TV Celeb Takes Shot at Tequila

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TV Celeb Takes Shot at Tequila
Triple Play: Mario Lopez with Casa México’s tequila lines.

After Mario Lopez’s wedding party went through 120 bottles of Casa México tequila, he knew there was something special about the drink.

“I’m a big tequila lover and it was one of the best tequilas I’ve had,” said Lopez of “Saved by the Bell” fame, who is now a partner in the fledgling tequila maker. “I don’t put my name to something if I’m not passionate about it.”

Casa México was created by Lopez’s friend Eric Buccio, who distills the tequila from blue agave planted in the rusty red volcanic soil of Jalisco, Mexico. The tequila comes distilled in three varieties: añejo, reposado and silver.

“It embodies Mexican taste,” said Lopez, noting that Casa México’s partners are also Latino. “It can be sipped or shot. It has no bitter taste. It’s really subtle.”

The tequila is sold at actress Eva Longoria’s Hollywood restaurant Beso; local liquor retailer Wally’s; and will begin selling in Las Vegas hotels, casinos and stores soon through a distribution deal with Chicago’s Wirtz Beverage Group. Lopez said they are working on expanding distribution further, including into Mexico.

“This is something that is fun and at the same time something I believe in,” said Lopez, who juggles hosting duties between TV show “Extra” and syndicated radio show “On With Mario Lopez.” “You can always make time for something you believe in.”

Yet Casa México is entering a crowded market filled with big names such as Patrón, Don Julio and 1800 Tequila. Even actor George Clooney and rocker Sammy Hagar have tequila brands.

Lopez said he hopes the brand’s Latino roots and the drink’s taste might entice consumers to give it a try – starting with his more than 1 million Twitter followers.

“There’s other people that have tequila (companies), but I don’t know many people who are Mexicano,” he said. “It’s part of our fabric and being. It’s coming from an authentic place.”

– Garrett Reim

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