Press

Patterson's Beverage Journal

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 09:46:20 -0700

A few inaccuracies, but an informative article, none the less.

KCBS Los Angeles Television Report

Mon, 5 May 2008 05:26:52 -0700

CBS News Anchor Paul Magers visited The Skyrocket Distillery while still under construction and aired this special report on Cinco de Mayo 2006. Watched the edited, no drinking version on the CBS website by clicking the picture.

C Magazine

Sat, 15 Sep 2007 10:57:27 -0700

This months C (as in California) Magazine features an article on five California tequila makers who are redefining the industry. Only one actually makes it in California. Can you guess which one? (hint: initials are JBW)

Banderas News

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 15:12:29 -0700

JB Wagoner's Private Stash Unveiled

Skyrocket Distillers LLC

First American Oak Barrel of JB Wagoner's Ultra Premium released.
Temecula, CA - It's been nearly 10 years since JB Wagoner set out to create the first domestically produced "tequila" by planting agaves in the hills of Temecula, CA. Mexican authorities took umbrage when he tried to call his American version "Temequila", as a nod to its hometown, two years ago. The product was finally released as JB Wagoner's Ultra Premium 100% Blue Agave Spirits and has become a favorite of tequila aficianados who appreciate the beautiful bottle, surprising smoothness and undeniable 100 proof kick.

Today marks another first with the release of JB Wagoner's Private Stash. A portion of the best of the clear liquor have been allowed to rest in new American Oak casks. The liquor is an intriguing golden red-orange color with flavor akin to a fine cognac. Sweet, complex aromas fill every whiff.

Lucky Corks

Only 220 bottles from the first barrel will be produced. Each bottle is individually signed and number by JB Wagoner himself before being swaddled in a soft flannel blanket and packed in an aromatic cedar box branded with JB Wagoner's Private Stash logo. The bottle is fitted with a new synthetic cork which out performs natural cork at protecting the liquor without leaving a trace of anything.

As an incentive to get people to try the liquor instead of just collecting the package, several bottles have been fitted with a bright blue cork. People who find a blue cork bottle and register it with the company will receive a valuable prize from JB Wagoner's Private Stash of Gifts. The Stash includes things like Riedel Tequila Glasses, apparel, or invitations to star-studded events.

"We set-out just to see if it could be done. Now, after many years of work, we have something that can stand toe-to-toe with the worlds' best spirits. I am proud to have my name on the bottle," said JB Wagoner.

Liquor Snob

Sat, 23 Sep 2006 07:54:24 -0700

JB Wagoner's Ultra-Premium 100% Blue Agave Spirits Review
JB Wagoner's Ultra-Premium 100% Blue Agave Spirits 100 proof ultra-premium tequila Typical Price: About $60 for 750ml Availability: Currently California, New Mexico and Illinois, with Georgia, Texas and Tennessee on the way. Plus, some JB Wagoner retail locations will ship directly to you.

Initial Thoughts: Not to get too metaphysical on you, but what makes a tequila a tequila? When you're taking a sip, does it matter to you whether it was distilled in the Jalisco region of Mexico, or do you just care about the taste? That was the question we asked ourselves when we sampled JB Wagoner's Ultra-Premium 100% Blue Agave Spirits, and the answer was "Damn, this is tasty!"
That's right, JB Wagoner's looks like tequila. It smells like tequila. And we'll be damned if it doesn't taste like some of the best tequila we've ever had! If you haven't been following the story, JB Wagoner is an American who decided to bottle his own spirit from Blue Agave and call it Temequila, a pun after his home town of Temecula, CA. Only problem was, Mexican tequila makers didn't see the humor in it, and have dogged his progress every step of the way, right down to banning and ejecting him from a local tequila festival. You can learn more in our tequila archives - you'll notice we didn't put it in the "100% Blue Agave Spirits archive...take THAT Mexico!
But enough of our politicizing...what does JB Wagoner's taste like? We were impressed with almost water-clear color, and the nose was just as appealing. The taste was as clear as the color, with citrus overtones and a crisp finish. This is definitely the best American tequila we've had (wink, wink), and it's in the running for the best tequila we've had this year.
Cocktail Recipes: We loved this stuff straight or on the rocks, but one of the first things we made with JB Wagoner's was a Bloody Maria, using some of good old Dave's Gourmet mix. We were surprised at how sweet and refreshing the resulting drink was, even considering the bite of the extra-spicy Mary mix. You can find other great recipe ideas on JB Wagoner's recipes page.
Finishing Thoughts: We have to say, all discussion about whether it should be called "tequila" aside, this is some of the best agave-based liquor we've had. And not only is it great booze, the packaging is cool too, with the American flag emblazoned right across the label. And one thing to note...between the price and the smooth taste, this ain't no shooting tequila. We recommend JB Wagoner's Ultra-Premium 100% Blue Agave Spirits for your adventurous, tequila-loving friends, but also for people who have had a bad experience with tequila and say they'll never have it again. Mix them up a Bloody Maria and they'll be on the Agave bandwagon for life.