24 July 2015
Tessa Kerslake announced as Kiwi finalist in Don of Tequila competition
Jose Cuervo has named Tessa Kerslake from Our Place in New Plymouth as New Zealand’s national winner in the Don of
Tequila competition. Tessa will now join 18 other bartenders from across the world in the grand final event at La
Rojena, Mexico. In the first challenge of its kind, Tessa will compete for the chance to be named the next Don of
Tequila and win the prize of a lifetime, her own piece of agave-rich land in Tequila, Mexico and 500 litres of her own
bespoke blend of Jose Cuervo tequila.
Jose Cuervo’s Dons are the real heroes of tequila – people, past and present, who epitomise the expert craft, passion
and bravery required to make the world’s most popular tequila. Their unwavering belief in quality and the spirit of
tequila – true bonds, real friendship and good times – is what keeps Jose Cuervo’s 250 years of heritage fresh and
relevant. The bartender who is named the next Don will need to embody all of these qualities for a chance to follow in
the footsteps of some of the world’s greatest legends of tequila.
At the event each national finalist will have to show judges they have the passion, grit and cojones to become a don.
Bartenders will be expected to capture the spirit of the Dons and a real knowledge of Jose Cuervo and tequila.
Tessa made it to the final with her tequila serve ‘Vito’ - a citrus-based cocktail made with Jose Cuervo Silver.
Commenting on Tessa’s win, Brand Manager of Jose Cuervo Hannah Webb said, “We saw some fantastic bartenders compete in
this competition, but Tessa showed the true grit, personality and creativity that encompasses what it means to be a don.
Becoming a Don of Tequila is the ultimate accolade that must go to the best so it will be exciting to see how Tessa
performs during what will be a tough national final.”
The competition is one aspect of a long-term education platform, the heart of which is the Dons website, the definitive
resource for all things Jose Cuervo. The site brings to life the stories of the current Dons of Tequila and feature a
selection of drinks recipes fit for a Don, crafted and demonstrated by head barmen from La Rojeña.
Family owned for ten generations, Jose Cuervo is made using 250 years of cultivating, harvesting, blending and tasting
expertise. Jose Cuervo Gold and Silver are distilled with rigorous standards, to create the taste and character fit for
a Don.
Notes to editors
The Dons of Tequila competition ranin the following countries: France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Greece, UAE,
Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Chile, Singapore, Philippines, New Zealand, Korea, Japan and Cyprus.
DonsOfTequila.com