Founder David Ravandi On The Launch Of El Luchador Tequila
Taking inspiration from two of Mexico’s cultural icons — artisanal tequila and the famed lucha libre masked wrestlers — tequilero David Ravandi is the founder of the artisanal 123 Organic Tequila portfolio. Ravandi recently relaunched El Luchador Tequila with the introduction of a vibrant collection comprised of El Luchador Blanco Tequila (40% ABV; $39.99 SRP), El Luchador Reposado Tequila (40% ABV; $44.99 SRP), El Luchador Anejo Tequila (40% ABV), and El Luchador Distill-Proof Blanco Tequila (55% ABV; $49.99 SRP). The new collection launched in key markets last month.
El Luchador Tequilas are born from Blue agave grown in the iron-rich soils of the highlands of Los Altos. They are distilled using artisanal methods and produced and packaged with the utmost respect for the environment. The Reposado and Anejo aged expressions rest in French white oak barrels that once held the wines of Puligny Montrachet. Per David Ravandi: “The vibrant flavor profiles of El Luchador Tequilas are an homage to the colorful tradition of lucha libre, and the mysterious and acrobatic wrestlers that have captivated Mexican culture for generations. Mexico’s history is as intertwined with the traditions of lucha libre as it is with the production of tequila, and I hope to inspire agave spirit enthusiasts by bringing them together for their enjoyment.”
I had the pleasure of doing Q&A with David Ravandi via email, as shown below. More on Ravandi and the offerings of El Luchador Tequila can be found online by clicking here, here, here and here.
Your Championship line-up has arrived. The #ElLuchadorTequila line builds off the ring-favored Blanco and Still Strength Blanco (110 Proof) with the newly launched Reposado and Anejo (Arriving in late 2022). Who will be your favorite contender? 💪 pic.twitter.com/kTAAnA3VU4
— El Luchador Tequila (@LuchadorTequila) April 5, 2022
What is it about lucha libre and Mexico’s colorful masked wrestlers that you felt was worth celebrating via your new tequila collection?
David Ravandi: Tequila and spirits distilled from agave are ever present in Mexican culture. Tequila is consumed at every birth, wedding and, we can safely say, every lucha libre match. It’s a cult tradition for luchadores and fans visiting the shrine of El Santo, who was by all accounts the most famous of the luchadores achieving superhero status through his long career and 50+ movies, to honor of his memory with a toast of tequila.
Have you always been a fan of lucha libre? What’s your favorite part of this unique sport?
David Ravandi: I’ve spent more than 20 years researching, developing, and producing ultra-premium tequila so I’ve spectated my share of lucha libre matches. I’ve always been fascinated by the colorful, instantly recognizable-masks and the incredible acrobatic ring style and showmanship of the wrestlers. Lucha libre directly translates as “free fight” and, like tequila, it is a cultural institution in Mexico with its own governing body, the Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL).
Do you have a favorite wrestler?
David Ravandi: I’m certain that El Santo’s memory has been honored with El Luchador. Given that there are ongoing battles between ‘heroes’ and ‘villains’ in the sport, I’d say that the rudos (the rule breakers) would be more likely to drink El Luchador than the técnicos (the rule followers). Sometimes the only way forward is to break or circumvent the rules.
Beyond the shared Mexican heritage, is there a connection between tequila and lucha libre?
David Ravandi: At the lucha libre arenas fans usually drink tequila straight and chase with Squirt or together on the rocks. Or, tequila straight and chase with beer. My personal favorite is called Batanga — tequila on the rocks with juice of one lime and coke.
In closing, what else do you think people in the U.S. need to understand about lucha libre and tequila that maybe they don’t know?
David Ravandi: As the winner of a lucha libre match is determined ahead of time, post-match imbibing is purely celebratory.
TweetAbout the Author
Darren Paltrowitz Darren Paltrowitz is a New York resident with over 20 years of entertainment industry experience. He began working around the music business as a teenager, interning for the manager of his then-favorite band Superdrag. Since then, he has worked with a wide array of artists including OK Go, They Might Be Giants, Mike Viola, Tracy Bonham, Loudness, Rachael Yamagata, and Amanda Palmer. Darren's writing has appeared in dozens of outlets including the New York Daily News, Inquisitr, The Daily Meal, The Hype Magazine, All Music Guide, Guitar World, TheStreet.com, Businessweek, Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times, and the Jewish Journal.Beyond being "Editor At Large" for The Hype Magazine, Darren is also the host of weekly "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" series, which airs on dozens on television and digital networks. He has also co-authored 2 published books, 2018's "Pocket Change: Your Happy Money" (Book Web Publishing) and 2019's "Good Advice From Professional Wrestling" (6623 Press), and co-hosts the world's only known podcast about David Lee Roth, "The DLR Cast."
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