Pernod Ricard’s Avión tequila is tapping into the soaring demand for prestige tequila by expanding its exclusive Reserva range with the launch of Avión Reserva Cristalino – the second release to join the Avión Reserva line-up.
Who are Tequila Avion?
A multi award-winning tequila, Avión is crafted with a simple philosophy; committed to creating a single origin tequila that embodies the best of craft processes to ensure the natural, rich, and roasted flavours of the Avion agave.
The journey of Avión begins in the small town of Arandas, Jalisco. Here, single origin, blue agave is grown at some of the highest elevations for 7 – 10 years. When ripe, the finest single source agave is then handpicked and slow roasted in brick ovens for three days. These low temperatures gently caramelize the agave, bringing out its natural sweetness and rich flavour.
Avión tequila is then distilled in small, handmade pot stills, before it undergoes meticulous, ultra-slow filtration. Finally, the liquid is aged in former American whisky barrels.
This launch comes off the back of an impressive year for Avión (achieving high double-digit growth) and reflects increasing demand for prestige tequila – now the fastest growing price segment within the category.
“This growth is driven by consumers’ excitement and desire to try new Tequilas, both at home and on premise,” says Michael Merolli – CEO at House of Tequila, Pernod Ricard´s division in charge of all Mexican origin spirits. “With this launch we aim to expand our Avión Reserva Range with a new fresh profile so consumers can choose their favorite Reserva according to their taste preference, the setting or moment in which they are enjoying it.”
A crystal-clear aged tequila, Avión Reserva Cristalino is aimed at propelling Avión’s success even further, driving both penetration and higher value sales among consumers seeking the perfect serve for an ultra-premium tasting experience.
Avión Reserva Cristalino Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Primary notes of oak, vanilla, caramel and warm spices, like cinnamon. These aromas are complemented by hints of minerality, lime zest and fresh agave.
- Taste: Creamy notes of vanilla, pecans and roasted agave and pineapple. Agave bright notes of fresh herbs and minerality.
- Finish: Full bodied and Smooth palate of oak, caramel and earthy tones.
Distilled in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico – using mature, hand-selected agave grown at the highest elevations – Avión Reserva Cristalino is crafted using a unique blend of the finest 12-month-old Añejo and a touch of 3-year-old Extra Añejo Reserva. The liquid then undergoes double-charcoal filtration to achieve a clear tequila of unparalleled smoothness with a fruity, floral character, which carefully balances the citric nuances of agave with the signature taste and aroma of barrel aging. The brand claims the delicately balanced profile of Avión Reserva Cristalino will appeal to both Blanco and Añejo tequila aficionados alike.
“Since its foundation in 2008, Avión has been driven by a desire to make tequila that is truly unique, a passion that has resulted in the use of only the finest quality agave from higher elevations,” says Michael Merolli – CEO – House Of Tequila (Pernod Ricard).
Xavier Zamudio, Brand Manager for Avión, says: “Through the introduction of Avión Reserva Cristalino, we have crafted a tequila that pays homage to every step in our production process – from field to bottle – showcasing the uniqueness of our terroir, the character of our agave, the purity of our distillation and the delicate relationship with wood during ageing.
“The result of this vision is a crystal-clear Añejo tequila which strikes the perfect balance between aged complexity and agave brightness. Best enjoyed neat, or on the rocks, this new launch offers consumers an elevated drinking experience with every sip, which we’re confident will contribute to the continued growth of the prestige tequila sector.”
To ensure its unique appearance and flavour profile, the new launch has been developed in collaboration with renowned spirits judge, restaurant critic and cocktail expert Virginia
Miller. The final product is the result of rigorous testing, with over 56 prototypes coming before it.
Miller comments: “It has been exciting working with the Avión team for over a year, creating the Cristalino I longed to see in the market. Taking inspiration from across spirits categories and working outside the box with a range of flavour profiles and blends, I am proud of what we created together: a Cristalino with age and complexity, balance and nuance, but one that is a tequila first – showcasing our beloved agave.”
Avion Reserva Cristalino (750ml, RRP: $149 USD) will be available in the USA, Mexico and St. Barts from the beginning of February, and will be rolled out in Europe by Summer 2022.
