The Tequila Aficionado Rant® and the State of Tequila

This is the first episode of the Tequila Aficionado, The Rant. This program will address some of our observations of the industry that have been bothering us for some time and we will speak freely on the hot topics we are experiencing in the world of agave spirits.
The Rant is hosted by Mike Morales, Catador for Tequila Aficionado, and Alexander Perez, Founder and Executive Editor. In this segment, we consider the current state of the tequila industry and the TMM fiasco.
To have your agave spirit reviewed by Tequila Aficionado, contact us by email at [e-mail]
Visit us at www.TequilaAficionado.com
Sipping Off The Cuff ®
Open Bar®
FTC Disclaimer: All samples are received free of charge but no payment is accepted by Tequila Aficionado or its agents for reviews. All reviews are the opinions of those participating in the tasting and positive reviews are never guaranteed.

[@jeffklenovic4386]

I am a newbie learning more about agave, tequila, and the culture of the Bajio region. My partner and I moved to a rural area outside Penjamo, GTO near Hacienda Corralejo four years ago to help the family. We planted two crops of agave over the last two years on some land we own. We grow corn and milo too. We were disappointed to see the price for the agave tank, but we are hopeful it will rebound in 5-6 years. I am creating a website to promote agave/tequila to help increase demand and improve the lives of our neighbors who have invested in agave. I will concentrate on sharing what I have learned about living in the Bajio including topics about the food, barware, travel destinations in the region, and tequila. How can you talk about the Bajio without talking about tequila? You have made my job easier by helping me understand the importance of finding my niche within the industry. You did a good job clarifying the no-additive "movement" and highlighting the importance of getting past the marketing hype of celebrities, influencers, and multinational corporations with millions of dollars to promote whatever brand. I look forward to reviewing more information from Tequila Aficionado as I continue the adventure. I was happy to see a Youngstown boy on the team.... I am originally from Niles, OH. Gracias.

[@sincerely_becky]

I said it privately, and I’ll say it now in the comments: keep it coming! Can’t wait for the influencer/tiktok rant 🤣

[@mrpricklypear22]

Quite an eye opening and mind provoking episode. Looking forward to the next.❤

[@khrys_maxwell]

For those who don’t know, Mike was the first person to bring attention to vinazas. Back then, you could smell it in the creek that runs through the town of Tequila. His article pushed the industry to clean up their act. Patron has a great treatment program and will even treat the waste of other producers. However, the CRT is trying to make every producer do the same. The issue is that most of them do not have the space to do so and if they do, the aromas of the waste will taint the fermentation. Also, this is a country wide issue and not just one relating to the tequila industry. I’ve seen plenty of other producers just dump it in the stream next to them or down the hillside.

[@khrys_maxwell]

Good points y’all. However, no laws were broken by G&S with their micro production of agave distillates. Nor did they ever claim to be making “tequila”.

[@charlesharris5856]

Get em Mike!

[@chris-vo6kp]

eye opening show! I completely agree about the Clase Azul...Don Julio 1942 was my gateway tequila and years later I'm more educated and make better choices.

[@AnitaTequilita]

Great show! Definitely an eye opener. I’ve been feeling the same way with the additive free movement and sometimes feel the pressure of that movement when I post my videos with tequila that isn’t “confirmed” because I’m thinking someone is going to come for me and talk smack 😅 I’ve said before that it doesn’t matter to me whether it’s additive free or not, if I like it I will drink it. But what was an eye opener for me was that I realized I’m not always educated on what the brand is doing to give back or be socially responsible to their community and environment. I think that is way more important than the product having additives. I will definitely be more aware on that.

[@sensei3688]

This is why I Took The Consumer Catador Course Became The first Graduate because I wanted to know more about the process

[@janslove94]

Great show! You brought up an interesting point about the water waste. I wasn’t aware of the water waste and the effects it does to these communities. Thanks for opening my eyes on that matter. Now I want to know more ❤️🥂