New York City Embraces Mayenda Tequila: Unleashing a Captivating Taste Experience


WORDS BY,

IGEE OKAFOR

Photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA

 

The Big Apple Gets a Taste of Mayenda Tequila

Cheers to a new era.

2 MINS READ TIME

In a thrilling affair that unfolded on the night of May 11, 2023, the world of tequila enthusiasts was captivated as Mayenda Tequila, the embodiment of luxury and refinement, took center stage. Hosted by the esteemed Campari Group, the grand debut of this exceptional sipping tequila was an extraordinary spectacle graced by a constellation of stars and tastemakers.

From the effortlessly charismatic Alton Mason to the fashion-forward Tina Leung, the vibrant Ah-Niyah Gold to the trendsetting Alexander Julian Gibbson, a who's who of luminaries came together to revel in this unforgettable moment. Joining the ranks were culinary maven Camille Becerra, the ever-inspiring Christopher Griffin (Plant Kween), DJ extraordinaire Harley Viera-Newton, the dynamic duo Natalie & Dylana Lim Suarez, travel connoisseur Olivia Joan, visionary Raul Tovar, and a host of other notable figures including Ross One, Stephanie "Chefanie" Nass, Tanya Ortega, and Lindsay Silberman. It was a night where sophistication met excitement, marking the beginning of a new era for tequila aficionados worldwide.

 

Photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA

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Stephanie Nass attends the Mayenda Tequila Global Launch in New York City on Thursday, May 12, 2023.

Photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA

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Olivia Joan attends the Mayenda Tequila Global Launch in New York City on Thursday, May 12, 2023.

 

As the doors swung open, guests were instantly immersed in an awe-inspiring journey through the heartland of tequila production. A mesmerizing, life-size projection of the majestic fields of Jalisco immediately whisked them away to the picturesque Casa San Nicolás in Arandas. In this very birthplace, the magic of Mayenda Tequila comes to life.

Amidst the vibrant atmosphere, whispers of excitement filled the room, carrying on agave's intoxicating aroma. Mayenda Tequila had arrived, and it was time for guests to embark on a transcendent journey where traditional craftsmanship, refined elegance, and the mythical allure of tequila merged into a symphony of flavors, textures, and memories waiting to be savored.

Guests were surrounded by the ethereal beauty of agave plants that adorned the main floor. These magnificent specimens paid homage to the very essence of Mayenda, as its name pays tribute to Mayahuel, the revered Aztec goddess of agave herself. It was as if time stood still, allowing everyone to bask in the ethereal aura of this sacred plant that forms the backbone of this wonderful libation.

As the guests entered the event's heart, their attention was immediately drawn to a great tasting bar presided over by the esteemed Maestro Tequilero Jesus Susunaga. Here, a world of unparalleled expertise awaited, poised to unveil the secrets behind the groundbreaking process that sets Mayenda Tequila apart.

Unveiling the key to this unique flavor profile were two meticulously crafted steps: maceration and the blending of agave miel into the base distillate. These extraordinary measures captured the essence of cooked agave, unlocking a tapestry of deep, nuanced flavors and captivating aromas often lost in conventional tequila-making processes.

As the sounds enveloped the space, guests were beckoned downstairs, drawn into the vibrant and bustling domain of none other than Chef Julian Medina himself. With a reputation that precedes him, Chef Julian Medina, the mastermind behind esteemed culinary hotspots such as Toloache, Coppelia, Tacuba Mexican Cantina, La Chula Taqueria, and El Fish Marisqueria, took center stage, curating a special menu that would elevate the evening to unparalleled heights—with each dish meticulously crafted to showcase the essence of Mayenda Tequila, Chef Julian Medina embarked on a gastronomic voyage that fused the spirit of Mexico with a contemporary twist, resulting in a culinary masterpiece that left taste buds in a state of pure euphoria.

 
 

Photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA

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Tina Leung and Alton Mason attend the Mayenda Tequila Global Launch in New York City on Thursday, May 12, 2023.

Photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA

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Raul Tovar attends the Mayenda Tequila Global Launch in New York City on Thursday, May 12, 2023.

 
 

Photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA

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Moti Ankari, Natalie Suarez, Dylana Suarez, and Christian Bendek attend the Mayenda Tequila Global Launch in New York City on Thursday, May 12, 2023.

 
 

Photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA

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Matthew Stevens and Lindsay Silberman attend the Mayenda Tequila Global Launch in New York City on Thursday, May 12, 2023.

Photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA

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Katya Tolstova attends the Mayenda Tequila Global Launch in New York City on Thursday, May 12, 2023.

Photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA

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DJ Ross One and Harley Viera-Newton attend the Mayenda Tequila Global Launch in New York City on Thursday, May 12, 2023.

Photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA

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Alexander Julian and Igee Okafor attend the Mayenda Tequila Global Launch in New York City on Thursday, May 12, 2023.

 

EDITOR’S NOTE:

THIS TRANSCRIPT HAS BEEN EDITED FOR BREVITY.

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