Episode 071 | Tales of the Cocktail Interview: El Tequileño Tequila with Gina Castillo Oghene

How lucky is Chrissy? We have ANOTHER Tales of the Cocktail interview for you! She had the privilege of meeting so many amazing leaders and influencers in the beverage industry during her stay, and she was grateful to score an interview with Gina Castillo Oghene, El Tequileño Tequila’s Director of Advocacy.

El Tequileño tequila has been around for 65 years, but it’s known as Mexico’s best kept secret. (It just launched in the United States 6 years ago!) Today, over six decades later, El Tequileño is crafted in the same place, using the same recipe under the direction of founder Don Jorge Salles Cuervo’s grandson, Master Distiller Jorge Antonio Salles.

El Tequileño is verified as part of Tequila Matchmaker’s “Verified Additive Free” program, also know as the Additive Free Alliance. This program promotes transparency in tequila production to help consumers make informed choices, and you know the blondes appreciate brands that use REAL ingredients. Tequila brands who apply to this program undergo a rigorous annual verifications process that includes audits, lab tests and tastings during various stages of production.

And did you know the distillery hosts a luxury resort? Casa Salles Hotel Boutique opened in 2019 to share the ultimate tequila experience. If that doesn’t sound like the perfect Boozy Blondes retreat, what does?!

The El Tequileño team attended Tales of the Cocktail sharing their tequilas and also to introduce Still Strength which is 100 proof! Still Strength was introduced at the end of July and was made available in select national and local retailers starting July 30th. Tales of the Cocktail took place July 21st – 26th. Chrissy started her day with a shot of Still Strength, so she was lucky enough to get a taste of this exclusive expression before it was available to the public! She was pleasantly surprised by the flavor – very floral and fruity without any burn!  

Gina’s story about how she started in the industry definitely made Chrissy wish she had a Time-Turner (yes, Harry Potter reference); Chrissy would definitely have pursued a different career and followed in Gina’s footsteps had she known “liquor brand ambassador” was an option! (But then there probably never would have been the Boozy Blondes, so the girls ultimately are glad things turned out the way they did!) But back to Gina – she started her career in the industry with a whiskey brand and was transitioned to the tequila brand ambassador for Jose Cuervo and Don Julio. This role turned into what Chrissy calls “a tequila love story;” you need to listen to the interview to understand!

Gina’s favorite cocktail to make is the Tommy’s Margarita, and her best seller in the US is El Tequileño Platinum made with 100% estate grown agave from the highland of Jalisco. Visit El Tequileño’s website to find recipes for drool-worthy, beautiful cocktails! And side, note, if you’re visiting Guadalajara, stop in Gina’s bar Mitilde Mi Amor!

Have you tried any of the El Tequileño varieties? Which is your favorite? Message us on our Boozy Blondes Instagram or send us an email! Cheers!