Alfonso and Erik talk to Christiane Maertens Founder & CEO of Valor Tequila. Christiane shares the story behind Valor Tequila. She goes into depth on how it all got started and what the vision for the brand is. The ultimate goal is to giveback to the community behind the tequila industry. It all starts with the farmers, jornaleros, and the distillery workers. Many times they are overlooked and see no benefits from their hard labor. Valor is here to make their voice matter give back to them. Christiane shares how they will do that here. https://drinkvalor.com/ https://shop.drinkvalor.com ..read more

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On today's episode Alfonso and Erik are joined by Brian Klemm Global Brand Ambassador for SelvaRey Rum. Brian shares with us the history behind SelvaRey. He goes in depth into how the expressions are made and what makes them unique in comparison to other rums out on the market. We also get to hear  bit of the history behind their Master Distiller Francisco "Don Pancho" Fernandez who played a huge role in Cuba's history with Rum.  https://selvarey.com/ https://www.instagram.com/selvareyrum/ https://www.instagram.com/brianklemm ..read more

On todays episode we are joined and join Rich Shane from The Fermented Adventure Podcast. Rich and his wife Dawn Ranieri have become huge enthusiasts of spirits, beer, wine, ciders, anything that is fermented. Rich and Shane like to visit craft distilleries and talk to other industry professionals and share what they learn on their podcast The Fermented Adventure Podcast.  Alfonso met Rich and Dawn at Tales of The Cocktail and instantly knew they had to collaborate in an episode. We decided a mashup was in order were both of our listeners can learn a bit from each. http://fermentedadven ..read more

On this episode Alfonso and Erik talk to Pete Nevenglosky CEO and Co-Founder of Drifter Spirits. Pete goes over the unique lineup that Drifter Spirits presents. Including Avuá Cachaça, Svöl Aquavit, Drifter Craft Cocktails and Paladar Tequila. Pete also shares about Rare Character Whiskey which is another company he is a partner with. https://www.drifterspirits.com/home https://www.instagram.com/peteofdiscovery/ https://www.rarecharacterwhiskey.com ..read more

Alfonso is joined by Master Distiller Tony Salles for El Tequileño Tequila.  “Mexico’s Best Kept Secret,” El Tequileño is an iconic tequila producer that singularly focuses on craft and quality. El Tequileño was founded in 1959 by the legendary tequila industry pioneer, Don Jorge Salles Cuervo. Overseen by third-generation master distiller Jorge Antonio Salles, the family’s legacy and expertise has been passed through generations to ensure only the finest quality tequila is produced to this day; every drop is a celebration of passion and heritage.  The brand’s portfolio includes Blan ..read more

Matt Pietrek is an award-winding author, educator, historian, consultant, and publisher focusing on rum and cocktails. His insights are sought out by many of the world’s top rum brands. Along with co-author Carrie Smith, Matt wrote Modern Caribbean Rum: A Contemporary Reference to the Region’s Essential Spirit, and winner of the 2023 Spirited Award for Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History, or Spirits. Matt is among today’s top educators on rum, presenting at Tales of the Cocktail, Bar Convent Berlin, Bar Convent Brooklyn, the UK Rumfest, Paris Rumfest, Miami Rum Congress, California Rumfe ..read more

On this episode Alfonso and Erik talk to Salvador founder of Salvadores Mezcal. Sal takes us through the journey of how Salvadores Mezcal was founded. Sal shares how the goal was to to revive a family tradition that began with his great grandfather and grandfather. Sal also shares how some of their delicious destilados have come about. Sal, Flor and the team are doing an outstanding job with producing some amazing Mezcal. https://www.salvadoresmezcal.com/home/ https://www.instagram.com/salvadoresmezcal ..read more

Alfonso Recaps the trip to New Orleans and his first experience at Tales of the Cocktail. Interacting with brand owners and ambassadors was a unique experience. Along with partying and raging with fellow bartenders in the industry. https://talesofthecocktail.org ..read more

On todays episode Alfonso talks to Alejandro Russo the Founder of Candela Mamajuana. A premium spiced rum out of the Dominican Republic.  Candela is an ultra premium, delicious, super ecofriendly and easily accessible rum. From cocktail recipes to sipping it neat, Candela’s mission is to toast to Latin culture with every sip, mix and shot–promise we’ll bring the fuego.  https://drinkcandela.com/ https://instagram.com/drinkcandela?igshid=YzcxN2Q2NzY0OA ..read more