Loca Loka Celebrates a Triumphant Competition Debut
In an impressive start to its competitive journey, Loca Loka, the innovative tequila brand created from the fusion of Indian and Mexican cultures, has earned accolades at the prestigious 2025 Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Wine and Spirits Tasting Competition. The event, renowned for its rigorous blind tastings, serves as a platform for established and emerging brands to showcase their excellence in flavor. At this year’s competition, Loca Loka was awarded a silver medal for its Reposado Tequila and a bronze medal for its Blanco Tequila, marking a strong debut for the brand in this arena.
Located in Denver, the WSWA competition is part of the Access Live conference, one of the largest gatherings in the beverage alcohol industry. It draws numerous brands vying for recognition, and Loca Loka's success highlights the appeal and quality of their offerings.
Rajiv Ghumman, the Global Business Head of Ironhill Hospitality, expressed immense pride in the brand’s achievements. He remarked, "We're delighted to receive both the silver and bronze medals in this respected competition. This is our first submission, and the acclaim validates the premium quality of Loca Loka tequila."
Harsha Vadlamudi, the brand's Founder and CEO, reinforced this sentiment by emphasizing how the vibrant blend of the two cultures shines through in every sip of Loca Loka tequila. "These awards position us to pursue global expansion while connecting consumers through rich flavors and cultural narratives," Harsha stated.
The tequila brand, co-created by actor Rana Daggubati and composer Anirudh Ravichander, has developed a reputation for quality and creativity. Rana noted, "The recognition at this first competition is a testament to the exceptional quality of our tequila and its distinctive branding." He highlighted the unique combination of ingredients and storytelling as key elements that set Loca Loka apart in a saturated market.
Launched in August of the previous year, Loca Loka has experienced substantial growth and increasing demand across the U.S. Initially available in major cities such as Los Angeles, New York, and New Jersey, the brand has steadily expanded to vibrant locales like Dallas, Chicago, San Diego, Tampa, and Jacksonville. With tequila's rising popularity, Loca Loka is well-poised to capture a significant share of this growing market.
The Craft Behind Loca Loka
Both the Blanco and Reposado varieties are crafted from 100% additive-free agave, hailing from the premium highland regions of Jalisco, Mexico. Each agave plant is meticulously harvested by hand and slowly cooked using traditional brick ovens and autoclaves to preserve its true essence and flavor.
- - Tequila Blanco: Renowned for its crisp and bright profile, this variant showcases fruity notes of cooked agave paired with delicate floral undertones.
- - Tequila Reposado: Aged in a blend of French and American oak barrels, the Reposado offers an elegant aroma complemented by a rich and complex flavor profile.
In Murash, Ironhill Hospitality, the parent company of Loca Loka, is dedicated to producing exceptional spirits that resonate with a global audience. With roots in Singapore, Ironhill strives to fuse quality and narrative in each of its offerings, setting new standards in the spirits industry.
The accolades received at the WSWA have spurred excitement for Loca Loka’s future, indicating that this spirited brand is on track for an inspiring journey through the international liquor landscape. With its strong cultural roots and a commitment to excellence, Loca Loka is indeed ready to make waves—and not just in the tequila market.