This past week, Michelin-recognized restaurant Sweetbriar hosted a special happy hour to celebrate their January partnership with the tequila brand we all know and love, Don Julio.
The Knockturnal: We ask, why a tequila company?
Kristopher DeSoto: Having been raised in Texas, I was introduced to tequila early on and since then, I’ve traveled throughout Mexico extensively and spent nearly 8 years living there. In that time, I noticed that tequilas south of the border were often different from those found on US shelves, the flavors and aromas more robust and expressive. When I moved back to the US after a decade abroad, I was surprised to find that many of the new tequila brands that had become popular were nearly unrecognizable within their flavor to what I knew tequila to be. So, I decided that a traditional, honest tequila crafted from the finest ingredients should be available in the US.
I have not had a linear career path and for the majority of it I worked in helicopter sales and marketing for some of the largest manufacturers. That experience, along with my deep-rooted passion for travel, led me to explore over 50 countries and live on multiple continents by my mid-30’s. That cultural exposure is the best education I could have imagined and influenced what I’m doing today.
Speaking on our brand, a hiatus is a break, pause, or interruption in continuity. In other words, taking time away from the daily routine. Ultimately this is what every culture I’ve encountered aspires to when they are enjoying their adult beverages. We are all trying to have that little escape when we take a break to enjoy our favorite libation. The brand name is literal in that way.
Hiatus Tequila speaks for itself. We put all our focus on what’s inside the bottle, not how fancy the packaging is or what celebrity is pushing it. Respecting traditional processes and the integrity of the farmers and producers involved are key to a product that we can be extremely proud of. Real is good and tastes great!
The Knockturnal: What inspired you to start Hiatus Tequila?
Kristopher DeSoto: I’ve always loved agave spirits, especially tequila, but so much of what we find available on the US side of the border is mass-produced and “watered down” with artificial flavors and especially sweeteners. Long story short, I wanted to make real tequila as I knew it from living in Mexico. My goal was to introduce American consumers to what high quality, authentic tequila can and should taste like. It is vital for me to highlight the true celebrities of the tequila world, who are the hard-working farmers and amazing people that create this complex spirit that is deeply engraved in their culture.
The Knockturnal: What is your favorite tequila cocktail?
Kristopher DeSoto: Honestly, I like to taste the tequila, so less is more. A Hiatus Tequila soda with a twist of lime is full of the natural flavors and aromas that I love, and the fewer ingredients involved also means less calories! But I typically will drink any of our tequila expressions neat at room temperature or possibly with a few rocks if I’m feeling fancy. Tequila can be used in any classic cocktail; with both clear and aged expressions you can basically substitute tequila in nearly any cocktail. Añejo “Old Fashion”, Blanco “Dirty Martini”, Reposado “Mule”….to name a few.
The Knockturnal: What makes your tequila different from other brands?
Kristopher DeSoto: We believe less is more. Our tequilas are all natural, no added artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. We age our reposado and añejo long enough to add unique characteristics but not so long that we lose the complexity of the agave, which is what tequila is all about. We know what we are and don’t try to be something we are not. We make tequila for tequila people, the old-fashioned way. The vast majority of tequila sold in the US is mass produced in very industrialized ways, that while can technically be called tequila, is far from the aromas and flavors that good tequila is meant to express.
The Knockturnal: Any advice that you would give to someone starting their own alcohol brand?
Kristopher DeSoto: Be patient. Everything will take much longer than you can imagine. When you think it is time to expand, wait another 6 months. Going too far too fast is not the path to success. And finally, this industry never sleeps, so be ready to work around the clock and particularly on holidays when everyone else is enjoying what your created!
The Knockturnal: Are there any new exciting projects/news you can tell us about?
Kristopher DeSoto: We can’t give away our secrets, so stay tuned! But we can say that we have a small production run concept in the works for the near term, and of course some big ambition for the longer term.
The Knockturnal: What are you and your team most looking forward to in the new year?
Kristopher DeSoto: We look forward to educating even more consumers and industry professionals about our favorite spirit! Knowledge is power they say. The more we know, the better decisions we make which ultimately helps keep our industry healthy. Millions of new consumers have started exploring the tequila category for the first time in the last few years. The market has seen a flood of new brands and there is generally very little information available where consumers drink or buy their tequila. Hospitality and alcohol retail professionals are the gatekeepers and the main source of information for their consumers. We, at Hiatus Tequila focus on education to all of these audiences, which is one of the most rewarding parts of our job!
To keep up with Hiatus Tequila check out the links below!
Website: https://hiatustequila.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiatustequila/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HiatusTequila/
El Cristiano officially introduced to the world the first ever XR, hosted by founders of the Ultra Premium Tequila brand Karan Khanna and Priyanka Khanna, and co-founder Chris Shaffer. XR is an entirely new category of tequila, Extra Reposado, at Soho Works in West Hollywood, on November 15, 2022.
Guests, inclusive of notable industry players and house members enjoyed an intimate tasting event in the membership workspace’ Loft, featuring a lavish charcuterie spread by Chef Shane Fatemian. The tasting featured El Cristiano’s new XR Old Fashioned cocktail, prepared by mixologist David Brackett.
The launch of XR is El Cristiano’s latest expansion, and the first brand to introduce an Extra Reposado variety. XR is a brand new category in tequila, a delicate blend of 11 months aged Reposado from ex-bourbon american and ex-red wine french oak barrels for complexity and sweetness. El Cristiano tequila prides itself on being sustainable and additive free.
This ultra premium award-winning tequila which officially debuted in May 2022, is always additive free and made from at least six year old blue weber agave harvested from the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. This properly aged highlands agave is the basis of the delicious and clean taste profile of their tequila. The brand has developed a signature and beautiful taste of 100% agave with no additives, and is a featured tequila at Soho House. El Cristiano was born by a passionate group of tequila and liquor industry leaders, award-winning generational premium tequila makers and agave growers, and seasoned business entrepreneurs.
Soho Works is located at 9000 Sunset in West Hollywood, the work-focused collaborative members space extension of Soho House members club. The gorgeous space features a modern design with rustic and refined accents, highlighted by floor to ceiling views of the Hollywood Hills and Sunset Strip.
Photos courtesy of El Cristiano/Jesse Richmond. Event was produced by The Influence.
Image Gallery: El Cristiano Mixology, TV Host George Satsidis with Founders Karan and Priyanka Khanna, Film Producer Tomik Mansoori with Author Jasmin Rosemberg and Artist Matt Smiley, Chef Shane Fatemian, Soho Works Loft, Cocktail Blogger The Gilded Bellini, and VIP Guests at the tasting including Dr. Raj Kanodia, George Satsidis and Ryan Phillippe with founders Karan and Priyanka Khanna and Chris Shaffer.
Everleaf: The award winning non-alcoholic aperitif makes its debut in the U.S.
It was a moment that uplifted the spirit.
SAINT in the East Village is officially open.
Las Olas was the place to be Friday, April 22nd for the Las Olas Food and Wine Festival. The night was filled with eating delicious bites and sippin’ on wine, beer, and mouth-watering cocktails all while helping to fund lung disease research, education, advocacy, and support for individuals living with lung disease in South Florida.
“Every year this event brings together the best of the best of South Florida. The Festival attracts a diversity of industries and demographics, representing various corporations, hospitality partners, entertainment vendors, and attendees from all over Florida and beyond,” remarks LaJuane Mack, Las Olas Wine and Food Festival Committee Member, South Florida American Lung Association Leadership Board Member, and Region Multicultural Manager – Central with Brown-Forman Beverages.
The three-hour event shut down a nice portion of Las Olas with tents lining both sides of the road filled with food and drinks from many local restaurants, breweries, and bars. Faux Pas had my favorite drink of the night, a canned pear Moscow Mule, I typically do not love Moscow Mules, but the canned cocktail was bursting with flavors from the pear notes. I highly enjoyed trying all the different wines, beers, cocktails, prosecco, and champagnes, and can not say there was one beverage I did not enjoy.
The unlimited small plates of food had to be the highlight of this event for me, there were 28 food vendors and I made sure to try delicious bites from each of them in a three-hour window, a new food record for myself! I loved all the flavorful ceviches- there were quite a few I tried that night. I also can not stop dreaming about the spicy meatballs from Nikki’s Foods LLC. There was a true variety of restaurants at this event for all taste pallets, from seafood, sweets, pasta dishes, poultry, bruschetta, and so many more tasteful bites.
When you think the night can not get any better there is more- not only did this event feature wine and food but it also featured a 360 photo booth, a silent dance party, some outdoor games, and loads of free giveaways from shirts to seltzer koozies. The silent dance party has to be one of the most innovative ways to party and dance off all the food that was consumed that night. For the silent dance party, each person was given a headset and they could choose between three different stations to dance the night away under the stars. It was hilarious to see everyone dancing to their own beat (literally).
“The American Lung Association is proud to share this memorable experience with our community. Proceeds from the Festival allow us to fund life-saving research, provide community-based support programs for those living with lung disease, and advances much-needed advocacy efforts to ensure clean air for all,” shares Cynthia Peterson, South Florida American Lung Association Board Member and Executive Director of Broward County Medical Association.
If you missed this event this year be sure to check it out next time, you will not regret it!
American Lung Association Interview On The 26th Annual Las Olas Wine and Food Festival:
Tell us about the event?
The 26th Annual Las Olas Wine and Food Festival annually celebrates the incredible restaurant community of Greater Fort Lauderdale with a one-night event on the iconic Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, FL. There are five blocks of sampling stations featuring the participating restaurants paired with international wine stations so guests can sip, sample, and enjoy, thanks to presenting sponsor, Breakthru Beverage. The evening brings together the best of the area and is hosted by and benefits the American Lung Association.
Tell us about the American Lung Association and it works?
The American Lung Association is a non-profit organization whose mission is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.
- Money raised funds the American Lung Association’s efforts to end all lung diseases, including lung cancer and COVID-19, through research, education, and advocacy.
- The Lung Association has long been the trusted champion for lung health.
- Over 115 years ago, the organization pioneered the model of using education, advocacy, and research to virtually eradicate tuberculosis in the U.S.
- Using these same principles, the Lung Association works to end all lung diseases, including COVID-19.
What were the highlights of the evening?
Prior to the event’s official start, VIP guests enjoyed a spectacular pre-event reception hosted by FPL at the Riverside Hotel Rooftop Terrace. The reception included bites from Wild Sea Las Olas and Sky Thai Sushi, sweets courtesy of Hoffman’s Chocolates, and a champagne toast, courtesy of Korbel Champagne.
Some of the highlights of the night were the incredible samples the restaurant partners served, the entertainment sponsor lounges featuring Celebrity Cruises Silent Disco, Woodford Reserve’s Ode to the Derby, High Noon Dance Party, and Stella Artois’ Frites & Artois Experience. The all-new Demesmin & Dover 8th Ave. Street Party was a huge hit. Each pavilion had DJs or live music and provided everyone with constant entertainment and so much fun! As guests flowed throughout the event, they popped in and out of the dance party with free giveaways and merchandise.
How do you determine what restaurants, breweries, and wineries are showcased at the event?
The restaurants participating apply each year for one of the exclusive spots on the boulevard. Our goal is to include a wide representation of Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding area restaurants to ensure guests get a diversity of offerings and discover new favorite places to dine in the future. The beverages are selected exclusively by partners of the Festival. We are so fortunate to continue to receive tremendous support from our Presenting Sponsor Breakthru Beverage and its amazing suppliers on the wine and spirits side and Stephens Distributing on the beer side.
What other big events do you do throughout the year?
- Fight for Air Climb – celebrates all athletic levels working toward a common goal: a world free of lung disease. Held annually each spring, this year the Climb was held at loanDepot park – Home of the Miami Marlins. Participants climbed over 1,700 steps.
- LUNG FORCE Soiree – Scheduled for June 4th at 6:30 p.m. at the W Fort Lauderdale. Sunset Soiree, brought to you by Title Sponsor, Memorial Cancer Institute, is a premier luxury lifestyle event of the season designed to raise awareness, education, and critical funding to end lung cancer. This event recognizes several of our LUNG FORCE heroes and includes several guest DJ performances, a one-of-a-kind style lounge, beauty bar, craft cocktails, wine pull, chance drawing, silent auction, and more. For tickets and more information visit https://one.bidpal.net/sunsetsoiree2022/welcome
Any upcoming news on the American Lung Association that you would like to share?
- The American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE initiative unites America to raise critical awareness of lung cancer, the nation’s leading cancer killer, during Turquoise Takeover Week (May 8 – 14, 2022). Each May, we work with landmarks and buildings across the U.S. to turn turquoise, our signature color, to honor those living with and impacted by lung cancer. To get involved locally visit www.turquoisetakeoverchallenge.org.
- While the survival rate of lung cancer has increased by a dramatic 33% over the past 10 years, there is still work to be done. It is estimated that in 2022 alone, there will be over 19,560 Florida residents diagnosed with lung cancer.
- Turquoise Takeover provides the opportunity to raise more awareness about lung cancer, educate on lifesaving screening and raise more research funds to fuel lifesaving breakthroughs. Each year, we turn the nation turquoise and tell the stories of those impacted by lung cancer to change the public’s perception of the disease and help save more lives. Anyone can get lung cancer. In fact, 2/3 of lung cancer diagnoses impact non-smokers. Regardless, no one deserves this devastating disease.
Who are some key partners of the event?
The festival is presented by Breakthru Beverage with their 30+ wine suppliers along with High Noon Sun Sips and Woodford Reserve. Hosting sponsors include Celebrity Cruises, Cadillac, Las Olas Association, Las Olas Company, and Demesmin and Dover. Additional sponsors include Broward Health, Stella Artois, VIP Pre-Festival Reception host FPL, Truist, Kindred, Crown Wine and Spirits, Memorial Healthcare, Stephen’s Distributing, RRCA Roofing, and the host hotel is Riverside Hotel.
Featured Culinary Partners included:
- American Social
- Bahia Mar
- Beehive Kitchen
- Big Buns/Matchbox
- Bo’s Pub Las Olas / The Balcony
- Boatyard Restaurant
- Bodega
- Casa Sensei
- Cornish BBQ INC
- Dunkin’
- Estiatorio Ornos
- Eve On The Water
- Even Keel Fish & Oyster
- Gelato Petrini
- Gran Forno/ Gran Forno Pronto
- Lona Cocina Tequileria
- Louie Bossi’s Ristorante
- Morea
- Nikki’s Foods LLC
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
- Radiant 166
- Rivertail
- Sushi Garage
- The Alchemist Cafe
- The Patio at Le Marché
- The Wilder
- Vale Food Co
- Wild Sea
- YOLO Restaurant
Beverage Partners:
- Aspect Fine Wine
- August Wine Imports
- Avalon
- BEV
- Bogle Vineyards
- Clos du Bois
- Daylight Wine & Spirits
- Elysian
- Faux Pas
- Guarachi Wine
- Hiro Sake
- Indigenous Selections
- Kaiken
- O’Neill Vintners
- Piattelli Vineyards
- Precept Wine
- Prosecco Zero
- Q Mixers
- Sonoma-Cutrer
- Treasury Wine Estates
- Blue Point
- Budweiser
- Goose Island
- Veza Sur
- Wicked Weed
- VOSS Sparkling Water
The Knockturnal joined brand ambassadors at Las’ Lap in Lower East Side for a lesson on mixology. Get the three recipes and start mixing your own special New Old Fashioned cocktails in time for the holidays.
These three cocktails call for perfect water and there’s no better choice than Essentia Water. Mix them up in time for the new year!
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