Experience a journey into the exceptional tequilas of the Don Julio Brand Family, enhanced by delightful culinary accompaniments. In our Tequila 101 with Don Julio, you'll learn the nuances of the tequila making process and the art of making three delicious Don Julio cocktails, all while enjoying delicious Mexican bites provided by our sponsor, La Mezcaleria. Your host will guide you through the history of tequila, its production, and the tasting of 5 tequilas from the legendary Don Julio brand. You will learn to make a Don Julio Paloma, a Don Julio Passionfruit Margarita, and a Oaxaca Old Fashioned. This session promises to be an enriching blend of fun and education, brimming with interesting facts and enhanced by the flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine. Join us for an unforgettable experience that celebrates the best of Mexican culture and craftsmanship.

About your host:

Rob Renda has been in the restaurant and cocktail industry for over a decade. Working at some elite cocktail bars in Toronto, he's gained hands-on knowledge to deliver the Don Julio experience since working with Diageo brands for spirit/cocktail enthusiasts. He is passionate about premium spirits and how imbibers can drink better. He looks forward to hosting you for this seminar!

Saturday, May 18th, 2024
2:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Join us on the Downtown Culinary and Agave Safari Tour Through Restaurants for an extraordinary exploration of Vancouver's dining establishments! This experience is more than just a simple food tour; it's an exciting gastronomic voyage highlighting the essential eateries in the city's downtown area. As you savour delicious dishes, enjoy exquisite agave tastings that complement the culinary experience. All of this unfolds in a festive party bus atmosphere, surrounded by fantastic vibes and fellow culinary aficionados. Prepare for a journey brimming with unforgettable flavours and spirited celebrations.

Participant Restaurants:

Lift Bar & Grill, The Pawnshop, Chupito, Maxine´s Cafe and Bar, Nightingale Restaurant.

The Downtown Food and Agave Safari will start at The Pawn Shop (1117 Granville St) at 2 PM. Please arrive 15 minutes early. The event will end at Chupito (322 W Hastings).

As part of the vibrant Tequila and Agave Festival, Nodo Tequila Blanco is proud to sponsor an inspiring cocktail competition that challenges bartenders to channel the spirit of Guadalajara, Mexico and all that its surroundings offer) into their creations. The event will take place on Monday, May 20th, 2024, at Cuchillo Restaurant, promising an afternoon filled with fun and spirited competition

Winner Announcement

The winner of the event will be announced at a brief ceremony during the Trade and General public Tasting event (4-6pm) of The Tequila and Agave Festival at the Italian Cultural Centre on May 25th, 2024.

The winner of our competition will receive an incredible package, including:

● 2 airplane tickets From Vancouver BC. to the City of Guadalajara sponsored By Flair Airlines.
● 3 Hotel Nights hosted by Hotel Voco in Guadalajara Mexico sponsored by the
city of Guadalajara, Mexico.
● Tours of Nodo and Don Fulano distilleries with Beverage Collective.

Guadalajara, Mexico, the capital of Jalisco—the state renowned as the birthplace of tequila—is pivotal to the tequila industry due to its abundant blue agave plants, the primary ingredient in tequila.

About the event:

What: Cocktail Competition inspired by Guadalajara, Mexico
When: Monday, May 20th, 2024, from 1pm to 4pm
Where: Cuchillo Restaurant, 261 Powell St, Vancouver
Music: DJ HUBBZ

Agave Week, along with all satellite events, is going to ramp up the excitement for the Tequila and Agave Festival! We can't wait!

Confirmed Competitors:

Riley Maggs @thekeeferbar

Riley spent his youth in the craggy badlands of Drumheller AB, eventually relocating to his adopted hometown of Edmonton ("The Shining Jewel of the Prairies", as he calls it). There, he cut his teeth at some of the province's finest bars. After a short stint in Halifax, he settled comfortably here in Vancouver.
A fixture behind the wood at Keefer Bar for 3+ years, Riley brings his characteristic enthusiasm and chaotic sense of humour to every service. His goal is to make everyone, especially the uninitiated, excited about whatever drink he puts in front of them.
Riley is happy to chat endlessly about all things whiskey, rum, and cocktail-related. 
"I love nothing more than introducing someone to a spirit, drink, or flavour profile they didn't even know they wanted. I want our massive backbar to be approachable to everyone, from the hardened spirits drinker to the complete newcomer."



Aman Nijjar @Wildlightrestaurant 

Mixology began as a hobby for Aman Nijjar and over the years has grown into a passion for perfecting recipes and showcasing local spirits. Drawing on his science and business background, Aman appreciates consistency and balance in cocktail crafting; he takes a culinary approach in building recipes with an emphasis on making as many components in-house as possible. At Wildlight, Aman’s cocktail list pays homage to classics, with a creative twist to honour the West Coast. 



Mike Macintyre @ElCaminos 

My name is Mikey and I’m from Glasgow, Scotland. Im the bar manager at El Caminos and have been in Canada for 6 years. I have worked in bars and restaurants in the Uk and Australia, working intensely with a variety of spirits - scotch, Japanese whisky, gin, but found my spiritual (pardon the pun) with agave. 



Thiago Alves @Acornvancouver 

Meet Thiago, a passionate mixologist hailing from the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His journey into the world of hospitality began at the tender age of 12, where he discovered his innate talent for orchestrating unforgettable experiences for friends and classmates. From organizing events in school to exploring the diverse culinary landscape of his hometown, Thiago's love for bringing people together and delighting their palates knew no bounds.
His adventure took him to the enchanting city of Vancouver, where he embarked on his mixology career with passion. Inspired by the abundance of local produce and the city's commitment to sustainability, Thiago found his calling in crafting cocktails that not only tantalize the taste buds but also respect the environment. With a focus on utilizing indigenous ingredients and minimizing waste, Thiago's creations reflect his dedication to innovation and his deep-rooted connection to his surroundings.
Whether he's shaking up a classic cocktail or concocting a unique libation inspired by his Brazilian heritage, Thiago's commitment to craftsmanship and creativity shines through in every sip. Join him on a journey of flavour exploration and let your senses be awakened by his inventive skills.



Coulter Noronha @Cuchilloyvr 

My name is Coulter Noronha, I’m from Toronto originally but I grew up in Vancouver.
I’m the bar manager at Cuchillo restaurant and currently studying Political Science at SFU. 
I like biking around the seawall, floral shirts, and any excuse to try out new agave spirits. 



Michelle "Chey" Monet Hamia 
ey Haima Reflections @rosewoodhotelgeorgia 

I'm one of the Senior Bartenders at Reflections at Hotel Georgia. Originally born in Hawaii, I grew up in the suburbs of Washington DC. My bartending journey started 10 years ago when I moved to Vancouver to attend University of British Columbia. I caught the bartending bug working in nightlife originally and when I got a taste of working in cocktail bars, I never looked back. 



Ivan Rodriguez @lamezcaleriayvr 

I am Ivan de Jesus, born in Guadalajara Jalisco, I am 37 years old, all my life I have worked in the restaurant and bar industry, I started at 15 years old washing dishes in a restaurant south of Guadalajara, a few months later I became interested in the bar and with special permission from my parents I was able to start working at the bar and from there my passion for restaurants was born. Shortly afterwards I got involved in the kitchen as well and that's how I decided to study gastronomy and bartending, throughout my career. I was working in restaurants, soon I rose through the ranks and became a restaurant manager at the age of 18. Time passed and I wanted to learn more and that's how I decided to emigrate to this great country looking for the same opportunity that LA MEZCALERIA gave me. I have been learning and enjoying what I love most for more than 5 years, restaurants! I started in the kitchen and then they gave me the opportunity at the bar and that opportunity is what has me here today!!



Jordan Coelho @TheWatson_van 

My name is Jordan Coelho, born in Paris, i am a 29 years old, Bar manager and co owner of " The Watson " cocktail bar in Main street Vancouver. Passionate about the travel and discovering different cultures, i am now living in Canada for 6 years now. Since my childhood, i have always been attracted by the world of flavors. From cooking to the craft of cocktails, everything is about feelings and perceptions. I have dedicated my life trying to answer those two aspects, on the best way i can. 



Lacey Roberts @Published.on.main 

Award winning Bartender, Scientist, and Architectural Technologist. Lacey has had a multi-faceted career and likes to combine all streams of her experiences into a glass that tells a story. Being neuro-divergent, she often can see things differently than others around her and finds the commonality in sharing beverages allows her to express herself to the fullest. Having worked with some of the best teams in the country, she can be found behind the bar at Published on Main always willing to greet you with a smile, some warm hospitality, and maybe chatting about her current hyperfixation.



Judges 



Chris Chuy - owner of Lavish Liquid, The Bar Cart, & Low Rider by Coast Life Beverages Certifications - Bar Smarts Advanced, Award T, WSET Spirits Level 2 Chris has been the go-to cocktail professional in the events industry for over 15 years and has run bars, restaurants, and developed bar programs for over 20 years. You'll often find him with a shot of tequila or mezcal in his hand. 



Michelle Sproule is Scout Magazine’s owner, operator, and from-the-hip picture-taker, who is very particular in her appreciation for tequila-based cocktails and has extensive experience ordering, enjoying, and evaluating them, having been involved in both drinking and judging cocktail competitions for many years.



David Bibbings



Darryl Lamb
, Darryl has been in the libations industry for over 20 years. He is the Brand Manager and Director of Purchasing for Legacy liquor Store. He co-hosts Roger’s RTD: Cider’s, Spirits, and Cocktails on Sportsnet 650 and he is a regular contributor to Global News British Columbia.

Dive into over 225 years of Tequila history with Proximo Spirits and National Tequila Ambassador James Bailey-Leon. In our Tequila 101, you will sip and taste through 5 Tequila variants—discovering nuances and flavour profiles that will help you hone and sharpen your agave skills. James will guide you through the history of Tequila, production from ground to bottle, all while sampling you through; Plata, Reposado, Añejo, Cristalino, and Extra Añejo Tequilas. You'll be experiencing premium selections including Jose Cuervo Tradicional Plata, 1800 Reposado, Gran Centenario Añejo, Maestro Dobel Diamante, and Reserva De La Familia Extra Añejo. Additionally, enjoy specially curated Mexican bites by La Mezcaleria, designed to complement all the agave products you will savour.

James Bailey-Leon has had over a decade of experience working in some of Canada’s top bars and restaurants along with owning and operating 3 restaurants in Toronto. In his past 5 years as the National
Tequila Ambassador with Proximo Spirits, James received certification as a Maestro Catador while in the agave fields in Tequila, Mexico.

Join us at the Grand Ballroom at the Italian Cultural Centre for a celebration of the spirit of Mexico and its enduring influence on global culture. This event, open to both the trade and general public, features live music, traditional food pairings, and a showcase of agave spirit culture. Dive into the world of tequila and agave, perfect for both seasoned aficionados and newcomers. Enjoy a day full of discovery, flavour, and cultural celebration!

For industry insiders, our exclusive Trade Tasting offers hospitality decision-makers the chance to explore top tequila and agave spirits. Sample a range of premium products, engage with brand ambassadors, and gain valuable insights from distillers and experts. Elevate your venue's spirit selection and network with peers in a sophisticated, educational setting.

Enhancing the festive mood, Mariachi Tabasko will perform vibrant, authentic Mexican music, including Rancheras, Boleros, and more. Reserve your spot now for an unforgettable experience of taste and tradition.

Experience the vibrant world of tequila and agave spirits at our public tasting event, set in the stunning Grand Ballroom at the Italian Cultural Centre. This gathering is a celebration of culture, flavour, and tradition, perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate the rich heritage behind these extraordinary spirits. As you step into this iconic venue, prepare to embark on a journey through the diverse landscapes of tequila and agave. Discover a wide range of hand-selected spirits, from time-honoured classics to innovative new blends, each with its own unique story and flavour profile.

Indulge in tastings that showcase the craftsmanship and artistry of distillers from various regions. Engage in enlightening conversations with experts who will deepen your understanding of the cultural significance and production nuances of these beloved spirits. Learn about the intricate processes behind each bottle, from harvesting agave to the art of distillation and aging.

This event isn't just a tasting—it's an immersive experience that celebrates the spirit of Mexico and its enduring influence on global culture. Enjoy live music, traditional food pairings, and interactive workshops that will transport you to the heart of agave spirit culture. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or new to the world of tequila and agave, this event at the Grand Ballroom at the Italian Cultural Centre is the perfect place to explore, learn, and fall in love with these timeless spirits. Join us for an unforgettable day of discovery, flavor, and cultural celebration!