Tequila Tasting and Dance Lessons at Club Los Globos in Los Angeles

Club Los Globos
Sat, January 11, 2014

Calling all Tequila Aficionados,
Join us for an all New Tequila tasting experience. Sample from 5 imported tequilas while learning how to make your favorite tequila cocktails and about the history of its origin and folklore.

Enjoy a fresh buffet dinner and top off your evening with an exclusive Salsa dance lesson and dance show.

The perfect setting for that special date or simply come unwind, relax, and meet new friends in a pleasant atmosphere.

Tequila Menu:

• Blanco ("white") or plata ['plata] ("silver"): white spirit, un-aged and bottled or stored immediately after distillation, or aged less than two months in stainless steel or neutral oak barrels
• Joven ("young") or oro ['oɾo] ("gold"): a mixture of blanco tequila and reposado tequila
• Reposado ("rested"): aged a minimum of two months, but less than a year in oak barrels of any size
• Añejo ("aged" or "vintage"): aged a minimum of one year, but less than three years in small oak barrels
• Extra Añejo ("extra aged" or "ultra aged"): aged a minimum of three years in oak barrels. This category was established in March 2006

Dancin Dana

Learn how to Dance:

• Argentine Tango
• Bachata
• Bolero
• Cha Cha
• Cumbia
• East Coast Swing
• Fox Trot
• Hustle
• Mambo
• Merengue
• Nightclub 2 Step
• Rumba
• Salsa
• Tango
• Waltz
• West Coast Swing

For more information and to purchase tickets click here.

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

Gwyneth Paltrow Gives Her Children a Priceless Gift

Gwyneth Paltrow has always valued the fact that she learned Spanish as a teenager and wants to pass that legacy on to her children.

And she's doing it the best way possible - insisting that her 9-year-old daughter Apple and 7-year-old son Moses only speak Spanish.

The benefits of teaching such young children a second language are manifold. Aside from expanding their view of the world at large and building empathy for others, learning another language helps you to understand your native tongue in a deeper way. By analyzing the workings of language itself, you start to understand the importance of etymology and grammar in your first language.

A friend of ours has actually taught his daughter 3 languages from infancy, and she has had no problem meeting the challenge. When she reaches adulthood she is going to be very grateful, like Paltrow, for the priceless gift that her parents gave her.

A valuable aid in teaching young ones a second language is Banana Cat - Learn A Language!, an app for iPhone and iPad that teaches kids 50 different words in 8 different languages. The app is like an interactive flashcard system with sound effects, vivid illustrations and audio versions of each word.

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

VIZ Media Celebrates One Piece as World's Top Selling Manga Series

Viz Media, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, announces a free gift to fans and users of its VIZManga.com digital manga website and Viz Manga App with the release of the ONE PIECE RETROSPECTIVE. The new digital edition celebrates an important milestone, as ONE PIECE has become the world's top selling manga series of all time with over 345 million copies in print.

The special digital retrospective for the pirate adventure series created by Eiichiro Oda will be given as a free premium to all currently registered VIZManga.com and Viz Manga App users, as well as to new members that sign up between November 21st and 27h. Fans can sign up at VIZManga.com and also explore ONE PIECE volumes available for digital download through the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad®, iPhone® and iPod® touch, and Android-powered smart phones and tablets (including Kindle Fire).

The ONE PIECE Digital Retrospective features five exclusive, full color art spreads, as well as a comprehensive collection of covers for all 69 ONE PIECE volumes. The edition also features a personal interview with creator Eiichiro Oda and one-shot STRONG WORLD, the manga short where fans will find out what the world of ONE PIECE looked like over 20 years ago in a time before Luffy was even born. The ONE PIECE Digital Retrospective will only be available digitally for fans for a limited time.

“ONE PIECE has achieved something very significant and the sales milestone speaks to the strong international appeal of the enduring characters and gripping story that Eiichiro Oda created that are universally loved in multiple countries by millions of fans of all ages,” says Andy Nakatani, Editor-in-Chief, WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP. “The continuing spread of digital technology will bring these action packed high-seas adventures to even more readers. We'd like to thank the legions of ONE PIECE readers and Viz Manga users and also interest new ones with this special ONE PIECE Digital Retrospective.”

Readers are invited to catch the latest One Piece manga chapters, released in English on the same day as their Japanese counterpart, in the pages of Viz Media's digital WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP digital manga magazine. ONE PIECE anime episodes also currently air in North America on Adult Swim's Toonami as well as on VIZAnime, Viz Media's own free website for streaming anime content, and other outlets including FUNimation.com, HULU.com, and OnePieceOfficial.com.

As a child, Monkey D. Luffy dreamed of becoming King of the Pirates. But his life changed when he accidentally ate the Gum-Gum Fruit, an enchanted Devil Fruit that gave him the ability to stretch like rubber. The only drawback? He'll never be able to swim again – a serious handicap for an aspiring sea dog! Years later, Luffy sets off on his quest to find the "One Piece," said to be the greatest treasure in the world...

ONE PIECE creator Eiichiro Oda began his manga career at the age of 17, when his one-shot cowboy manga, Wanted!, won second place in the coveted Tezuka manga awards. Oda went on to work as an assistant to some of the biggest manga artists in the industry, including Nobuhiro Watsuki (RUROUNI KENSHIN), before winning the Hop Step Award for new manga artists. His pirate adventure ONE PIECE, which debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in 1997, has become one of the most popular manga in Japan and the rest of the world.

The free Viz Manga App continues to be the top application for reading digital manga and features a massive library of the most popular series in the world. Through the innovative Viz Manga digital platform, registered users are able to use one account to access their purchased titles across more devices than ever. The platform features a massive library of the most popular manga series in the world, with over 1,700 volumes across more than 170 different series. All manga volumes are generally available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the application starting from $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) each.

For more information, please visit VIZManga.com or VIZ.com/apps.

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

Musician Roger Clyne's Mexican Moonshine Celebrates Three New Awards

Arizona-based recording artist Roger Clyne has, for the past fifteen years, created a fan-focused community that meshes music with all forms of merriment infused with southwestern culture and mythologies. To that end, he created the award-winning Mexican Moonshine line of fine tequila, which has just released its third marque, Añejo.

The buttery Añejo boasts honey and woody notes, with hints of tobacco and vanilla. It joins Mexican Moonshine’s Silver and Reposado brands, which in 2011 earned Tequila.net’s “Best of the Best” award. Last month at the Spirits of Mexico Tequila Festival in San Diego, the Añejo and Reposado both won a Gold medal and the Silver took home a Silver.

In addition to being a tequila aficionado, Roger is eco-conscious. He developed Mexican Moonshine with Fabrica de Tequilas Finos, SA de CV, a notable boutique tequila distiller in the city of Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico.The distillery uses a clean, sustainable, and progressive process that removes impurities from the waste water. The exceptional quality of the end product is reflective of how the tequila starts.

Mexican Moonshine has its own mythic creation story. Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers have been curating and hosting a music festival, Circus Mexicus, in Rocky Point, Mexico for more than a dozen years. In 2009, the first large-scale amount of Mexican Moonshine was created to be sold and enjoyed by RCPM fans at the festival. But it almost didn’t happen, until a trusted band friend did his own little cross-Mexico moonshine run to make sure the tequila made it to the event (which it did, to great relief, and success).

Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers have released six consecutive albums that have debuted in the top 10 on Billboard's Internet Sales chart, the first independent band to ever accomplish that feat. Two of those albums, 1999's Honky Tonk Union and 2004's ¡Americano!, debuted at #1. That streak of creating timeless rock music continues with RCPM's most recent studio album, Unida Cantina. In addition to Circus Mexicus (with attendees from more than 32 states and 7 countries) and their headline shows, RCPM have opened for Dierks Bentley, John Fogerty, Willie Nelson, Barenaked Ladies, Live, Blues Traveler, Sammy Hagar and Kid Rock, among others.

Clyne enjoyed an accomplished stint with The Refreshments, a late-90s rock band whose cult-classic album Fizzy, Fuzzy, Big & Buzzy produced the hit singles Banditos and Down Together. Clyne also wrote and performed the theme song for FOX’s animated hit, “King of The Hill.”

More information about Mexican Moonshine, including U.S. retail locations and online sales can be found at MexicanMoonshine.com.

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

Justin Timberlake's 901 Tequila Heading to the UK

The tequila, named after Timberlake's area code in his hometown of Memphis, is 40% abv triple-distilled silver and will be available to both on-trade and off-trade retailers with an off-trade RRP of £32.85 for a 700ml bottle.

901 is produced by Destileria Santa Lucia from a 60-year-old recipe and was co-founded in 2009 by Justin Timberlake and Kevin Ruder.

The tequila is produced in small batches from 100% Blue Weber Agave from Jalisco in Mexico and was awarded a Double Gold medal at the 2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

“901 Tequila has been extremely well received by our distributors, cocktail experts and most importantly, consumers during our first four years in the American marketplace,” said Kevin Ruder, president of 901.

Added Ruder, “we look forward to continuing to build the brand with Hi-Spirits in the UK.”

“Justin Timberlake’s deep respect for the heritage and quality of Tequila has led to the development of a premium spirit that has a wide appeal,” remarked the Managing Director of Hi-Spirits, Dan Bolton.

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

Ashley Greene, Alice Eve and Ian Somerhalder Named by The Taste Awards

The 5th Annual TASTE AWARDS, the premier awards show celebrating the year's best in Food, Fashion, and Lifestyle programs on Television, in Film, Online, and on Radio is pleased to announce the nominees and honorees for the upcoming awards show in Hollywood.

Top Chef, What Not to Wear, Rick Bayless, Giada De Laurentiis, Average Betty, Jeff Lewis, The Healthy Voyager, and Alie Ward and Georgia Hardstark lead the awards finalists with several nominations each.

Special Achievement Awards have been announced for Emeril Lagasse, James Cunningham, Martha Stewart, Mariel Hemingway, Great Chefs, Oishinbo, The Mind of a Chef (Public Television), Dark Rye (Whole Foods), YumSugar/PopSugar, Zagat on YouTube, The Fashion Fund (Ovation), House of Curves (We TV), the Creators Project, The Getaway (Esquire Network), Parts Unknown (CNN), Tanya Holland, Nathan Lyon, Elettra's GOODNESS (Vogue), Jazzy Vegetarian (Public Television), Food & Spirituality Series (KQED), Live Big with Ali Vincent (Live Well), Michelle Phan (YouTube), The Braiser, Liquid Alchemy, Cool Kids Cook (Kid Chef Eliana), MasterChef Junior (Fox), Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 (Sony), Kickstarter, IndieGoGo, The Sugar Lab, Dazed Digital, and Wayne Wang.

In addition, Viewers Choice Voting for radio, film, and selected web categories is now open and continues through December 18th.

New award categories included this year are for the Great Taste Prize: Hollywood Tastemakers. Named Hollywood Tastemaker Honorees include Ashley Greene, Ashley Madekwe, Kate Bosworth, Mindy Kaling, Elizabeth Banks, Naomie Harris, Naya Rivera, Kat Graham, Elisabeth Moss, Shaun Robinson, Alice Eve, Christiane Seidel, Krysten Ritter, Becca Tobin, Brenda Song, Ian Somerhalder, Andy Samberg, Don Cheadle, Zachary Quinto, Daymond John, Tom Bergeron, RuPaul, Alex O'Loughlin, Jon Favreau, Dwayne Johnson, Harry Lennix, Fabio Viviani, Idris Elba, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, John Cho, Jaden Smith, Chloé Grace Moretz, Dakota Fanning, Sarah Hyland, Maia Mitchell, Olivia Holt, Peyton List, Bella Thorne, India Eisley, Hailee Steinfeld, Victoria Justice, Karan Bar, Rico Rodriguez, and Debby Ryan.

Selected Award Winners will be announced in a private reception on December 2nd in San Francisco. All winners will receive their awards on January 16th, 2014 at a Red Carpet Hollywood Awards celebration at the Egyptian Theatre (limited tickets available). Lifetime Achievement Awards and other Special Awards will also be presented to valuable contributors to the industry. Celebrity Presenters include P. Allen Smith, James Cunningham, and more

The full list of nominees and categories for the 5th Annual TASTE AWARDS, including Best Food Program, Best Drink Program, Best Film, Best Fashion Program, and Best Organic Program can be seen on TheTasteAwards.com.

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

Montalvo Tequila Announces Sponsorship of Latin Grammy Post-Event Celebration at LAX Nightclub in Las Vegas

Montalvo Spirits announced that their flagship brand, Montalvo Tequila, has sponsored a Latin Grammy After Party, being held at the 26,000 square-foot LAX Nightclub in the Luxor Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV, on November 21, 2013. The event will feature a special performance by celebrated reggaeton artist J. Alvarez and a special guest DJ set by DJ Nelson. The event is being hosted by Trevino Enterprises, Agave 52, and LAX Nightclub, which is owned and operated by the largest Las Vegas-based nightclub company, Angel Management Group.

"We are excited about the opportunity to not only showcase Montalvo Tequila to the Latin Grammy fans, but to introduce the brand to the Las Vegas market," commented Alex Viecco, CEO of Montalvo. "Due to the tremendous reception of Montalvo Tequila in our current markets, we feel the brand will appeal to the discerning consumers of Las Vegas," added Viecco.

At the prestigious Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2013, Montalvo Tequila's Plata was named Finalist for the Chairman's Trophy, being awarded 93 points out of 100. And at the 2013 Spirits of the Americas Competition, Montalvo's Reposado was named "Best of Class" in the Reposado Tequila category, and Montalvo's Reposado and Anejo were awarded Gold Medals in September 2013's Spirits of Mexico Competition, held by the IWSC Group.

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

Peligroso Launches Cinnamon Flavored Tequila

Peligroso Tequila, known for its dangerously exceptional juice, is heating up the market yet again with the launch of the newest member of its premium tequila family—Peligroso Cinnamon. The world’s first 84 proof cinnamon-flavored tequila is infused with 100% pure cinnamon and a blend of secret ingredients, creating a distinct juice with a kick that leaves some sweet heat on the palate.

Peligroso Cinnamon has a distinct flavor profile described as warm and savory, with spicy aromas and a light finish. As unique as the very country from which it’s produced, Peligroso Cinnamon is sticking to its roots—made with 100% Weber blue agave, and gluten free. True to the Peligroso standard, Cinnamon retains its 42% alc by volume/ 84 proof quality. Every batch of Peligroso Cinnamon is taste tested and approved by their chief taste masters to guarantee perfection in every sip. Every bottle is hand made, certified, numbered—and produced in Mexico.

“We recognized a demand for something new in our rapidly growing category,” said Keith Ross, Peligroso Tequila’s President and CEO. “When we discovered the complex flavor that resulted as we infused cinnamon with our tequila, we knew we had something exceptional on our hands. We are thrilled to bring Peligroso Cinnamon to market and share this new remarkable juice with tequila enthusiasts and Peligroso fans nationwide.”

Whether as the perfect shot, sipped, mixed in a cocktail, served at room temperature or chilled, Peligroso Cinnamon delivers one of the most unique & delicious flavor experiences to ever enter the spirits industry! The Peligroso team is thrilled to bring Peligroso Cinnamon to the market and excited to introduce the world to this outstanding spirit.

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

Tequila el Jimador Revamps Its Bottle

Tequila el Jimador, the No. 1 selling 100 percent agave tequila in Mexico, significantly updated its bottle aimed at expanding the brand's footprint. Tequila el Jimador's evolution in packaging design presents a new premium look to match the quality of the product. As part of the campaign, the brand will continue to encourage consumers to live life at 100 percent, with courage, passion and pride, attributes that are found in every bottle of Tequila el Jimador.

The revamped bottle features a dynamic embossed illustration of the iconic Jimador, a figure that represents the hard work and dedication to craftsmanship displayed by the master agave harvesters. The slightly modified body of the bottle features stylized, pronounced corners at the shoulders and base, giving the body of the bottle a sleek, modern appeal. Some of the other design changes include a bigger bottle size, smaller streamlined, colored metallic label design to showcase more of the premium tequila, and uniform caps, all aimed at creating a better presence on the shelf. All bottle sizes will be evolving to the new packaging and will maintain the same price point.

To support the launch, the brand will implement a focused brand investment in OOH, digital, print and social platforms including a new intuitive, user-friendly website. Through all these elements, the brand will provide a more valuable experience to consumers.

"With more than 1300 tequila brands in the marketplace, consumers are faced with many options making packaging an important and differentiating aspect. By revamping our bottle design, we are aligning our packaging with our great tasting liquid and making it more relevant to consumers. El Jimador will continue to offer consumers a premium tequila at an accessible price but now with a better presentation," said Jesus Ostos, brand manager for Tequila el Jimador.

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

Montalvo Tequila Awarded Two Gold Medals in 2013 Spirits of Mexico Tasting Competition

Montalvo Spirits, Inc. is proud to announce that Montalvo Tequila was awarded Gold Medals in the Reposado Tequila and Anejo Tequila categories for the 10th Annual Spirits of Mexico Tasting Competition, held by the IWSC Group.

"Being awarded Gold Medals for both our Reposado and Anejo is a wonderful accomplishment for Montalvo Tequila," says Montalvo's CEO Alex Viecco. "We are especially proud of our acknowledgement from such an esteemed panel of judges in a completely blind tasting," added Viecco.

The Spirits of Mexico Tasting Competition took place on September 15th and 16th. Internationally recognized industry experts, in a blind tasting, selected which brands were awarded the coveted 2013 Spirits of Mexico Medals. Brands are judged on five essential characteristics: appearance, aromatics, flavor, mouthfeel and finish. Each of these subsets has varying ultimate scores, with aromatics and flavor scoring the highest possible points.

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

New TV Show Tequila Sisters Highlights Challenges of Tequila Business

TVGN (TV Guide Network) serves up December on the rocks as a father struggles to keep tradition alive while raising four rambunctious, sexy, independent minded daughters with the original series premiere of TEQUILA SISTERS on Tuesday, December 10 at 8:00 PM ET/PT.

The 30-minute eight episode series spotlights the Marins, a wild and spirited multi-generational Hispanic family living a life of luxury in beautiful Southern California thanks to the father’s successful tequila business. While life seems perfect, looks can be deceiving. Drama unfolds as the Marin patriarch, Bill, fights hard to hold on to his four beautiful daughters and the American dream he built for his family while the girls passionately pursue both their Hollywood dreams and lives of their own.

“TEQUILA SISTERS is a dramatic but fun reality series that is relatable across generations and cultures,” noted TVGN President of Entertainment and Media, Brad Schwartz. “It’s a series that focuses on the dynamics of a dad and his four daughters, and how family values and relationships are tested when faced with the seductions of the Hollywood lifestyle.”

The Marin family is made up of: passionate entrepreneur and family patriarch, Bill; sweet, doting, traditional, family cook and matriarch, Lori; label-loving, rebellious, Jen (29); aspiring actress and her father’s favorite, Lauren (25); outspoken but always endearing, Jackie (24), and Catherine (21), the baby of the family who can get away with just about anything. The girls are always mischievous, but at their core, they’re all about family. And even in the shadow of an overbearing father and against a backdrop of alluring Hollywood life, the girls’ pride in their heritage and love of each other keep them a united front making this family as strong as their tequila.

TEQUILA SISTERS is produced by Rogue Atlas Productions in association with Lionsgate Television with Eli Frankel (“Amazing Race,” “Braxton Family Values” and “American Chopper”) as Executive Producer.

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

Be Formally Introduced to Tequila Country

Experience Tequila offers an introductory tequila travel package called Welcome To Tequila.

A fun, thorough introduction to Tequila Country. Taste some of the best tequila in the world, witness the agave harvest, visit distilleries both historic and new, from ultra-modern to artisanal, and see the very best of colonial Guadalajara.

Visiting Tequila is an unforgettable experience. Nestled in a valley amongst endless fields of blue agave, this UN World Heritage Site lies at the foot of a dormant volcano and enjoys excellent weather. With most of the tequila in the world being made in and around Tequila town, our distillery visits make for easy jaunts, leaving plenty of time for evening activities. You will see blue agave harvested, taste it fresh-roasted from a brick oven, learn and see the various techniques of fermenting and distilling and, best of all, savor the finished products in exclusive Old Mexico settings.

Our accommodations are in the colonial Tlaquepaque area of Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, cradle of Mexican independence and “most Mexican of cities.” The city features world-renowned architecture, murals, museums, food and music. This is the birthplace of most things you think of as typically Mexican: mariachis (dozens of whom await your patronage at the Plaza de los Mariachis), the Mexican Hat Dance, pozole soup and charros (Mexican cowboys). ¡Ándale!

For more information see ExperienceTequila.com.

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

Patron Anejo Adorned with David Yurman Limited Edition Bottle Stopper

For the second time in a series of designer collaborations, Patron Spirits introduces a limited edition bottle stopper for this holiday season. The new collectible bottle accessory is crafted exclusively for Patron Anejo by Evan Yurman, Chief Design Director for David Yurman men's and timepiece collections. Patron's relationship with Yurman emerged from a shared commitment to understated luxury, meticulous craftsmanship and masculine elegance.

Die-cast in solid metal and electroplated in gun metal and 24K gold, the bottle stopper is an exceptional two-toned sword featuring elaborate metal carvings inspired by those depicted on the hand guards of 18th century Japanese Samurai swords; a reflection of Yurman's love for unique and rare objects, artwork and artifacts. Like Patron Anejo, Yurman's bottle stopper is bold, intricate and truly distinct.

"It was a thrill to work with Patron on this unique project," said Yurman. "Throughout time, armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical ability of the artisans who craft them. For me, there is an inseparable parallel between a finely honed weapon and a beautifully crafted piece of jewelry – they are truly one in the same and a natural extension of the work that inspires me." This inspiration is unmistakable in the one-of-a-kind, sophisticated design Yurman created to adorn the iconic bottle of Patron Anejo.

Each bottle of Patron Anejo is handcrafted with recycled glass and produced with unparalleled attention to detail. Patron Anejo is a delicate blend of uniquely aged tequilas, all aged in small white oak barrels for a minimum of 12 months. Similar to winemaking, each vintage of Patron Anejo is carefully blended to produce a smooth and distinctive-tasting tequila.

The bottle stopper, which comes in a special limited edition gift box, will be available at select retailers across the U.S. in November 2013 for a suggested retail price of $59.99.

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

Vacationers Find Tranquility at Ixtapan de la Sal Marriott Hotel With New Deal

The Experiences Spa Package seeks to ensure that guests are as relaxed and pampered as possible during their stays at the Ixtapan de la Sal hotel. Vacationers will receive a deluxe room with either one king or two double beds from $268 to $442 per night, plus breakfast for two at Orange Restaurant, two signature relaxing massages at the spa, full access to the state-of-the-art spa wet facilities, a Tecilli Spa amenities kit, complimentary extended late check-out at 4 p.m. and valet parking.

The Tecilli Spa aims to nourish not just the body but the spirit and soul as well. A team of certified therapists have been trained to provide lodgers with the most revitalizing treatments obtainable on Mexico spa vacations. Each is based on the four elements: Earth, wind, fire and water. Ixtapan de la Sal Spa treatments, services and amenities include body scrubs, body wraps, facials, fitness counseling, foot baths, a spa restaurant, steam room and therapy baths. More than 25 treatment rooms are available.

Guests will enjoy breakfast for two at Orange Restaurant, the onsite bistro-style restaurant offering traditional Mexican cuisine as well as creative international dishes in an open, relaxing and memorable atmosphere. Vacationers hungry for more variety can also dine at three other onsite eateries for lunch and dinner. The Grillos Pool Bar serves freshly prepared meals and beverages for lunch to poolside sunbathers and swimmers. Visitors can pull up a chair or grab something to go at El Mercadito Deli Café, serving sandwiches, salads, ice cream and other snacks for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For a truly unique dinner experience, Roberto's Tequila & Cerveza Bar is an international lounge, decorated in the art deco style, with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The restaurant serves a full-range of cocktails and beverages, light meals and music among 54-inch flat-screen televisions.

Although most vacationers will spend a majority of their time outside of their room at the pool or spa, the Ixtapan de la Sal Marriott Hotel understands that rooms still need to be comfortable and inviting so weary travelers can find rest before they begin another exciting day in Mexico. Each room is equipped with many electrical outlets to make charging cell phones and cameras easier. In-room safes provide guests with a secure place to store their valuables and give peace of mind while out having fun. Once travelers are in for the night, they can curl up in their cozy bed and watch a movie on their 34-inch LCD TV with international cable. Wireless high-speed Internet access, iPod docks, irons and ironing boards and Bath & Body Works products are among other amenities guests can expect.

The Experiences Spa Package is valid seven days a week through April 30, 2014. To book this deal online or over the phone at 1-800-228-9290, use promotional code ES8.

About the Ixtapan de la Sal Marriott Hotel, Spa & Convention Center

The Ixtapan de la Sal Marriott Hotel, Spa & Convention Center, under new management, boasts 185 rooms and three suites as well as 13 meeting rooms with 9,277 square feet of flexible space. Guests wishing to explore the area can travel to the Ixtapan de la Sal Carnival, Cacahuamilpa Caves, Senor del Perdon Church, Ixtapan de la Sal Aquatic Park and Teotenango Archeological Site. The hotel offers four unique dining options – the Orange Restaurante, Grillos Pool Bar, El Mercadito Deli Café and Roberto's Bar. The Ixtapan de la Sal hotel also features the Tecilli Spa, known for its holistic approach and transformative treatments. For information, visit www.marriott.com/MEXIX.

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

Olmeca Altos Introduces New Agave Tequila

Unlocking a new option in the super-premium tequila category, Olmeca Altos announces the national launch of 100% Agave Tequila. Olmeca Altos Tequila offers the smooth taste and hand-crafted quality that today’s bartenders and trend-conscious consumers are seeking in premium cocktails, but without the premium price. The secret to the tequila lies in the expertise of two of the UK’s most prominent mixologists, Henry Besant and Dre Massoalongside Master Distiller Jesus Hernandez. Together they created an accessible, mixable 100% agave tequila distinguishable from other spirits in the category.

“We’re excited because Olmeca Altos is truly a product that is on-trend with the tastes of today’s consumers looking for authentic tequila,” said Clare Kanter, Vice President, White Spirits, Pernod Ricard USA. “The tequila was created by bartenders for bartenders who understand the need for a superior craft-quality product that’s accessible, which is why the traditional methods for creating Olmeca Altos are the core of our brand.”

The Secret Ingredients

The secret to a great night lies in selecting the perfect drink. Today’s trendsetters now more than ever are looking for unique cocktail creations, rich flavors and twists on traditional drinks. Olmeca Altos is the choice for these consumers unlocking the perfect flavor for any occasion. The three ingredients to Olmeca Altos’ winning tequila combination lie in the brand's:

Hand-Crafted Quality— Olmeca Altos is different from other super-premium options because of its traditional process using the centuries old Tahona Method to create a tequila of unmatched quality. Master Distiller Jesus Hernandez is responsible for supervising production from the initial harvest of the agave plants to the end result in the bottle.

Smooth Taste— The agave for Olmeca Altos is handpicked at peak ripeness, and then slow cooked at low-temperatures to seal in the plant’s sweet, honey-like flavors. The cooked agave “juice” is then extracted from the plant by the 500-year-old Tahona production process in which a giant volcanic millstone is used to crush the cooked Agave pinas and expose the juice and fibre from the plant, which is then added to Olmeca Altos’ fermentation and distillation process to deliver the rich, sweet, citric taste and aroma.

Affordable Price— To get authentic quality, consumers expect to pay a higher price. But Olmeca Altos is bringing consumers a premium, quality product they can drink regularly, making it a go-to choice on its own or in a range of signature tequila cocktails and margaritas.

Olmeca Altos is available nationwide in Plata or Reposado. Olmeca Altos is 40% alc/vol (80 proof) and retails for a suggested price of $24.99 for 750 mL.

To mix up premium cocktails at home, try these Olmeca Altos signature margarita recipes:

Tommy’s Margarita
2 parts Olmeca Altos Plata
1 part fresh squeezed lime juice
½ part agave nectar
Shake all ingredients with ice and fine strain into chilled glass.
Serve on the rocks.

Jasmine Tea Margarita
2 parts Olmeca Altos Reposado
1 part fresh squeezed lime juice
½ part agave syrup
4 parts jasmine tea
Build up all ingredients over ice.
Stir in mason jar.

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

AsomBroso Del Porto To Be Offered Via Exclusive Website

What makes an ultra-premium spirit superior? First and foremost, it's taste. Second, it's the process. Ultra-premium spirits, like AsomBroso's Del Porto and El Carbonzado tequilas, are both time- and labor-intensive. The final result are two limited-edition 11-year old tequilas that are so rare, both typically sell out immediately after their release, leaving tequila aficionados wanting for more.

This year, after the El Carbonzado sold out to his past clients, AsomBroso founder and master distiller, Ricardo Gamarra, came up with an equitable solution: Create an exclusive website reserved for those who truly appreciate a fine, hand-crafted ultra-premium tequila, allowing them to pre-order AsomBroso Del Porto, which is typically released just before Christmas time. The web address is: http://asombroso-tequila.myshopify.com/

AsomBroso Del Porto – legendary taste 20 years in the making

Tequila is a time-intensive spirit. It takes from eight to twelve years for the blue agave to mature. The key is knowing the exact time when to harvest so it creates the ideal flavor profile. Next, AsomBroso follows a centuries-old distilling process that produces a hand-crafted tequila that's second to none.

The final step is the aging. Like making fine wine, the proper aging of tequila requires patience and skill, the proper facilities and equipment. To create AsomBroso Del Porto, only the finest tequila is set aside and rested in French oak barrels. After eleven years, the tequila is then rested in vintage port barrels that were hand-selected in Portugal and shipped to Mexico. The tequila rests in the port barrels up to one year, with periodic taste tests. Only once Ricardo deems it ready, is it bottled.

The beauty of AsomBroso Del Porto is its flavor profile. Using wood to flavor tequila is both art and science. Just the right amount of resting allows the subtle nuance of the vintage port wine barrels to give this tequila a sweet agave taste this is like no other tequila in the world. It has been described as the "nectar of the gods," and is best enjoyed when sipped neat in a tulip shaped sipping glass.

One-of-a-Kind Tequila Demands a One-of-a-Kind Bottle

"One of the trademarks of AsomBroso is our signature bottle," said Ricardo Gamarra. "Because our Del Porto is a limited edition, we wanted to create a crystal decanter that's as unique as our tequila. We literally searched the globe before selecting Gambaro & Poggi from Murano Venezia, Italy, as they embrace the same commitment to creating a premium product as we do."

Gambaro & Poggi is one of the most innovative and accomplished hand-blown glass companies in the world. It was founded by Mario Gambaro and is run by his son, Luciano. "After almost 40 years, my father is still the most important person and creative power of our glass factory thanks to his intuition, great taste, and his willingness to engage in new experiments and challenges," Luciano said. Each AsomBroso Del Porto crystal decanter is hand-numbered and signed by the artist.

The final element is the presentation, and each bottle of AsomBroso Del Porto comes in its own custom-made, inlaid hardwood humidor. "Our customers are making an investment to buy one of the finest tequilas in the world, so we provide them with a humidor that not only enhances the look of the bottle, but also keeps their tequila fresh. We work with the best craftsmen who understand the importance of humidor construction, and the end result is sure to please any tequila connoisseur."

AsomBroso Del Porto is $2,800 per bottle. An additional benefit, once someone orders a bottle of AsomBroso Del Porto, Ricardo will sent them a 50 ml tasting sample so they can enjoy this "nectar of the gods" prior to the arrival of their actual bottle.

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

Chef Shannon Bard and Tequila Sommelier Sergio Ramos to Host Patron Tequila Dinner

Chef Shannon Bard and Tequila Sommelier, Sergio Ramos are at it again with another great Tequila Dinner planned for November at Zapoteca restaurant in Portland, Maine on November 18 at 6:30 p.m. The five-course dinner will be paired with several varieties of Patron, the award-winning tequila that has been recognized with many awards including the "Five Star Diamond" award by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.

The five-course menu includes:

The first course

Gordita Dorada con Huevo de Cordoniz, Golden Quail Egg Gordita, House Made Mexican Chorizo, Frisee, Queso Fresco, Smoked Red Chile Sauce paired with Zapoteca's specialty cranberry sage margarita.

The second course

Sopa del Calabaza Oaxaquena. Oaxacan and Orange Spiced Pumpkin Soup, Chocolate Chile Bolillo Crisp. This course will be paired with Patron Silver.

The third course

Cielo- Pato Magret en Mole de Higo. Pan Seared Duck Breast, Fig--Nut Mole, Blind Tamale and Crisp Greens paired with Patron Reposado.

The fourth course

Tierra, Duo de Venado, Chile Rubbed Venison, House Made Venison Sausage, Oaxacan Red Mole, Huitlacoche Flan, Grilled Mushrooms and paired with Patron Anejo.

The fifth course

Dessert and will be Pudin de Canela which is canela bread pudding with ancho caramel sauce and spiced whipped cream paired with Gran Patron Platinum.

"Sergio Ramos, our manager, is the only tequila sommelier in the Northeast and has completed the first phase of tequila expert class 'T' certification by the Tequila Regulatory Council of Mexico and is endorsed by the association of tequila from Mexico. He loves to share his knowledge of tequila and great Mexican cuisine which I know will be a treat for our guests," said Shannon Bard, Executive Chef and Owner of Zapoteca.

Tickets are $75 for the tequila dinner and seats are limited so please call the restaurant today to make your reservation at 207-772-8242.

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

bestofluxury.com Releases November 2013 Rankings of Best Tequila Manufacturers

The independent authority on luxurious living, bestofluxury.com, has announced the 10 top tequila providers in the November 2013 edition of the ratings reported online. Businesses searching for well-known tequila providers access the ratings at bestofluxury.com. Each tequila provider showcased within the ratings has been put through a veracious evaluation to decide how well they perform compared to industry standards and competitors.

The 10 top tequila liquor providers for November 2013 are:

1. Partida Elegante

2. Don Julio Real Tequila

3. Clase Azul Extra Anejo (Ultra)

4. Casa Noble Single Barrel Extra Anejo

5. Rey Sol Anejo

6. Gran Patron Burdeos Tequila

7. Casa Herradura Seleccion Suprema

8. AsomBroso Reserva Del Porto

9. Ultra Premium Tequila Ley .925 Pasion Azteca

10. Gran Patrón Platinum

While many tequila liquor companies are considered for the methodical evaluation process each month only the top companies are featured in the standings. The rankings are revised each month in order to account for the latest developments and achievements of competing tequila liquor companies in areas most commonly associated with successful tequila liquor services. The five areas of evaluation used to determine the best companies include reputation, taste, ingredients, aroma, and availability.

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

Patron Tequila's John Paul DeJoria Joins ABC Show Shark Tank

John Paul DeJoria, the self-dubbed "serial entrepreneur" will join season five of the critically-acclaimed ABC business competition show, Shark Tank as a guest shark this week. Best known as co-founder of Paul Mitchell Hair Care and The Patron Spirits Company, DeJoria has also found success in dozens of additional ventures spanning from conflict-free diamonds to hand-built yachts.

A prudent believer that "America works," John Paul can often be seen and heard in top business and news media outlets spreading this message and divulging the secrets of his success. Living by his motto, "Success Unshared is Failure," he will now join the Sharks to pay it forward, providing promising entrepreneurs the chance to turn their dreams into reality by making an investment in their future.

On his first dive into the tank, John Paul will listen to two men from St. Louis who have a line of safe, natural cleaning products, a New Yorker inspired by cups at frat parties who hopes for a $300K investment in his standard party cup with a hidden shot glass inside, an entrepreneur from Pleasanton, California with an electric, lightweight bodyboard he claims could be the hottest new thing in water sports, and an entrepreneur from Arcadia, Florida pitching a tented root cover for newly planted trees he claims will save farmers thousands of dollars in fuel and water.

"As a guest shark, I look forward to providing opportunities to future entrepreneurs to change our world for the better," says DeJoria. "Our country still works, and success is possible when paired with determination."

DeJoria's rags-to-riches story exemplifies the American dream—once homeless, he struggled against the odds to achieve success, launching three global enterprises. With just $700 he started Paul Mitchell, the largest privately held salon hair care brand, and later turned a passion into success by co-founding Patron, the world's No. 1 ultra-premium tequila.

A longtime activist for sustainable business and corporate responsibility, John Paul makes these practices paramount as he continues to evolve and grow his businesses, and inspire others, insisting "corporations can and should change the world for the better."

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

At Last: 75 Year Old Tequila Tapatio Brand Arrives in the U.S.

After 75 years of distilling in Arandas and sales across Mexico, the venerable Tapatio Tequila has arrived in the US. Distiller Carlos Camarena has developed cult like status with Tequila lovers with the quality and integrity of his hard to obtain Tapatio brand. It stands alone with its pure classic flavor profile of 100% Blue Agave Tequila from the highlands. Why is it so loved? Tapatio sets the bar for the old authentic flavor that is disappearing in modern Tequilas. Respected author, Robert Plotkin, of Bar Media and a respected Tequila writer, wrote: “Wow, Tapatio...I'm already salivating”.

The Camarena Family distills 100% estate grown blue agaves. Many know the family distillery through El Tesoro and other custom Tequilas. Charbay’s father and son team distilled their Tequila there. That’s the friendship that brought Tapatio to America.

True Tequila aficionados and star bartenders make the trek to Camarena’s La Altena Distillery in Arandas as a rite of passage into the old Tequila world. Enlightened by Tapatio’s intriguing flavor profile, many tried to find a way to get it in the US. It took the friendship & trust of two distilling families to make it happen.

Charbay Distillers is the exclusive USA Importer of the Tapatio brand.

Dori Bryant, founder of ‘Spirits of Mexico’ events across the country, could only sing the praises of Tapatio. She wrote: “Tapatio is one of the most stellar brands out there. When asked about Tapatio... each time [someone] asked my opinion I'd say: GET IT - GET IT - GET IT!!!!!!!!!!”

The first states carrying Tequila Tapatio include California(MK Spirits), New York(Martin Scott), New Jersey(Martin Scott), Nevada(SWS), Missouri(Vintegrity), New Jersey(Martin Scott), Florida(Vinquiry), Florida(Vincraft), Texas(Virtuoso), Maryland(Bacchus).

For National sales information, contact Bryan Fontana, Charbay Distillers, 707-287-4633, Bryan@charbay.com

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

Agave Underground Tequila Receives Best Of Class Award For Silver Tequila

Agave Underground Tequila (http://www.agaveunderground.com) headquartered in Orange County, California, announced today all three of their tequilas have won major medals from the Spirits International Prestige (SIP) Awards competition, including Best of Class for Agave Underground’s Blanco/Silver Tequila.

All three of the tequila’s – Silver, Reposado, and Anejo were entered in to the competition. The SIP Awards granted Agave Underground’s Anejo with a Platinum medal award and the Reposado with a Gold medal award. The Silver, Reposado and Anejo were also entered in to the package design competition and received the only Platinum medal award in the design category.

“We are extremely honored and pleased to win these prestigious awards – especially Best of Class for our Silver tequila. The SIP awards team stated that 306 spirits competed for the SIP medals. Over 21% of the brands entered did not qualify for any type of accolade. By receiving these awards from the judges it confirms that consumers enjoy our sipping tequila and find our package intriguing,” stated Mike Ivey, President of Agave Underground Tequila.

Agave Underground’s Silver, Reposado and Anejo are produced from the finest quality agave plants harvested in Jalisco, Mexico. The Silver tequila is citrus based – very fruit forward, while the Reposado and Anejo tequilas are aged 9 to 18 months in whiskey barrels to create very distinct tastes.

“Agave Underground is not only proud of our product, but we are proud of the history behind the making of tequila. I feel our products are a representation of our dedication to mastering the taste of tequila,” concluded Ivey.

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

Chicago's 2nd Annual Mariachi & Tequila Festival 2013

The 2nd Annual Mariachi & Tequila Festival showcases Mexico’s first loves: Mariachi & Tequila! This incredible pair fused together creates an unforgettable night with proven success last year. Back by popular demand, this event is our most anticipated event of the year.

Over 20 Tequilas, will be showcasing their products and providing free samples, while enjoying the wonderful sounds of live Mariachi music, Latin folkloric dancing, Charro rodeo-style rope tricks, and not to mention, delicious authentic Mexican cuisine.

o When: Saturday – November 16, 2013 from 6:00 pm - 12:00 am
o Where: Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University – 50 East Congress Parkway, Chicago

• Stellar concert by Rafael Jorge Negrete, grandson of the one and only, Mexican icon, “El Charro Cantor” Jorge Negrete. Plus, an astounding performance by Diana Elisa Negrete.
• Joining the Negrete legends is the remarkable Gabriel Solis, son of “El Rey del Bolero” (King of Bolero) Javier Solis.
• Sharing this night with these amazing legends is the talented María Elena Leal, daughter of “Lola La Grande” (Lola the Great) Lola Beltrán.
• Special appearance by the talented, famous Mexican telenovela actor, Arturo Peniche, singing with Mariachi!
• For the first time, all these legends sharing a stage in Chicago; this is a must see performance.
• Estimated attendance for Mariachi & Tequila Festival is over 4,000 guests.
• Ticket prices for this 21 yrs. old and older event ranges from $30 to $120 (includes tequila tastings).

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

Cabo Wabo Tequila Introduces Cabo Diablo Coffee Liqueur

For coffee and tequila fanatics looking to shake up the mundane, it’s time to dance with the Diablo. Rolling out in select markets this fall, Cabo DiabloTM features a coffee punch coupled with an unmistakable tequila kick in this newest extension from the infamous Cabo Wabo® Tequila. Enjoyed best in chilled shots, unquestionably smooth Cabo Diablo is enticing, unpredictable and rebellious – a devilish mix perfect for any Halloween celebration.

Cabo Diablo delivers delectable sweetness and a silky body with notes of rich roasted coffee, vanilla and chocolate thanks to its coffee liqueur base made with the highest quality Arabica beans. That is accompanied by a burst of 100% blue weber agave Cabo Wabo Blanco Tequila that takes your taste buds to new heights, crackling with sweet notes of blue agave, honey and pepper.

“Cabo Wabo Tequila was founded by famed rebel rocker Sammy Hagar so we wanted to make sure we captured his devilish, no-holds-barred, fun-loving attitude in Cabo Diablo,” said Kathleen Schuart, Senior Marketing Director, Campari America. “With Cabo Diablo we take the popular coffee liqueur category and body slam it with a kick of our gold medal-winning blanco tequila that will make all other shots pale in comparison.”

As surprising as the deliciously smooth liquid itself, Cabo Diablo sports a unique color-changing label with a devilish surprise appearing only when the bottle is chilled. The 35% ABV Cabo Diablo is currently available in limited release in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Wisconsin in 750mL ($22.99).

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

Award Winning Nobleza Azul Tequila Now On Costco Shelves

San Diego, CA - Nobleza Azul, the ultra-premium tequila, produced by the Torres family, grown from the finest Blue Weber Agave in the fertile highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, is now available in select San Diego Costco stores.

During October Paula Torres-Symington, President of Nobleza Tequila, will be greeting shoppers, and passing out Nobleza tequila recipes at the Morena Blvd. Costco from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, October 25; at the Mission Valley Costco, noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, October 26; and Saturday afternoon, October 25, at the Carlsbad Costco, 4-6 p.m.

Described by connoisseurs as subtle and sexy, a newcomer to the tequila industry, Nobleza Azul has already achieved critical acclaim among tequila experts, attracting awards and admirers.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to offer our tequila to Costco consumers. As a small family owned company, we are used to competing with older more established brands and winning over their followers,” said Torres-Symington.

“Costco shoppers,” she added, “are savvy and price conscious and we know they will appreciate the quality of Nobleza’s blanco. While we are newcomers to producing our own brand of tequila, my father’s family has been growing agave for some of the most prestigious tequila producers for four generations.”

According to Torres-Symington, growing and harvesting agave is a very labor intensive and personal business. “You have to love agave and the land on which it grows to produce premium tequila. Nobleza is our celebration of both. In our family, it’s more than a temporary fascination, or business investment. It’s a long time love affair.”

To Torres-Symington, tequila has a fiery spirit and viva Mexico tradition, and a feminine mystique, which is much richer than the raucous-boys- night-out, throwing-back-shots-image. “It has character and heart, like a woman, and it was my family’s goal to produce such tequila — a drink for sipping or mixing that a woman would be proud to order, and enjoy in the more elegant manner that cocktails are sipped.

“It’s not our desire to take the man thing and fun out of tequila drinking, but simply add more sophisticated dimensions and options,” added Torres, one of the first women to head a tequila company. The brand has taken on a female personae marketing as “the new girl in town.” The metaphor also applies to Torres-Symington’s experience in breaking into the male dominated industry.

The new wave of real premium tequilas is changing the image of tequila as a sipping drink alongside fine scotch, wines, and bourbons. Torres-Symington is an outspoken advocate of recognizing the sophistication and multiple flavors of tequila. “The interesting thing, unlike most other premium aged liquor, tequila is just beginning to be recognized for its versatility, enhancement, and creative use in mixed drinks,” Torres-Symington noted.

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