Jon Stojan
Image credit: Suavecito Tequila
Whether it is a margarita, a paloma, a simple shot with salt and lime, or served neat, there is nothing like the flavor of tequila. But just like other alcohols, not all brands are equal; some are smooth as silk, and others, well, sandpaper is an apt description. That is especially true for tequila. There is one brand that is leveling up on smooth and racking up some serious awards and rave reviews–Suavecito Tequila.
The brand’s journey began in 2002 when founder and CEO Bill Foss, driven by a sense of adventure after retiring, purchased an agave farm in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. When a downturned economy rendered his agave plants unsellable, Bill found himself at a crossroads. It was his son, CFO Jeff Foss, who offered a pivotal suggestion: “Why not make your own tequila?” This idea sparked a new direction which Bill embraced.
Drawing on the nuances of highland agave cultivation, Foss and his team set out to create a tequila that stands out for its smoothness and premium flavor. What started as a response to economic hardship quickly became a brand known for its quality and unique differentiators and has contributed to Suavecito’s growth and popularity in the marketplace.
Suavecito’s tequila begins with a key ingredient that sets it apart from the majority of competitors: highland-grown agave. Grown at higher elevations, this agave benefits from a slower growth process, allowing the plants to fully mature and develop intense, concentrated flavors. Only 8 to 9% of tequilas use highland-grown agave, placing Suavecito in an exclusive category known for superior quality. “Just as mountain-grown coffee or grapes provide deeper, more nuanced flavors, the highland agave we use brings a smoother, slightly fruity, and floral character to every bottle,” asserts Foss.
Suavecito is also committed to exceeding industry standards, particularly when it comes to the aging process. While Reposado tequila traditionally ages for just two months, Suavecito’s is aged six to eight months, allowing the flavors to deepen and mellow. Their Anejo tequila is aged for two years, doubling the usual time. Likewise, their Extra Anejo rests in barrels for an impressive five years. This extended aging process ensures that each tequila in the Suavecito lineup offers an exceptional level of smoothness and complexity. Foss notes, “It makes every sip a refined experience.”
What truly makes Suavecito’s tequila unique compared with other premium brands is its addition of 2% agave nectar to the final product. This small yet significant step eliminates the harsh burn typically associated with tequila, creating a smoother and more enjoyable drinking experience. Suavecito is the only brand in the industry that uses this technique, resulting in a tequila that’s remarkably easy to drink while maintaining the integrity of its traditional flavors.
The magic of Suavecito Tequila comes to life at tastings. As Bill Foss notes, “People’s eyes light up when they taste it. They can’t believe how good it is.” This consistent reaction is no accident but rather the result of a meticulous production process perfected over years of collaboration with the renowned Destiladora Agave Azul. This family-owned distillery, located in San Juanito de Escobedo, has a deep history in the art of tequila making, and it’s here that Suavecito’s unique blend comes to life. Under the leadership of one of Mexico’s few female Chief Engineers, the team at Destiladora Agave Azul ensures every batch of Suavecito is crafted with precision and passion. “Our chief distillery engineer, Zandra, is amazing. She was honored with the Woman Distiller of the Year award,” Foss shares.
Suavecito’s focus on quality and taste has not gone unnoticed. At the prestigious International Women’s Craft Spirits Competition, Suavecito’s tequilas scored exceptionally high, with the Cristalino earning an impressive 98 out of 100. “Our tequila was rated number one in the entire competition. Our Añejo followed closely behind in second place with a score of 96. Out of 300 tequilas, judged by 20 alcohol experts, we took two of the top spots.”
Suavecito Tequila’s three key differentiators, highland-grown agave, extended aging, and the unique addition of agave nectar, along with a founder who prioritizes craftsmanship and quality over everything else are a winning combination. For those seeking a tequila that stands out, Suavecito is a winner.
Learn more about Suavecito Tequila.