Jose Cuervo Unveils 2008 Ultra-Premium Tequila Vintage Reserve

08/02/08 Thirteen is a lucky number for Jose Cuervo International, the world's leading Tequila company. In an exclusive artist showcase, today the company unveils the 2008 edition of Reserva de la Familia -- which is also the 13th edition -- and its new handcrafted wooden box painted by renowned Mexican artist Fernanda Brunet. The event is hosted by Juan Domingo Beckmann, Executive Director of Casa Cuervo, and the 10th generation of Jose Cuervo descendents, here at Galeria Ramis Barquet.

Reserva de la Familia is an award-winning anejo (aged) Tequila made from hand-selected, 100% pure blue agave grown in the Cuervo estate's richest volcanic soils. Reserva de la Familia, the crown jewel of the Jose Cuervo portfolio, is considered to be a collectable masterpiece to spirit connoisseurs around the world for both its superior taste and uniquely designed packaging. Each year since 1995, the Cuervo family has selected a renowned Mexican artist to paint the new handcrafted wooden box for its ultra-premium vintage Tequila -- part of its continuing support for promising Mexican artists and local culture.

This year's edition features the artistry of Fernanda Brunet, winner of the 2003 Acquisition Prize, VI Bienal de Monterrey, Mexico. Brunet's paintings have been showcased in solo and group exhibitions around the globe. Through her work Brunet explores the different dimensions of painting, from erotic images muted by soft tones, light pastels and grays, to landscape elements like oceans and clouds or natural phenomenon such as volcanic eruptions. Full of energy, movement and emotion, Brunet's images refer to the sublime essence of nature while conveying a sense of innocence and naiveté. Brunet's narrations use an ever-growing eccentric palette of rose-colored tonalities and silver, complemented with acrylics.

"In this, our thirteenth year pairing our world-renowned Reserva de la Familia with the outstanding creativity of a fine Mexican artist, we are pleased to unveil our entire collection here in the art capital of the world, including the new 2008 Reserva de la Familia with artwork from Fernanda Brunet," said Beckmann. "My family has always been a strong supporter of Mexican culture and the artists that contribute to it, and we are pleased to carry on this tradition associated with Reserva de la Familia, one of the top Tequilas in the world."

In addition to winning several awards and a double gold medal from the 2006 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Reserva de la Familia is recognized by industry experts as one of the world's finest spirits. Only a limited number of Reserva de la Familia bottles are produced each year, which makes this prized sipping Tequila a much-desired spirit.

This exclusive Tequila is part of a private family tradition dating back to 1795, when the Jose Cuervo family would descend into their private cellar to share the finest Tequila reserves with a select group of family and friends. In 1995, to celebrate the 200-year anniversary of the Cuervo brand, the family decided to share Reserva de la Familia with the rest of the world, and began issuing limited-edition bottles.

Aged in new French and American charred oak barrels, Reserva de la Familia has a full, mellow taste that combines floral, agave, vanilla, nut and Cognac- like flavors and is typically sipped in a brandy snifter either straight or on the rocks. Each bottle is carefully assembled by hand, numbered and dated, hand-dipped in wax and then placed in the handcrafted wooden box. The 2008 Reserva de la Familia is expected to be available in most U.S. states in March for approximately $100 per 750ml bottle (price varies per market).