#United States #Amatitán #PKGD Group #Tequila Arriesgado #Roberto Real

Tequila Arriesgado: Reviving Ancestral Techniques for a Modern Audience

In a bold move to bring traditional craftsmanship back to tequila production, PKGD Group has launched Tequila Arriesgado in the U.S. This new brand symbolizes a rebellious return to the deep-rooted methods of tequila-making that date back over a century. Spearheaded by Maestro Tequilero Roberto Real, Arriesgado aims to provide a taste of authentic tequila culture at an unprecedented value.

Tequila Arriesgado embodies a meticulous and labor-intensive production process that prioritizes traditional methods over industrial efficiency. From fire-cooked masonry ovens to hand-crushed agave using a process called Canoa y Mazo, every step reflects a commitment to artisanal quality. Unlike many modern brands that rely on faster, mechanized processes, Arriesgado embraces the slow, deliberate methods of the 19th century, thus offering a richer, more intricate flavor profile.

The Craftsmanship Behind Arriesgado

The craftsmanship of Tequila Arriesgado sets it apart in a crowded market. Each bottle stands testament to a revival of ancient techniques:

1. The Cooking Process: The agave is meticulously cooked in masonry and earthen ovens using a consistent fire, infusing the spirit with subtle earthy notes that modern methods often overlook.

2. Hand-Crushed Agave: Real's team crushes the cooked agave entirely by hand with the Canoa y Mazo method, a challenging physical process that enhances the agave's essence.

3. Open-Air Fermentation: The juice is fermented naturally in open-air wooden tinas, allowing local yeasts to develop. This creates a unique flavor profile specific to the terroir of the Amatitán valley.

4. Copper-Pot Distillation: Distilling in small copper pots heated by firewood adds a nuanced, smoky character that is distinctly absent in spirits distilled with steam.

With an alcohol content of 48% ABV, Tequila Arriesgado Blanco is priced at $69.99. It disrupts the luxury tequila category, delivering a quality often associated with exclusive “unicorn” bottles, making it accessible to everyone.

Exploring the Range of Tequila Arriesgado

Tequila Arriesgado offers multiple expressions, including:

• - Arriesgado Blanco: A vibrant high-proof version with flavors of cooked agave and rich earthiness.
• - Arriesgado Reposado: Aged in French Oak barrels, which provides a sophisticated, spicy finish for $79.99.
• - Arriesgado Añejo: Aged in American Oak barrels, this expression costs $109.99 and delivers a smoky complexity.

Accompanying the Arriesgado brand is Tequila Dos Locos, designed as an accessible, high-quality entry point for consumers. This sibling brand blends ancestral tequila with a modern touch, including its unique Reposado Cristalino that achieves clarity through a third distillation instead of carbon filtration.

The Vision Behind the Brand

Roberto Real, a member of a distinguished distilling family, faces the challenge of balancing tradition with modern consumer demands. While many in the industry are focused solely on efficiency and profitability, Real's vision emphasizes the integrity and depth of flavor unique to traditional production methods.

Jeff Ernst, Co-Founder of PKGD Group, commented on this bold approach: "Roberto has taken a significant risk by stepping away from modern convenience to honor his roots. Arriesgado isn't just another tequila; it's a high-proof, transparent spirit that presents the quality of traditional craftsmanship at a price point that allows it to be a staple on any bar."

With the launch of Tequila Arriesgado and its commitment to preserving ancient tequila-making traditions, PKGD Group continues to strengthen its reputation as a leader in the agave spirits market. By inviting enthusiasts to experience unparalleled craftsmanship, Arriesgado is poised to become a new favorite among discerning tequila lovers looking for authenticity and quality in every sip.