Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/17414
LAUNCH PAD A Reel Life series. But Avión, the libation starring on the HBO hit show Entourage this season as the “it” tequila, is as real as it gets and is proving to be every bit as popular off- screen as well. M At the Stanton Social, a hip downtown New York nightspot crawling with celebri- ties, Avión has made an interesting debut, surprising even their best customers when the tequila started being poured at the bar. Even Stanton’s PR was unaware that the brand actually existed. Curiously enough, only the Entourage actors seemed to be in the know. Jenna Fagnan, President of Avión tequila. “Adrian Grenier and the other cast members of Entourage often come to Stanton Social,” says Anthony Serignese, General Manager. “As soon as Avión hit the scene, I was curious and picked up a bottle to test the quality. Jerry Ferrara, the actor who plays “Turtle,” came in and ordered Avión Silver. I poured him some from my one bottle, and before I knew it, he killed it.” Just who is owed credit for Avión’s starring role in real life? The distinction goes to Ken Austin, a former senior VP of Seagram who is the creator, founder and Chairman of Avión. A tequila fanatic for over 20 years, Austin made a pilgrimage to Mexico in search of the best master distiller, where he found a fifth-generation grower whose estate lands are perched in the highest of the Jalisco Highlands— in a town called Jesus María. The two linked up and created Avión Silver, Reposado and Añejo. 60 / the tasting panel / october 2010 TRENDSETTING NEW AVIÓN IS A STAR, BOTH ON- SCREEN AND OFF by Adriana DiGennaro ention Avión tequila and most people would tell you it is a fictional brand promoted on a hip cable television Tequila