A festival celebrating tequila is returning to Los Angeles, but don’t expect to relive your wild college days with body shots or drinking the worm, because this event is all about highlighting the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Mexico’s iconic spirit. And it’s for a good cause too.
The LA Tequila Festival returns to the LA Center Studios on Saturday, Sept. 7. The daylong celebration will feature 85 different premium tequila as well as mezcal brands. The event, which is now it its fifth year, is a benefit for the Andrés y María Cárdenas Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to disadvantaged and low-income students
“The majority of our brands are small batch sipping tequilas and mezcals, which means you don’t need a lime to back it up and you don’t need to shoot it. It’s meant to be sipped on, savored and enjoyed to truly understand the journey from the agave plant to your lips,” said Brian De La Rosa, board president of the Andrés y María Cárdenas Family Foundation.
Anchoring the festival will obviously be tequila and mezcal tastings throughout the day, and with 85 brands coming, De La Rosa said there will be about 300 different varieties of spirits to choose from.
“We always say whether you’re a tequila or mezcal enthusiast or novice or just want to have a good time, this event is for you,” he said.
Some of the tequila makers who will be pouring drinks include Cazcanes Tequila, which is made from a 300-year-old indigenous recipe.
“Their Blanco is amazing,” De La Rosa said. “Their Anejo and Extra Anejo are off the charts. It’s smooth, flavorful and it sits in those barrels so you’re going to get some sweetness,” he said.
Another respected participant featured at the festival is Tequila Mandala, an artisan brand founded in 2016 which is known for its Extra Anejo tequila.
“I like sweetness when it comes to tequila and their extra Anejo just destroys any others I’ve had,” he said.
People will be able to get more than just straight tequila since there will also be mixologists on hand mixing the spirits into fancy cocktails.
“”These guys are getting so creative now. So when you go to their booth they really try to create an experience and distinguish themselves from the booth that’s right next to them,” De La Rosa said.
The festival will also include Djs, food trucks and vendors. The event is for people over the age of 21.
LA Tequila Fest
When: 1:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Sept. 7
Where: Los Angeles Center Studios, 450 S. Bixel St., Los Angeles
Cost: $95 for general admission, $165 for VIP.
Information: latequilafest.com
Related Articles
‘Harry Potter’ star Emma Watson and her brother Alex bring gin brand to US
6 summer cocktail recipes to soothe the Southern California heat
