Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/164544
ABREOJOS TEQUILA Kirk Agostini K irk Agostini is the 26-year-old brand owner of Abreojos Tequila. While some might consider his relative youth a liability, Agostini considers his age among his strengths. "I jumped at the opportunity to get into the tequila business. Not only am I a devoted fan of tequilas, I'm also in the category's principal age demographic. I think that gives me something of an advantage," states Agostini. "My passion is to live life to the fullest and the enjoyment of the simple things like good food, great company and excellent tequila. I've looked to create our brand around these things." Agostini hedged his bet by securing the services of Master Distiller Luis Gabriel Orendain Robles and the use of Destiladora del Valle de Tequila (NOM 1438). The Abreojos range of award-winning Lowland tequilas includes unaged Abreojos Silver, six-month-old Abreojos Reposado and 12-month-old Abreojos Añejo. Each is highly aromatic and flavorful. Agostini adds that in Spanish "abreojos" means "open your eyes." He's certain his tequila will do just that. www.abreojostequila.com ABREOJOS SPIRITS LLC ZIGNUM MEZCAL Felipe González F elipe González is passionate about spreading the word of mezcal. The Marketing Director for newcomer Zignum Mezcal contends that mezcal is the most misunderstood spirit on the market today. "Mezcal is a spirit with a history of more than 400 years. In fact, mezcal is older than tequila—and even today most people don't know that all tequilas are technically mezcals," says González. "Zignum is poised to grow the category and make it relevant worldwide as the 'New Spirit of Mexico' through young adults who are forward thinkers and want to be challenged and surprised." Zignum Mezcal is crafted at Casa Armando Guillermo Prieto, which according to González is not only Mexico's largest mezcal distillery, but also employs a standardized production process. That, he says, is a rarity in Oaxaca. The brand's range currently includes three expressions: unaged Zignum Silver, Zignum Reposado, aged for 8 months in American white oak, and Zignum Añejo, which is barrel-aged for 16 months in new French oak. "Our mezcal is clean, smooth and free of the smoky character present in many other mezcals," says González. "Zignum is a versatile spirit that lends itself to different consumption occasions: neat, on the rocks or, given its high mixability, in a high-end cocktail." www.zignummezcal.com CASA AMANDO GUILLERMO PREITO september 2013 / the tasting panel / 127 TP0913_104-156.indd 127 8/22/13 10:32 PM