a bottle ranks as the category's priciest. Travel to the Mexican state of Jalisco, and it's not uncommon to run into celebrity entourages at distilleries. Everyone from Shaquille O'Neal to Sean Combs is rumored to have interest in investing in a tequila brand.

Whether it's the mysteries of the blue agave source plant, the exoticism, the inebriation or some combination, celebrity interest in tequila is at a high. So are profits: In the U.S., the biggest market, it's a multibillion-dollar business. Since the most recent recession, sales have grown 5 percent annually -- particularly among ultrapremium tequilas, the classification of many of these new brands. "Not only is it a fun drink, but the depletions (i.e. product turnover) are crazy," says former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar, credited with first hitching horses to this bandwagon during the '90s when he founded Cabo Wabo tequila. His competitors look with awe at his success: Campari Group purchased a controlling interest in 2007 and bought Hagar out three years later in deals said to total $100 million.

Business arrangements -- some of which are shepherded by top Hollywood agencies, such as CAA with the Casamigos trio -- run the gamut from full or significant ownership (Casamigos, Keith, Timberlake) to endorsements. In the latter case, a celebrity can be given a fee for services, a percentage of royalties or equity points. (Agents who specialize in these deals say they've seen ownership stakes ranging from 3 percent to nearly 50 percent and that celebrity endorser/owners rarely put in any of their own money.) The spirits category also has high margins: A bottle of tequila can cost $5 to $10 to produce; most of the brands discussed here retail for $40 to $50. Vodka has the potential for much greater profits though -- grain is much cheaper than agave -- and the vodka market is bigger. (It claimed 34 percent of sales in 2012 compared with tequila's 6 percent, according to Impact Spirits Databank.) Vodka has produced both major winners -- Combs' Ciroc endorsement deal with Diageo nets him eight-figure yearly payouts -- and losers, like the failed Trump Vodka.

The cost burden for spirits comes in marketing. Says Ken Austin, founder of Tequila Avion (a brand that gained broad recognition when it figured into a story arc during seasons seven and eight of HBO's Entourage): "Juice is just a fraction of the cost. The liquor business is a very expensive business; it costs millions of dollars to get in since you're competing with multinational brands." Stars, he adds, have a built-in advantage with the name recognition they bring. The potential downside is tarnishing a celebrity's reputation as a spokesperson, even if they don't personally lose money.

The upscale tequila trend began during the '80s. Before that, it was an acquired taste, a spirit known better for its fiery kick and honky-tonk cred than sophistication. In 1989, Paul Mitchell's John Paul DeJoria co-founded Patron (now the U.S.'s No. 2 seller behind Jose Cuervo), whose multiple distillations, smooth taste, luxe packaging and price tag vaulted tequila to a rarefied level. "Before them, the high-end market really didn't exist," says Brian Dow, head of branded lifestyle at the APA Agency. The goal quickly became: Start the next Patron.

That's clearly the target of Chris Brown, a Phoenix real estate developer who founded Bonita Platinum in 2010. It's sold in a crystal bottle set in a satin-lined black box. "We wanted to produce a luxury item that American consumers could embrace," says Brown. "No sombreros, no scorpions."

Early on, Brown sent a bottle to rap star Xzibit, whom he'd seen in a music video extolling the virtues of -- what else? -- Patron Silver. "A few days later," says Brown, "I got a tweet from Xzibit saying, 'This beats Patron hands-down, for real.' " Soon after, Xzibit became an active partner in Bonita Platinum. "If we didn't have the support of Xzibit, all I'd get is a slap in the face," says Brown. "Instead, I'm going to distribution meetings." Owning one's own clubs helps, too: Hagar featured Cabo Wabo in his nightclubs of the same name, and Gerber will sell Casamigos at his clubs and lounges.

Celebrities take various levels of involvement in developing their tequilas. There are more than 140 tequila distilleries in Jalisco, and collectively they produce nearly 1,500 brands. (Of all major spirits groups, tequila is the only one that has a denomination of origin -- it must be made in Jalisco.) This means, among other things, that a single distillery might be responsible for several brands that inevitably will compete in the U.S. market. It's possible simply to travel to a distillery and choose a blend -- or not to go to Mexico at all and do so. "They just sent me the bottles," Keith once said of the genesis of his brand. The Casamigos founders, on the other hand, trumpet that they sampled 800 blends before deciding on their spirit. (Tequila is broken down into categories depending on how long it is aged: Blanco rests a short period before bottling; reposado is aged from two months up to one year, usually in oak; and anejo sits one to three years.)

As tequila goes more upscale, its flavor profile continues to veer toward a highly refined spirit that goes through multiple distillations. "Everything we've done with the brand is geared toward making this a sipping tequila, like scotch," says Pittman of his remarkably silky Casa Dragones. Adds Kevin Ruder, Timberlake's partner in 901 Silver, "We didn't want to see people making that 'face' when they drink it." Ruder toured more than a dozen distilleries, settling on Tequilera Newton e Hijos because it could execute a style smooth enough to appeal to the pop star.

Some purists, however, bemoan this trend as relatively toothless, the bottlings sweeter and more innocuous than the real thing, which one spirits expert describes somewhat dismissively as "vodka with tequila flavoring."

Then again, for many, that hardly matters, as the celebrity upscale tequila juggernaut churns on. In July, when Timberlake launches a summer tour, 901 will be cross-promoted; consumers will have a chance to win tour tickets (where legal) through the 901 website. Timberlake also has promoted the brand to his 21 million Twitter followers. "We should all believe in something," he tweeted in the fall. "I believe it's time for another shot of tequila. … happy @901Silver day everybody!"

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Collector's Items: 1800 Tequila Essential Artists Limited Edition Bottles

Back in 2008 Proximo Spirits released a series of limited edition bottles featuring various artists. They are very cool and hard-to-find. If you have them, hold on tight! Here is the original press release from 5 years ago:

New York, NY – Proximo Spirits, Inc. and 1800® Tequila have announced an international campaign, commissioning nine artists to design limited edition bottles for the premium tequila brand. “Essential Artists” allows for up-and-coming artists to showcase their visions on a unique medium, offering an exciting perspective both in the art world and beyond.

A unique mix of palette and palate, Essential Artists celebrates the talents of artists from the United States and Mexico. In recent years, tequila has emerged as the discerning drink du jour, appearing on many of the premier cocktail menus in the country and winning over discriminating young moderns with its clean flavor and unmistakable kick. With the launch of Essential Artists, 1800® encourages tequila drinkers to tap into their artistic side.

The nine artists commissioned to design these collectible limited edition bottles include Jorge Alderete (Mexico City), Jeremy Bacharach (Chicago), Glenn Barr (Detroit), Will Chambers (Chicago), Chris Dean (Detroit), Kim Dosa (Atlanta), Josh Ellingson (Oakland), Hannah Stouffer (Oakland) and Urban Medium (Atlanta). Only 1,800 bottles have been produced with each design and they will be available for $34.99 at high-end liquor stores.

“The creative genius behind these works is inspiring and 1800® is thrilled to share these designs with the public,” said Elwyn Gladstone, Head of Marketing for Proximo Spirits, Inc. “We hope the Essential Artists campaign will encourage other artists to make their dreams a reality.”

The specially commissioned artwork will be unveiled as part of an $8 million outdoor advertising and promotional campaign across the country — a new-generation museum that brings art to the people. For those who are unable to view the high-impact billboards in person, the campaign will also be available online at 1800Tequila.com.

In addition to the Essential Artists campaign, 1800® fans will be able to design their own bottle and enter a competition to be selected for the 2009 billboard campaign. As an added bonus and in collaboration with GourmetKickz, consumers will be able to create their own pair of custom sneakers at 1800Tequila.com using artwork from the 1800® Essential Artists series. We’ll drink to that!

About Proximo Spirits, Inc.


Proximo Spirits is a newly formed, privately owned, premium spirits distributor based in New York. In addition to 1800® Tequila, the company portfolio includes Three Olives Vodka, Gran Centenario Tequila, as well as the exquisite Ron Matusalem Rum brand.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Experts From Southwest Share Tips For Picking The Best Tequila

The growth of tequila has inspired many to learn more about the treasured spirit of Mexico and left others with several questions.

"From the moment we broke ground on our flagship brand - through this month's launch of our newest premium spirit: CRUZ Silver, we have turned to the experts for feedback," states Joseph Pep Katcher, President of CRUZ Tequila.

Below are frequently asked questions with insight from experts for those that are curious:

How Much Should You Pay For Tequila? "We have found that the best tequila is not always the most expensive or the biggest name", adds Reed Johnson, Director of Operations Macayo's Mexican Kitchen. "From a business point of view, we see tequilas made from 100% blue agave have a wide appeal with a smoother finish that is easy on the pallet. Instead of making you wince, they have subtle hints of vanilla and a floral aroma that our guests enjoy."

Has Tequila Grown In Popularity? "Republic has watched the smoother tequilas transition from a summer favorite to high volume spirits in demand throughout the year," remarks Dan Nass, Vice President, Marketing Republic National Distributing Company's Arizona Market. "With selections of 100% agave tequila continuing to rise, we could be ringing in the holidays with a perfect margarita."

Which Tequila Is Best For Recipes? "Cooking with tequila is no different than cooking with wine - you want to cook with something you would want to drink," explains Gwen Ashley Walters, professional chef, author, and food columnist. "For me and my fellow chefs that means premium tequila. The ultimate taste of a dish depends upon quality ingredients and 100% blue agave tequila is the best - for cooking and drinking."

What Types Of Tequila Are Available And How Can You Tell Them Apart? "We believe it is important to educate our staff and others about all aspects of tequila - including how it is created," adds Todd Nelson, Vice President of CRUZ Tequila. "Our recent product expansion into Texas is a good example of how we invest in our staff. Before a member of CRUZ Tequila met with any of our Austin or Dallas retail and on-premise clients, they completed a comprehensive training course which starts at the beginning and by understanding that the Mexican government officially recognizes several types of tequila and the most popular are: Oro (a.k.a., Gold), Blanco (a.k.a., Silver), Reposado, plus Añejo."

Four official types of tequila defined for those that want to learn more:

No. 1 Oro (a.k.a., Gold) Basic, inexpensive tequila used for margaritas and bar mix. Minimum requirement of 51 percent or more Blue Agave but not 100%

No. 2 Blanco (a.k.a., Silver) 100 percent blue agave tequila that is either un-aged, or aged less than 2 months

No. 3 Reposado - Meaning rested, is tequila that has been aged in large oak barrels between two and twelve months. Usually made from 100 percent blue agave

No. 4 Añejo - meaning aged, in this case for a minimum of one year in small oak barrels. Made from 100 percent blue agave

About CRUZ Tequila
CRUZ del Sol Tequila is the award-winning, flagship brand of Los Diablos International which is headquartered in Scottsdale Arizona. The recognized principals of the company have a combined 53 years of global business experience that is focused on redefining the ultra premium tequila market. As part of their commitment to give back to their community, CRUZ was proud to be a part of the Emerging Business Program for the Super Bowl XLII host committee. Globally, the company proudly donates seven percent of its profits to various national and international charities and strongly supports sustainability by using only eco-friendly recycled materials in its product packaging.

To learn more about CRUZ Tequila, their national launch, and quest to redefine the ultra premium tequila market with their innovative spirit, please visit their website: http://www.cruztequila.com

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Todd Nelson, Vice President
CRUZ Tequila
V: 480.458.7487
Website: http://www.cruztequila.com

Kelly A. Isley, Partner
Corcoran Associates
Business Advisors & Public Relations
V: 480.814.7471
Website: http://www.corcoranassoc.biz

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Tequila 512 Wins Gold at San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Austin, TX – Austin’s newest tequila, Tequila 512, won a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) last week. Of the 65 tequilas entered in the blanco category, only twelve were awarded gold medals.

The SFWSC is widely regarded as the most influential and respected spirits competition in the world. Noted journalists, distillers, beverage directors, mixologists, restaurateurs, Master Sommeliers, hoteliers, consultants and educators comprise the body of judges. The competition had a record number of entries this year, with distillers and importers submitting over 1400 spirits from 63 countries.

Tequila 512, which has only been on the market for five months, is the brainchild of local Austinite Scott Willis. Two weeks after launching, Tequila 512 was also awarded “Best Blanco Tequila in Austin” by the Austin Tequila Society.

“As a newcomer to the market, we are thrilled to be bringing home gold from this well-regarded competition,” said Willis. “Our focus has always been on what’s inside the bottle, and this award proves that focus has paid off. Winning the gold medal further validates our creation of a high quality tequila at a reasonable price.”

Tequila 512 Blanco is triple distilled, 100% Agave premium tequila; a full and complex tequila with hints of sweetness, spice, pepper and an extremely smooth finish. It is made using the finest estate grown blue agave in the central lowlands outside the village of Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. The agave piñas are roasted in traditional stone ovens and slowly fermented before distillation. The tequila is filtered for 24 hours, which helps to smooth and mellow the flavor. An oxygenation process is used to enhance the texture, creating a soft, velvety feel. Both processes are implemented without removing the delicate characteristics of the agave.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Patrón Spirits Introduces Duty Free Exclusive ‘Gran Patrón Piedra’

ATOTONILCO EL ALTO, Jalisco, Mexico – Patrón Spirits, producer of the world’s highest-quality ultra-premium tequila, announces the launch of the brand’s first extra añejo tequila – to be available exclusively at global duty free before it eventually reaches the domestic market.

Meticulously aged for more than three years in new American and French oak barrels, the new Gran Patrón Piedra offers a distinct range of flavors and aromatics to satisfy the most sophisticated and discerning palates.

“We created Gran Patrón Piedra to offer tequila aficionados a tasting experience unlike any other,” said Francisco Alcaraz, Patrón’s master distiller who developed the recipe and original distillation process for the entire line of Patrón tequilas and liqueurs. “Its complex flavor profile and remarkably smooth finish sets Gran Patrón Piedra apart in the ultra-aged tequila category.”

In addition to extra añejo ageing, Gran Patrón Piedra is also distinguished by its very unique “Tahona” production process, a time consuming and ancient method for creating tequila. To produce this tequila, the steam-cooked agave is slowly crushed with a large Tahona stone wheel. The resulting juice is then fermented and distilled along with the agave fiber. Piedra, which means “stone” in Spanish, is created entirely from the Tahona process – one of very few tequilas that is still produced in this age-old way.

Bottled at 80 proof (40 percent alcohol by volume), Gran Patrón Piedra is characterized by its deep mahogany color and sweet, subtle aroma of fruit, fresh mushroom, light citrus, and toasted French oak. The taste is sweet, yet rich and complex, combining an earthy, herbaceous agave flavor with light vanilla and fresh mushroom.

“We’re thrilled about the extraordinary addition of Gran Patrón Piedra to our portfolio of ultra-premium spirits, and our first-ever duty free exclusive,” said Jason Nussbaum, Vice President, International Marketing, at Patron Spirits. “Travel retail represents an important and significant sales channel for us, and we’re excited to make this exquisite spirit available first to our valued duty free partners and consumers.”

Like all Patrón tequilas, Gran Patrón Piedra starts with the highest-quality 100 percent Weber Blue agave grown in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. For Gran Patrón Piedra, and its sister tequilas Gran Patrón Platinum and Gran Patrón Burdeos, the very best of the agave harvest is set aside to create this incredibly distinctive tequila.

Gran Patrón Piedra is a sophisticated luxury spirit that deserves an equally striking package. The hand-numbered bottle, which was inspired by the Tahona stone, has been placed in an elegant box that easily converts into a beautiful display case.

Simply Perfect in every way, Patrón was one of the first ultra-premium tequilas available on the world market. Every step in producing Patrón tequila – from harvesting the agave, to the time-honored distillation process, to the individual labeling, signing and inspection of each bottle – is done with the careful precision and care that can only be accomplished by hand. Perfect in a margarita or on the rocks, Patrón tequilas are also versatile enough to be mixed in any number of cocktails that typically call for vodka or other white spirits.

In addition to Gran Patrón Piedra, the Patrón Spirits portfolio includes Gran Patrón Burdeos (a limited-production añejo tequila racked in Bordeaux barrels), Gran Patrón Platinum tequila (triple distilled from top agave), Patrón Silver tequila (smooth, soft and light tequila without an oak flavor), Patrón Reposado tequila (oak-aged for at least two months), Patrón Añejo tequila (oak-aged for a minimum of 12 months), Patrón Citrónge (extra-fine orange liqueur), Patrón XO Cafe and Patrón XO Cafe Dark Cocoa (coffee liqueurs, made with Patrón Silver tequila), ultra-premium Pyrat rums, and Ultimat ultra-premium Polish vodka.

For more information about Patrón Spirits, please visit www.patronspirits.com.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Mexico's Most Famous Artist Inspiration For New Frida Kahlo Tequila

NYC(October) - Mexico's most famous female artist and style icon, Frida Kahlo, is the inspiration for a new super premium tequila, Frida Kahlo Tequila.

Frida Kahlo Tequila is made from 100% pure blue agave and hand-crafted to the highest standards. Initially, Frida Kahlo Tequila will be launched in three major U.S. markets, including New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, as well as in Mexico, with plans to expand nationally in 2006. Frida Kaho Tequila will be sold at leading spirits shops, and restaurants.

Frida Kahlo Tequila is made in Jesus Maria, in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Three different types of tequila will be available: Blanco, Reposado, and Aqejo.

Frida Kahlo Tequila Blanco is naturally fermented for up to four days; the agave juices are then double-distilled in antique copper stills and bottled un-aged. The result is a smooth, super-premium tequila that mixes perfectly with your favorite drink. Retail price per bottle will be $50.

Frida Kahlo Tequila Reposado is aged after fermentation in American Oak casks for six to nine months before bottling. The result is a smooth, super-premium tequila to enjoy by itself or mixed in a cocktail. Retail price per bottle will be $65.

Frida Kahlo Tequila Aqejo is aged after fermentation in American Oak casks for at least three years before bottling. The result is exquisitely smooth, super-premium tequila that, like a fine cognac, is meant to be sipped and savored. Retail price per bottle will be $90.

"In cooperation with the Frida Kahlo family estate, Dorado, Pizzorni & Sons, LLC Importers is proud to announce the launch of Frida Kahlo tequila. This tequila is superior to others because it is elaborated in small batches through a 100% natural, handcrafted and traditional process. We only use the finest quality blue agaves and natural ingredients. No artificial flavors or colorings are added. Nothing is added to accelerate any step in the production process, we let nature take its course," said Jorge Gutierrez, President of Dorado, Pizzorni & Sons, LLC.

U.S. distribution of Frida Kahlo Tequila will be handled by Southern Wines & Spirits.

"It has been an exciting adventure to develop and launch a product that would characterize my Aunt Frida: her love for Mexico, her strength and her passion for life. Tequila, her favorite drink, accompanied her in the greatest moments of her life," said Kahlo's niece, Isolda P. Kahlo. "While searching in the region of Jalisco it was a unique opportunity and a great challenge to obtain the right quality, taste and pureness that would match Frida's expectations. Always taking care of the finest details, Frida Kahlo Tequila is a Super Premium Tequila that my family and I proudly present to the world, at the level and quality of the tequilas that Frida would definitely expect from her favorite drink."

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Experience Tequila Offers Award-Winning Tours of Tequila, Mexico

Experience Tequila offers participatory, guided vacations around Mexico’s unique tequila-producing region: group tours for people who don’t “do” group tours. For tequila lovers and the tequila-curious alike, we provide the opportunity to actively explore all things Tequila: the beverage, the village, and the tradition. Our tours are hands-on adventures unlike any other. Our four day package tours are perfect for those making a first or second trip to Tequila Country. We also arrange custom and VIP tours of any length, at any time of the year.

As our guest, you’ll experience all dimensions of the tequila production process, from the cultivation and harvesting of agave to the distilleries and the private tasting rooms of some of the oldest and best tequileros in the world. With a guide handling all the details, you’ll also have plenty of time to relax and do your own thing.

Experience Tequila tours are recommended by the Lonely Planet guidebook, Imbibe Magazine and the San Francisco Bay Guardian. We are an official partner of the Tequila Trail, and the only American company to earn the Tequila Regulatory Council’s prestigious “Double T” certification for excellence in tequila tourism. With great pride we can claim a 100% client satisfaction rate.

Tequila is produced exclusively in Mexico, and many of the best examples never make it across the border. Experience Tequila provides the first – and only – opportunity for travelers to explore Tequila and tequilas with ease. Let us show you the true tequila experience -you’ll be glad you did.

Website: Experience Tequila

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

4th Annual Austin Tequila Fest Friday, November 1st

Casa Chapala's Austin Tequila Society Presents
4th Annual Austin Tequila Fest
Friday, November 1st 2013 @ 7pm

Who will be Austin's Favorite Top 3?

Many tequilas and mezcals to taste and challenge your palate
Guests and members of Casa Chapala’s Austin Tequila Society will taste and savor 100% de agave tequilas and mezcals from among many distilleries represented to challenge your palate.

VOTE for your top 3 favorite agave spirits! Your Vote is very important!
There will be a designated voting booth for you to vote your favorite top 3 brands of agave spirits.

Live music by Jonas Alvares Band
Dance and enjoy the fantastic music from the talented Jonas Alvares Band

Savor Casa Chapala's Central Mexico famous cuisines
The food will blow your minds away!


Website: Casa Chapala’s Austin Tequila Society

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Herradura Tequila Event November 9th at Los Toros in Chatsworth, CA

Herradura Tequila Event November 9th at Los Toros in Chatsworth, CA




Website: Los Toros

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Tequila Lovers Now Have An iPhone App To Call Their Own

Purple Falcon today announces My Favorite Tequila, its new food and drink app for iOS. Designed for tequila connoisseurs, the app allows users to keep track of their tequila tasting events- rating each brand, taking photos, noting the location of consumption and making comments. The mobile app also enables the user to share all this information with friends via a single button click.

Want to keep track of all of those wonderful, obscure tequilas?

Want to easily share your photos and experiences with your fellow connoisseurs?

Then My Favorite Tequila is for you!



Keep track of the following:
* tequila
* location
* latitude / longitude
* date and time
* comments
* photos
* ratings

My Favorite Tequila contains these features:
* Email all of the information regarding a tequila tasting event to a friend (including photos) with the click of a button
* Filter your drinking history by tequila, location or date
* Attach as many photos as you wish to an event
* Enter tequilas and locations only once. After they are entered, simply choose from the list
* Export all of your data to a CSV file
* Rate each tequila with a 5-star system
* View a map of the location of your tequila tasting event with the click of a button

Available for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

After being ignored by the software development community for far too long, tequila connoisseurs finally have an app to call their own!



Device Requirements:
* iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
* Requires iOS 6.0 or later
* Optimized for iPhone 5
* 3.7 MB Hard Drive space

Languages supported:
* English
* French
* Italian
* Spanish
* Russian
* Japanese
* Korean
* Chinese - Simplified
* Chinese - Traditional
* German

Pricing and Availability:
My Favorite Tequila 1.0 is only $3.99 USD (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Food & Drink category.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Tequila of the Day: AsomBroso 11 Year Anejo

AsomBroso 11 Year Anejo

DESCRIPTION:
While tequila aficionados may be familiar with the categories reposado (aged at least two months) and añejo (aged at least a year), the extra-añejo label applied to tequilas aged more than three years wasn't established until 2006. At that time, this tequila was already mellowing in oak barrels, so someone at AsomBroso was definitely looking ahead.

Distilled according to time-honored practices using organically grown 100 per cent blue agave, AsomBroso 11 Year Añejo is then patiently aged in French oak barrels, imparting the tequila with a unique bouquet of aromas and a smooth, warm mouthfeel. Since the agave plants harvested were ten years old, and it sat for an unheard-of eleven years, this expensivo spirit took more than two decades to make, and displays the kind of elegance and refinement that can only come with age.

Wondering about the shape of the hand-made bottle? It was inspired by an eighteenth-century crystal decanter discovered in an English castle by founder Ricardo Gamarra, and is replete with intricate millefiori glass "flowers."

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Music Review: Pixies EP1

Let me start off by saying there is Pixies music and there is Frank Black music. I love them both, but they are not the same thing (this could also be said about The Smiths music and Morrissey music.)

Pixies music is wild, weird, scary, off-beat, and usually hard to take in the first few listens. For the most part, Frank Black music is straight-ahead rock and roll, occasionally off-kilter, but much more 'normal' than Pixies stuff (a few notable exceptions: "Parry The Wind High Low" and the entire "Bluefinger" record.)

Which brings us to "EP1".

If this had been a Frank Black or even a Black Francis solo effort, I would have a very different opinion than I do.

But it's released as Pixies, my second-favorite band of all time (after the aforementioned Smiths.)

When I hit play on something called 'Pixies', I expect the elation and discomfort that I felt at my first listens of "Planet of Sound", "Tame", "The Happening", "River Euphrates" and all those masterpieces.

According to that measure, it's a mixed bag.

Since we're only talking about 4 songs, I'll break them down one by one.

"Andro Queen"

This is a really good Frank Black song. It would fit well on "Dog In The Sand". This does not seem like a Pixies song to me whatsoever. The singing is way too straight, there are no weird tempo changes, nothing really exciting. Just a Frank Black-style straightforward song. I would equate it to Frank's "The Swimmer".



"Another Toe In The Ocean"

Meh. This isn't even that good of a Frank Black song. Reminds me of the stuff from Frank Black and the Catholics (my least favorite Charles Thompson effort.) I hate to say it, but it's just kind of boring...and the lyrics are so-so.



"Indie Cindy"

This one definitely feels more Pixies-esque. Black Francis rattling off that Spanish and the weird changes definitely feels like old times. But where is the scream?



"What Goes Boom"

NOW we're talking. Pure, 100% awesome. This song makes sense as a natural follow-up to "Trompe Le Monde". If they put out an album of this stuff, I'd be there, there, there.



So, all-in-all not bad. It's great to have new Pixies stuff (and by the way, I loved "Bam Thwok"...one of my all-time favorite Pixies songs.) Hopefully they'll make more and hopefully it will be in the vein of "What Goes Boom".

And please bring back the scream. "TAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMME!!!!!!"

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Tequila of the Day: El Tesoro de Don Felipe Añejo

El Tesoro de Don Felipe Añejo

DESCRIPTION:
All Anejo tequila must be aged for one year according to Mexican law. But they age El Tesoro Anejo for two to three years in oak barrels. Which is why its full and balanced flavor is known as one of the world’s best sipping tequilas.

Awards

• 2009 International Review of Spirits: Platinum
• San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2009: Double Gold
• San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2008: Silver
• 2007 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition Gold
• San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2007: Gold
• San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2005: Double Gold
• San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2004: Double Gold
• San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2003: Gold

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.