Experience the Baja in a Bottle!

Bajarriba Tequila blends fun, excitement, and excellent tequila.

By Debbie Hall

Photos by Derrick Hornyan – D Rock Imaging in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Tres Cabo Amigos (Mark Nuessle, Rico Austin and Jay Nance) are excited to share their love for the Baja in a bottle with Bajarriba Tequila. This brand represents many good times among three friends with Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in common and a passion for some of the most exquisite tequila available worldwide. The term “Caboholic” resonates with those who appreciate what it’s like to bounce around on the Baja roads visiting some of the most popular beach locations designated on its front label. Whether a fisherman, an off-road racer, a traveler of dirt roads, a sailor, a surfer, or a fan of great tequila, this exceptional tequila embodies this lifestyle. Its 100 percent Blue Weber Agave tequila comes from the highlands region of Jalisco, Mexico. Juan Eduardo Nunez, a third-generation Tequilero from the famed distillery El Viejito, founded in 1937, works his craft. The bottling plant is in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and the distillery is in Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco, Mexico. El Viejito enjoys a legacy of tradition with more than 85 years of experience in the art of extracting the essence of their land and making it the world’s favorite drink.

“I am an author and have 10 published books, my best sellers being ‘My Bad Tequila’ and ‘BAJA LOCO, 4 Racing Days & Tequila Nights on the NORRA Mexican 1000.’ My famous quote line from ‘My Bad Tequila’ is ‘You'll see the true reflection of me when the tequila bottle is empty!’ My other favorite line is ‘The roar of my Harley calmed and the calm of Cortez' sea roared,’ says Rico. He lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, with his wife Connie who designed the Bajarriba bottle. She is a graphic artist who has created every cover of Sundance Magazine for Robert Redford during the last 24 years.

Jay is an avid boater and has his 40-foot Carver yacht on Canyon Lake, north of Apache Junction in Arizona. He named his boat Bajarriba after their tequila and had lived in Cabo for five years.

“Jay owned a bar called Cabo Lounge, which is where I met him when I held a ‘My Bad Tequila’ book signing at his bar,” says Rico.

Tres Cabo Amigos believe that tequila is much more than just a drink or libation: it’s about the moments and time spent with friends and loved ones while creating experiences that last and fulfill for a lifetime. Bajarriba Tequila is not about folklore but about bringing authentic, epic stories and the treasured history of Mexico and the Baja to life.

“A daily drink of good tequila, taken responsibly, brings forth contentment, health, and one big smile,” says Rico.

Jay and his wife Marinette met in Las Vegas while they both lived there and now make their home in Mesa, Arizona. Marinette is in the medical industry and they have a daughter and grandson who still live in Las Vegas.

Mark is a big game hunter and has lived in Arizona most of his life. He has a drywall construction business and a second home on the beach in Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco) at the mouth of the Sea of Cortez. Mark and his wife Beverly (50 years) live in Cave Creek, Arizona.

Tres Cabo Amigos and Bajarriba Tequila are proud supporters of many organizations in Baja, Mexico, that help orphaned and abandoned children with continued education while housing and feeding the less fortunate.

“One thing that Tres Cabo Amigos and Bajarriba are proud of is our participation and donations to many charities which help orphaned, underprivileged and children with special needs or illnesses. These organizations and Wounded Warriors we have given back to are listed on our website (bajarriba.com/ giving-back),” says Rico.

They are also committed to helping preserve the environment by using only recycled glass in its manufacturing processes.

Bajarriba Plata and Reposado (750ml)

• 100 percent Additive Free (NO artificial taste, smell, or coloring) sipping tequila.

• Third-generation Master Distiller (85 years of family experience growing agaves and distilling tequila).

Bajarriba Tequila is available in retail spaces, restaurants and bars in Arizona, Nevada, and California and online. An Añejo expression of Bajarriba aged 20 months will be available later this year. For more info, visit bajarriba.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram @ BajarribaTequila.

• 100 percent Blue Weber fully matured agave from the rich, fertile volcanic soil in the Highlands (7,000 feet) of Jalisco, Mexico.

• Old World, a time-tested cooking method using pure deep well water, copper/stainless steel pots, and slow roasting in “Hornos” (brick ovens) for ultimate flavor.

• Intense but smooth baked agave flavor and aroma, complemented by a notable white pepper explosion mid-palate and finishing with a hint of clean citrus zest and sweet floral notes.

• Reposado and Anejo rested in American white oak whiskey barrels while Plata went straight into the bottle.

• Massive (almost 15 inches tall and weighing 4.4 pounds), Baja peninsula shaped, handcrafted, 100% painted, artisan, collector bottle. This bottle is a creative work of art!