Aggies can try new NMSU themed tequila

EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) — Aggie fans can “wobble in their shoes” with this new New Mexico State University (NMSU) tequila.

NM State Athletics and Tepozán Tequila collaborated to produce Tepozán Tequila: The Crimson Edition, according to NMSU in a news release.

Aggies and fans can get their first taste of the tequila during a launch event from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8 at Elephant Ranch, located at 3995 W. Picacho Ave.

“This is an extremely exciting collaboration that I have been waiting for quite some time to launch. Many members of Aggie Nation ask me when we would align ourselves with a tequila company and today is finally here,” said Mario Moccia, director of athletics at NMSU. “Our licensed products have been very popular with our fans statewide and nationally. Specifically, Pistol Pete’s 1888 Ale and Pistol Pete’s Six Shooter Rye Whiskey have not only been popular, but also very profitable from a licensing revenue standpoint.”

The owner of Tepozán Tequila, Matthew Hechter, is an NMSU alumnus and grew up in New Mexico, where he met his co-founder, Chris Brandon, at Oñate High School in Las Cruces, NMSU said.

“Chris and I began opening restaurants in New York City and Los Angeles over a decade-long span. With this experience, we decided to launch our own tequila of the highest standards and quality,” Hechter said. “95% of the tequila on the shelf is full of artificial additives and food coloring. Our brand, Tepozán, is 100% additive free.”

“The taste profile is a bit different if you are not used to drinking additive free tequilas,” he said. “Most big brands use a lot of artificial vanilla so many consumers have been tricked to think this is natural in a Blanco tequila. You will also quickly realize Tepozán has a very clean finish with almost no bite, and this is because of how clean the tequila is. The highest quality agave, mineral water from a well, and natural yeast. That’s it!”

With both founders of Tepozán Tequila having strong ties to Las Cruces and NMSU, they wanted to give back to the community they grew up in, NMSU said.

“We also wanted a product the community could be proud of. Our tequila is one of the highest awarded, which is a great foundation to build the partnership on,” Hechter said. “We are very excited to contribute to NM State Athletics and we hope to add value in any way possible to provide for a better experience for our athletes.”

“As I have said collaborating with a national brand owned by an NM State alum, a product that is universally seen as top quality in the industry and is available statewide and revenue from licensing going to assist our 16 sports and 400+ student-athletes is a win, win, win situation,” Moccia said.

Other areas where people can find the tequila are at the following places:

• Kelly’s Liquors, 3850 E. Lohman Ave.
• NMSU Golf Course, 3000 Herb Wimberly Dr.
• Pete’s Patio, Atrium at, 1600 International Mall
• The Game Bar and Grill
  • Location 1, 2605 S. Espina St.
  • Location 2, 4131 Northrise Dr.
• Jubilation Wine and Spirit, 3512 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque

According to NMSU, Tepozán Tequila is planning to launch more fun products with partnerships including shirts, hats, hoodies, ice coolers, and more.

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