July 20, 2023  — The launch of Cierto Tequila will be one for the marketing books.  More importantly, the tequila itself will become the gold standard by which all other tequilas are measured. 

The project was the brainchild of Todd Chaffee, a successful venture capitalist who had never been in the spirits industry.  However, as a tequila connoisseur, he was intrigued with the challenge of making the finest tequila ever — a true tequila that was exceptionally smooth and easy to drink, but also 100% pure without any additives.  This led him to widely respected Master Distillers Enrique Fonseca and Sergio Mendoza – fourth and fifth generation agaveros (agave farmers).

He listened to Sergio Mendoza, a prominent voice outlining the differences between authentic, “real tequilas” and “fake tequilas” littered with artificial additives. “When I first met Sergio, I was impressed by his extensive knowledge of the Highlands’ terroir, agave plants, distilling techniques, and the history of the entire tequila industry. We are incredibly blessed to have Sergio and his uncle Enrique Fonseca as our partners. Since they are both agaveros and master distillers, they have truly unique perspectives on the best ways to grow and harvest agave in addition to crafting world-class tequilas,” said Chaffee.

A partnership was formed giving Todd Chaffee access to not only their expertise but also the vast Fonseca library of over 30,000 barrels of natural tequilas, some 30 years old.  After blending and tasting hundreds of options from the Fonsecas’ library, the Cierto team crafted eight exceptional Cierto agave expressions, which they shared with family and friends while conducting extensive consumer research.

Over 700 Awards

When the research results came back overwhelmingly positive, the Cierto team began entering the Cierto portfolio in top international spirits competitions to gain insight and recognition from the world’s most discerning and respected palates. The results have been extraordinary, with Cierto winning top honors in every major competition. Each of Cierto’s eight agave expressions has won dozens of medals and awards, and to date, Cierto’s 700+ international medals and awards make it the most awarded tequila in history.  The medals and accolades were pouring in before it had even been released to the public!

“Cierto” is Spanish for “True” – the perfect word to describe this patiently crafted pure, elegant, luxury tequila. There are many reasons why Cierto Tequila is so special, one being it is completely free of additives or impurities.  Only 3% of the 3,000 plus brands of tequila can claim to be additive free.  Another important differentiation is the use of rare French Limousin oak casks that previously contained fine wines and spirits, including Cognac and Armagnac.  Typically, most tequilas are matured in French or American white oak barrels that have been used to age whiskey or bourbon.

Since July 24 is National Tequila Day, we’re including the recipes for the Cierto Paloma and Cierto Aire Libre, both delightful cocktails for a hot July afternoon! See below.

Pricing for 750ml bottles

Cierto Tequila launched first with its Private Collection, four distinct agave expressions embodying the rich complexity of the Highlands’ terroir:

• Cierto Tequila Private Collection Blanco: Rested before bottling, it is smooth and fresh with an herbaceous aroma that imparts sweet floral and agave notes. Best enjoyed on the rocks or in a Margarita, with an SRP of $89

• Cierto Tequila Private Collection Reposado: Aged primarily in French Limousin oak, it has a light aroma with hints of butterscotch and cooked agave, offering a flavor profile that begins with agave, shifts to caramel, and finishes with rich cinnamon spice. Best enjoyed on the rocks or in an elevated Paloma, with an SRP of $119

• Cierto Tequila Private Collection Añejo: Aged primarily in French Limousin oak, this unique marriage of rare añejo tequilas has orange and oak aromas, with a complex array of coffee, chocolate, and caramel flavors. Best served neat or on the rocks, with an SRP of $169

• Cierto Tequila Private Collection Extra Añejo: Aged primarily in French Limousin oak, the aroma bursts with oak, cherry, and cooked agave, with deep flavor notes of tobacco, vanilla, and oak, finishing with honey and spice. Best served neat or on the rocks with an SRP of $279

Cierto Tequila is now available for purchase where luxury tequilas are sold, and online at ReserveBar , Drizly , Instacart and others.

Two Recipes to celebrate National Tequila Day

Cierto Paloma

• 2 oz Cierto Tequila Private Collection Reposado
• 1 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice
• ½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
• ¼ oz Mayan Honey Syrup
• 1 oz Sparking Water
• Garnish: Grapefruit Slice

Method: Add all ingredients (minus sparkling water) to a shaker and shake with ice until chilled. Strain into a highball glass with ice. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a grapefruit slice.

Cierto Aire Libre

• 1½ oz. Cierto Tequila Private Collection Blanco
• ½ oz. Fresh Lime Juice
• ½ oz. Mayan Honey Syrup
• 1 oz. Champagne

Method: Add all ingredients (minus Champagne) and shake with ice until chilled. Strain into a flute glass, top with Champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.

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