ACHEIVING A GOAL-TEQUILIER
It was unplanned, a bit inconvenient, quite hectic, none the less a valuable interruption that lead to the attainment of one of my goals. Off I went for the 5 hour drive to San Diego.
SR ANDRES RODRIQUEZ-REYNOSO, MARIO MARQUEZ, JOSEPH SANCHEZ
I had been in communication with the Academia Mexicana del Tequila, www.acamexitequila.net, and the president , Andres Rodriquez-Reynoso for over a year, exploring my participating, options and desire for accreditation learning how to become a part of the Academia. The accreditations offered have been on my to do list, just not sure when the opportunity to travel to Mexico City would present itself.
ANDRES RODRIQUEZ-REYNOSO, PRESIDENT & FOUNDER Academia Mexicana del Tequila, my friend RAUL MOSQUEDA SR, from one of my favorite tequilas, 3 Amigos. www.3AMIGOSTEQUILA.COM
It was more then a pleasant surprise when I received the invitation to participate in the first ever US accreditation seminar put on by the Academia, and the fact that the President and founder would be holding the seminar made it more desirable.
The two day seminar was held in Old Town San Diego at CAFE COYOTE, www.cafecoyoteoldtown.com. Mario Marquez, distinguished TEQUILA AMBASSADOR and educator was instrumental in organizing and hosting the event. Mario is a great guy and fellow member of the Tequila Cult. I met Mario when we served as judges for the Spirits of Mexico tasting competition in September. Pop in to Cafe Coyote on Thursdays and Mario will educate you in all things Tequila along with introducing you to a variety of the 130 premium brands on the menu.
JULIO MAYA-TEQUILA ADAN Y EVA- great stuff-www.tequilaadanyeva.com
The Academina is working towards holding certification classes throughout the US, and has developed Tequila clubs in LA, San Diego and Orange County, under the direction of Joseph Sanchez.
The intimate setting and small class size afforded us the opportunity to have ample time to ask questions and benefit from Sr Rodriquez-Reynoso's vast knowledge and experience. Attendees included brand owners, brand distributors, Restaurant Owners , Industry leaders and Brand Marketing executives, all dedicated to the enhancement of the image of Tequila through knowledge and education.
Lovely Marciela, National Hispanic Specialist for an importer had on the most fab boots . I learned she got them in Guadalajara, see you can learn so much if you just pay attention.
Sr Andres Rodriquez Reynoso's method of teaching made for a fun, two days of interactive, learning, but make no mistake he is serious about his curriculum and made sure we got the most out of it. He was not adverse to singling anyone out who was not paying attention.
The seminar was entirely in Spanish as was the test given at the end of the second day. I had to pay really close attention. No day dreaming in this class, since Spanish spoken while growing up in ELA is a bit different then that spoken by a highly educated professional.
He thought my Spanish was perfect. Such a gentleman.
The evening of day two and culmination of the seminar (graduation) was held at El AGAVE, in Old Town. If you love Tequila put this on your list. The hundreds of bottles that serve as decor include many no longer available along with Vintage Tequilas no money can buy.
A Tequila tasting, dinner and the awarding of our Certificates and memberships ended a whirlwind two days that allowed me to complete one of my goals . I continue my dedication to become as knowledgeable and educated about Tequila as one can be without growing up in the Tequila industry or in a family of Tequila Heritage.
Some of the greatest people in the world are Tequila enthusiasts. I have made so many friends in this industry, the greatest to hang out with, ambitious, industrious and so nice . I would even trust them to babysit my dogs. 
We took advantage of every moment to pick Sr Rodriquez-Reynosos's brain.
Membership has it's Privileges
I think a goal is good to have. I helps you to do that much more.
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