SW New Mexico News

New Mexico State University (NMSU) has introduced Tepozán Tequila: The Crimson Edition as the latest addition to its Aggie-branded products. This collaboration between NM State Athletics and Tepozán Tequila, owned by NMSU alumnus Matthew Hechter and co-founder Chris Brandon, will be launched on August 8 at Elephant Ranch in Las Cruces.

“This is an extremely exciting collaboration that I have been waiting for quite some time to launch. Many members of Aggie Nation ask me when we would align ourselves with a tequila company and today is finally here,” said Mario Moccia, director of athletics at NMSU. “Our licensed products have been very popular with our fans statewide and nationally. Specifically, Pistol Pete’s 1888 Ale and Pistol Pete’s Six Shooter Rye Whiskey have not only been popular but also very profitable from a licensing revenue standpoint.”

Hechter and Brandon, who met at Oñate High School in Las Cruces, began their entrepreneurial journey by opening restaurants in New York City and Los Angeles. They decided to create their own tequila brand, Tepozán, which they launched in 2019 alongside Don Carlos Padilla. The brand prides itself on being 100% additive-free.

“Chris and I began opening restaurants in New York City and Los Angeles over a decade-long span. With this experience, we decided to launch our own tequila of the highest standards and quality,” Hechter said. “95% of the tequila on the shelf is full of artificial additives and food coloring. Our brand, Tepozán, is 100% additive free.”

The production process involves growing agave and producing Tequila Tepozán at their distillery in San Julián, Jalisco. Hechter highlighted the distinct taste profile due to the absence of artificial additives.

“The taste profile is a bit different if you are not used to drinking additive-free tequilas,” he said. “Most big brands use a lot of artificial vanilla so many consumers have been tricked to think this is natural in a Blanco tequila. You will also quickly realize Tepozán has a very clean finish with almost no bite, and this is because of how clean the tequila is. The highest quality agave, mineral water from a well, and natural yeast. That’s it!”

The brand has garnered support from investors such as Camila Cabello, Diplo, James L. Brooks, Sean Malto, Phil Rosenthal among others.

“We also wanted a product the community could be proud of," Hechter added. "Our tequila is one of the highest awarded which is a great foundation to build the partnership on."

Mario Moccia emphasized the mutual benefits of this collaboration: “As I have said collaborating with a national brand owned by an NM State alum...is available statewide...and revenue from licensing going to assist our 16 sports and 400+ student-athletes is a win-win-win situation.”

Fans can find Tepozán Tequila at various locations including Kelly’s liquors in Las Cruces and Jubilation Liquor store in Albuquerque.