I’ve loved hearing all the great feedback on the last two interviews with Top Shelf and No Sleep. I’ve got one more tee’d up with another impressive investor coming soon. We discussed a recent investment during the recording, so I am waiting until the PR is out before releasing, out of respect for confidentiality.

I’m totally checked out for Christmas and don’t want to write about numbers so thought I’d have some more fun with this issue.

Great Bottles to Gift

If you are anything like me, you still haven’t bought all your gifts so here are some great bottles to pick up last minute that anybody would be stoked to receive:

Lalo Tequila - $50

Lalo isn’t exactly a craft secret, but I don’t give a hoot.

It’s world class

Lalo is the poster child for the additive-free movement and they only make their tequila from mature agave with all it’s beautiful complexity and nuance.

You can probably find it anywhere and the packaging is beautiful.

They don’t offer any aged varietals (reposado, anejo), but there is more flavor in their blanco than in most Extra Anejo’s I have tasted.

La Pulga Reposado - $60 (TX only)

La Pulga is based out of Fort Worth, so I understand if you want to accuse me of bias.

You’d be wrong…

This brand is the real deal. They are additive-free (which I love) and they grow their agave in the Highlands where it gets more sunlight and requires fewer pesticides.

La Pulga has one of the highest Brix ratings (aka natural sweetness) so you don’t have to load up your margarita with simple syrup.

Your New Favorite Cocktail - Tequila Carajillo

Any espresso martini enjoyers out there?

The Carajillo is its easier, tastier cousin.

A classic Carajillo is just Licor 43 shaken together with a shot of espresso.

Couldn’t be easier, but the result is decadent.

I’ve mixed many a margarita in the glass with the same knife I used to cut the limes, but you really have to shake (not stir) this one because it gives you that creamy consistency that makes all the difference.

It’s amazing just like that, but it gets even better when you add an ounce of your favorite reposado tequila.

I’m off to shake up a Carajillo con Tequila for myself. I won’t be writing next week so I’ll see you all again in 2025. Have a merry Christmas and thank you for being a part of this community!