Talking tequila: As N.C. distilleries expand, they take on this tricky spirit
Tequlia, as most of us think about it, is a product of Mexico. It's a type of mezcal made from at least 51% Blue Weber, or agave tequilana, produced in specific regions. And while tequila originates from a relatively small corner of the world, it’s become big business.
According to International Wine and Spirit Research, agave spirits have been the second-fastest growing segment of the industry and the tequila market is expected to grow from $10.43 billion to $15.57 billion in 2029. Some credit the ‘celebrity effect’ as there are tequilas made by Kevin Hart and Kendall Jenner, for example.
But North Carolina distilleries have been working to be a part of the market, too, and have different ways of creating their own take on the spirit.
“This was something my customers asked for,” said Alex Munroe of Cape Fear Distillery in Elizabethtown.
"There are so many bad tequilas, so I wanted to do a good tequila,” he said.
The Billfish Tequila, with artwork from Wilmington-based marine artist Steve Goione, is made from 99% blue agave.
"If it was any higher percentage, it would have to be bottled and shipped from Mexico," he said. “It can also be less say 50, or even 80%, which is what a lot of mass-produced tequilas are."
With the help of Sauce’d, the cocktail and fry bar at 224 S. Water St. in downtown Wilmington, he recently held a launch party for the tequila.
“We focus on local spirits and this one is absolutely incredible,” said Courtney Osgood, with Sauce’d.
Here are a few other things to know about local agave spirits.
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Cape Fear Distillery: They’ve partnered with one of the oldest tequila distilleries in Mexico for their Billfish Tequila., billed as the first in the state. While the tequila is produced for the most part in Mexico, it's finished, bottled and labeled in Elizabethtown and is one of seven spirits made there.
Blue Shark Vodka: This Wrightsville Beach distiller has created a sister company that produces Hacienda Chactun Tequila. It’s a project he and his partner have been working on for more than 10 years on property in Mexico, said Mark Bloomquist, owner. The product is now ready and prepared for launch in North Carolina, pending space in the state’s ABC warehouses, he said.
More: Wilmington distillery marks 3 years of accomplishments, prepares for spirit-filled future
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End of Days: The newest spirit of more than a dozen products from this distillery in Wilmington’s Cargo District will be a blue agave spirit. “But we don’t buy it, we make it,” said Shane Faulkner, owner. They import the blue agave, ferment it and distill it in the traditional way with no additives. He said it should be released in the next 4-6 weeks.
Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Cape Fear Distillery, Blue Shark, EOD take on tequila
