A Leeds start-up is set to sell its own tequila brand in high-end stores this month after securing a £500k investment.
Co-founders Seb Francis and Jordan Myers have been working together for the past two years to create their own tequila named Hacien.
The pair, who enlisted the help of Business Development Manager Ashley Mitchell, are confident that their new brand is a “game changer” as they look to change the perceptions of the spirit.
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Their tequila is made using 100% blue agave and they say this specific brand is “naturally sweeter and smoother than your average tequila”.
It currently comes in three flavours including Tequila Blanco, Pineapple Tequila Blanco and Tequila Añejo Cristalino. However, Hacien is also exploring options to expand its range going forward, with tropical, berry, and coffee variants all being considered.
Seb, Jordan and Ashley secured a £500k investment, including backing from Halo Top Co-Founder Doug Bouton. The trio completed numerous trips to Mexico visiting a range of distilleries in search of the perfect partner to help make Hacien a reality. The brand now hopes to replicate some of the success tequila has enjoyed over in the USA, where it is enjoyed much in the same way gin and vodka are consumed in the UK.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Seb said: “The last two years spent creating Hacien have not been without their challenges, however, it’s also been incredibly rewarding and is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. We wanted to create a tequila range that not only looks as good as it tastes but one that was versatile enough to change perceptions of the spirit itself.
“I know so many people in the UK that had a negative first experience with tequila, often because it was a lousy brand that they drank too much of at uni, and have never been back. Hacien is made with 100% blue agave, making it much smoother and more complex than the average bottle you’d pick up in the supermarket.
“We’re confident it’s a genuine game-changer and is capable of winning over many of those who don’t usually like tequila. Our Pineapple variant is especially easy to drink and unlike anything out there on the market. We’re so ready for our launch at Dakota and can’t wait to see the reaction to our trio of tequilas and some of the incredible cocktails we’ve got lined up.”
The trio of tequilas will be stocked in some bars across the north and high-end retail outlets including The Alchemist, Chaophyraya, Tabula Rasa and Selfridges, from May onwards. HACIEN will also be available online exclusively from Master of Malt from May with prices ranging from £47 to £95.
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