Mangrove UK is pleased to announce a new distribution deal with independent British Tequila brand VIVIR, as they focus on expanding coverage in their home market.
With an aim of changing perceptions of Tequila in the UK, VIVIR are on a mission to create top-quality spirits in a sustainable way. Their award-winning range of premium tequila is made from 100% highland agave, it was the first Tequila to ever win Gold Awards at the Great Taste Awards for the whole range; Blanco, Reposado and Añejo.
Since launching in 2019, founders Nav and Paul initially focussed on the premium and specialist outlets and retailers, before securing off-trade deals with Waitrose and Fortnum & Mason. As part of their new partnership with Mangrove their goal is to bring Tequila to a wider audience of drinkers. As the popularity of tequila continues to grow in leaps and bounds in the UK, they are keen to champion the accessibility and versatility of Tequila by showcasing simple serves such as Tequila and Tonic and Tequila based cocktails.
Paul Hayes, Co-founder / CEO at VIVIR explained:
“Mangrove is the perfect partner for our Tequila brands here in the UK. We have a deep-rooted passion for the category, which is shared by the whole team over at Mangrove. We want to change general perceptions of Tequila over here, away from just the shot culture, at both the entry and premium levels. Mangrove 100% understand this and want to support our mission. We also have a key focus on sustainability in all we do, which is very much echoed by Mangrove’s philosophy. We look forward to a bright future together.”
Nick Gillett, MD, Mangrove UK added:
“I love Tequila and when people you respect in the trade tell you to taste a brand, you have to take notice. Having known Nav and Paul for a couple of years, a great opportunity arose to add this premium range to our portfolio. VIVIR combines an authentic production process and a strong focus on quality with highly-appealing, contemporary packaging. I am confident the blend of the owners’ energy and Mangrove’s expertise we will be able to introduce the VIVIR brands to a wider appreciative audience.”
VIVIR meaning ‘live’ in Spanish is produced in The Casa Maestri Distillery, one of most regarded Tequila distilleries in Mexico. They grow their own highland Weber Blue Agave and the water comes from a natural volcanic spring in the grounds of the distillery. They adopt traditional techniques to preserve customs and to take care of the local wildlife. The distillery also treats their farmers fairly and the team at VIVIR know that their agave is cared for by the same farmer as it matures.
The agave takes around eight to nine years to grow, once harvested, they are cooked in a clay oven for around four days, then the milling process extracts the agave syrup, which is then fermented and distilled in stainless steel stills. For the Blanco expression, the process is complete at this stage and for Reposado and Añejo, the liquid is transferred into Jack Daniel’s casks for aging. The resulting liquids have a strong agave profile, but are still very approachable, smooth, clean and crisp.
Mangrove will also be distributing El Sueño (meaning ‘dream’), VIVIR’s quality Mixto as an environmentally friendly and affordable Tequila alternative. As the demand for tequila grows and the pressure on agave supplies increases, there are producers who are adopting processes which are neither kind to the land or the reputation of tequila. Mixtos are not made of 100% agave, however quality varieties like El Sueño offer a sustainable alternative with no compromise on raw materials and production.
Blanco:
This award-winning Tequila Blanco is made from estate grown highland Weber Blue Agave in Jalisco, Mexico. Using traditional Hornos to cook the Agave it produces a smooth, clean and floral spirit. There are fresh aromas of Agave on the nose that follow through to the palate. A very easy drink premium Tequila that is great for sipping or having in a cocktail or with your favourite mixer. Goes particularly well with citrus tonics and soda.
Reposado:
Another award-winning Tequila from VIVIR. To produce their Tequila Reposado they age their Tequila Blanco for 6 months in American Oak bourbon casks to add maturity and complexity to its profile. It has earthy notes of Agave followed by tones of vanilla, caramel and melted butter. Perfect for sipping or in classic cocktails such as an Old Fashioned or Negroni. Also mixes particularly well with ginger ale.
Añejo:
This double gold star awarded Tequila Añejo from VIVIR is their Tequila Blanco aged for 18 months in American Oak bourbon casks. The Tequila maintains its Agave routes whilst bringing an amazing palate of smoky oak, burned bananas and chocolate. Fantastic for sipping neat or over ice.
El Sueño:
This flavoursome Mixto, has been created as a sustainable option, supportive of the environmental efforts on the ground in Mexico, but maintaining the high quality ingredients and production methods. It’s an affordable and sustainable alternative to 100% agave options.