Monday, February 23, 2009

Former Ketel One Vodka Executives Concoct Ultra-Premium Azuñia Tequila

Kirk Gaither and Jim Riley today announced the launch of their latest venture, Intersect Beverage. This spring, the company is set to bring to market a line of authentic, ultra-premium tequila: Azuñia Tequila.

Gaither, former Vice President of Sales for Ketel One Vodka, and Riley, former Vice President of Public Relations and Events for Ketel One Vodka, have secured a deal with Sergio Partida Zuniga and Liliana Partida, two members of a respected tequila-making family in Amatitan, Mexico. They have signed a contract for 20,000 acres of Weber Blue Agave fields in the Jalisco region that includes established distillery resources. This coalition will put them at the forefront of the ultra-premium tequila import market.

"This is the next step natural in our careers. Being well-acquainted with the Partida-Zuniga family as well as their fields and facilities in Amatitan, we could not be more elated with the business arrangement and the products that we have developed together," explains Riley.

Intersect Beverage's initial imports will include Azuñia Tequila made from 100 percent Weber Blue Agave in the following varieties: un-aged Platinum; Reposado—aged six months in American Oak barrels; and a 12- to 18-month aged Añejo. All three tequila varieties will be available in 750 milliliter and one liter sizes.

As for distribution, Gaither comments, "We will partner with those distributors best positioned for the launch of an ultra-premium tequila brand. Our preferred pricing, marketing strategies and nimble approach to the industry put us in a perfect position to launch Azuñia Tequila today."

"My family and I are extremely excited about this new partnership. Jim and Kirk are exceptionally well-suited to carry the passion, heritage and tradition of my family to the United States through Azuñia Tequila," remarks Liliana Partida.

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