CELEBRATING TOMAS ESTES

At ItalSpirits, we had the distinct pleasure of attending the launch of ‘The Tequila Ambassador V.O.’, a monumental work that continues the legacy of Tomas Estes. This new edition, an expansion of his seminal 2012 book, captures the essence of Estes’ passion for tequila and agave spirits, presenting it in a comprehensive and engaging format.

Tomas Estes

Tomas Estes, a revered figure in the world of agave spirits, first made waves in 1976 when he opened Café Pacifico in Amsterdam. This was just the beginning of his journey to introduce tequila to broader audiences in Europe. His career as a restaurateur and founder of Tequila Ocho set the stage for his original work, “The Tequila Ambassador,” which was celebrated as a definitive guide to tequila.

The New Volume

‘The Tequila Ambassador V.O.’, is a testament to Estes’ lifelong dedication and is brought to life posthumously by industry legends Phil Bayly, Mitch Wilson, and Tomas’ son, Jesse Estes. This 400+ page book, compiled from Tomas’ journals, articles, and interviews, is nearly double the size of the original and filled with fresh content, including personal anecdotes from Estes’ youth in East Los Angeles, detailed insights into the cultivation and distillation of tequila, and never-before-seen photographs by Bayly.

One of the most poignant aspects of the new edition is its inclusivity and up-to-date coverage of the evolving tequila industry. It offers modern insights into industry standards and features exclusive interviews with key figures in the agave spirits world, along with innovative cocktail recipes from top bartenders globally. This book is more than just a guide; it’s a narrative that brings Tomas’ unique philosophy and life story to readers, making them feel as if they are right there with him.

The launch event was a celebration of Estes’ enduring impact on the tequila world. Attendees were treated to an in-depth look at the book’s creation and the heartfelt contributions from Bayly, Wilson, and Jesse Estes. “Tomas had a beautiful flow and style to the way he lived, the way he talked, and the way he wrote,” says Wilson, who ensured that this essence was captured in the book.

The Drinks Trust

Estes’ final wish was for his share of the book’s proceeds to be donated to The Drinks Trust, ensuring that his passion for supporting the industry continues. “My father’s passion for Tequila and Mexico shone through in all that he did,” says Jesse Estes. “I know that he would be deeply moved to know that his lifelong legacy lives on through the culture and spirit he so dearly loved.”

‘The Tequila Ambassador V.O.’ is available from Wonk Press and select international retailers. For those who want to dive deeper into the world of tequila, this book is an invaluable resource and a heartfelt tribute to one of the industry’s most influential figures.

We at ItalSpirits are honoured to have been a part of this momentous launch and look forward to seeing how ‘The Tequila Ambassador V.O.’ will inspire both seasoned aficionados and new enthusiasts alike. For more information, follow on social media at @TequilaAmbassadorVO with the hashtags #RememberingTomas and #TequilaAmbassadorVO.

Let’s raise a glass to Tomas Estes and the vibrant world of tequila that he loved so much. Cheers!

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