Mexican spirit connoisseurs, tequila lovers and Southern California foodies will gather in Del Mar, CA on September 28th for the 11th Annual Spirits of Mexico Festival . This year’s event will come at the Del Mar Fairgrounds for a giant one-night celebration of tequila, spirits and the fine art of Mexican distilling.
The Spirits of Mexico Festival is the largest and most prestigious tasting event in North America for Mexican and agave-based spirits, held yearly in San Diego. The event will bring more than 1,000 guests together amidst the Spanish architecture and sunshine of Del Mar to sample, sip and savor Mexico’s finest offerings. An array of spirits, including the popular varieties of tequila, mezcal, sotol, bacanora and Mexican wine, will be poured by the industry’s top producers, award-winning brands and new-to-market makers.
As guests walk through the event’s tasting exhibition, they will have the chance to meet and mingle with spirit producers and retailers, learning about the craft and history of each spirit. All Access ticket holders will also have the opportunity to go behind the scenes and “Meet the Masters,” a special chance to mingle with the pioneers of the Mexico’s premier spirits. Featured Masters include Mark Carlston, CEO & Master Distiller of Crótalo Tequila; Germán González, Owner & Master Distiller at T1 Tequila Uno; and Alex Viecco, CEO of Montalvo Tequila.
The evening’s festivities will be rounded out with a silent auction, live music by Cantua Spanish guitar duo, Latin-inspired dishes and the industry Cocktail Challenge, a fierce live battle between local mixologists for the crown of best tequila cocktail. The tequila cocktail, which must be made with 1 oz. Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Tequila, ½ oz. Montelobos Mezcal and ½ oz. Ancho Reyes Chili Liqueur, will be judged by a people’s choice panel and a panel of San Diego industry experts that includes members of the United States Bartender’s Guild.
San Diego is the ideal location for this international celebration, due to its strong historical and cultural ties to Mexico. Guests, exhibitors and enthusiasts travel from all over the world to attend this event and sample premier offerings. From its inception, the Festival has sought to honor Mexican heritage and pay respects to the generations of master distillers and blenders whose art and soul exists in every drop of spirits produced.
In addition to showcasing their spirits, producers and exhibitors will discuss current industry trends and teach the history and culture of each spirit. Featured producers include Milagro Tequila, El Jimador, Crótalo Tequila, Mezcal Sacrificio, Gran Orendain, Ancho Reyes Chili Liqueur, Tequila Celestial, Dos Armadillos, Casa d’Aristi Mayan Liqueur and Puerto Vallarta Tequila.
Tickets for the event are on sale now at www.thespiritsofmexico.com. For festival updates, promotions and contests follow them on Twitter.