‘Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of American Agave’: New Texas-Made Tequila Alternative Dials up Patriotism in Every Bottle

As America's thirst for tequila grows year after year, a community of domestic distillers is beginning to put twists on the concept under names like "California Agave Spirit." Ameragave , a new Texas-based brand founded by Brett and Holly Beckett, takes the idea and splashes it with high-contrast red, white and blue. Featuring an unaged Silver and barrel-finished Gold expression, the brand distills its products using Blue Weber agave sourced from Jalisco, Mexico, though its founders add that they envision "a future where agave farms would flourish under the vast U.S. skies." The spirit itself combines all the hallmark traits of traditionally made tequila. Ameragave says its additive-free recipe hinges exclusively on water, yeast, oak and 100% mature agave, balancing flavors of white pepper and minerality on the palate. So far as branding goes, the bottle attempts to cram all-American patriotism into every inch of its being. Its rectangular shape is reportedly a "deliberate representation of the iconic American flag," featuring 13 stripes in the background paying homage to the original 13 colonies. A removable medallion — written in script that mirrors the Declaration of Independence — is shaped in the silhouette of a bald eagle. On the back, you'll find the slogan "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of American Agave."

"Our mission was clear from the start—to create a sustainable, high-quality American agave spirit that speaks to both whiskey lovers and traditional tequila aficionados," said Brett Beckett, founder of Ameragave. "With Ameragave Gold, we've aged our 100% blue Weber agave with new American Oak, achieving a rich, complex flavor profile that whiskey drinkers especially appreciate."

Ameragave's 40%-ABV Silver and Gold expressions are now available online at $64.99 and $79.99, respectively. Outside of Texas, the American-made agave spirit trend has found significant footing over the past few years. At distilleries across Louisiana, Missouri and Pennsylvania, local brands are importing Blue Weber agave from Mexico and distilling it on-site. Although many use production methods identical to that of tequila and mezcal, they have to get creative with the naming due to strictly enforced designation of origin laws. Others are taking it upon themselves to start from scratch. The California Agave Council , comprised of a tight-knit group of farmers and distillers, is currently planting agave en masse in preparation for a full-fledged industry that could take off within the coming years. Internationally, growers have begun seeding their own agave spirits in Australia and South Africa as well. [botmc-promo]