Vikera Tequila, named to honor the spirit and determination of the lady vikings who make it and the generations who came before them, is bringing its top-rated flight of premium, 100% Agave Azul-made tequilas to middle Tennessee. The Vinos y Locores Azteca Distillery, located in the town of Valle de Guadalupe in the Highlands region of Jalisco, Mexico, is dedicated to carrying on the mission of providing women with the opportunity to build a steady career in the art of crafting premium tequila, and they’ve selected a woman-owned boutique distributor to bring their product to middle Tennessee. Franklin-based Harvest Beverage Company, owned by Carrie Drury and April Wideman, is introducing the product to retailers and restaurants across the region. Noted tequila expert Heidi Anderson is representing the brand as its sales representative in the field.
“I was first attracted to the Vikera label because of the platform they provide for women and other marginalized groups to feel empowered in the wine and spirits industry, but then I recognized the quality of the tequilas,” Carrie says. “These are extraordinarily smooth and complex, and meant to be savored. Their oxygenation process, longer barrel aging and earthy notes that are distinct to that Jalisco Highlands region produce a flavor profile that is unlike anything I’ve tasted in the U.S. market.”
Vinos y Licores Aztecas Master Distiller Melly Barajas says that Vikera is not just tequila, but the result of dreams and immense dedication to the craft. “These women put a piece of their heart and soul into every drop,” Melly says.
In 2018 alone, Vikera was honored with Gold in the Global Spirits Awards, Double Gold in the World Spirits Awards and Silver in the New York International Spirits Competition. Tequila Aficionado named Vikera a Gold- level “Brand of Promise.” The four varietals
Blanco, Añejo, Reposado and Extra Añejo are hand-crafted and aged in American white oak barrels, which complements the flavor profile. The Extra Añejo is the proudest achievement, aged for seven years and offering an extraordinarily oaky flavor similar to a fine bourbon, with a creamy texture and smooth taste with hints of vanilla and caramel. As one of the longest-aged Extra Añejo tequilas on the market, it is similar to a wine brand with a vintage attached to indicate premium quality. To learn more about Vikera, go to vikeratequilas.com.
Now, in its tenth year of operation as a boutique premium wine and spirits distributor, Harvest Beverage Company is introducing Vikera tequilas to thirty- three counties in middle Tennessee. For the full list of availability, please visit harvestbeveragecompany.com.
Carrie Drury is also the Executive Director of Williamson County nonprofit A Vintage Affair. The organization has the distinction of being the only charity for women and children in Williamson County that raises awareness and funds for those in most desperate need of help...one glass at a time. Their next event is the Grape Stomp Festival, which is an exciting and fun event that provides great wines, foods, music and a grape stomping contest with team costumes and more! The Grape Stomp takes place on October 5th under the Shed at the Factory at Franklin. Learn more about A Vintage Affair and their events, get your Grape Stomp Festival tickets or sign up your grape stomping team now at avintageaffair.org.
