Emilio del Conde grew up in Tecate, crossing the U.S.-Mexico border every day for school, an experience that shaped the way he sees people, culture, and opportunity. That drive took him from sales and finance to founding Chupes Finos (importer, distributor, and more) in Carrollton, Texas. In this episode, Emilio shares how a passion for collecting mezcal turned into a partnership with Leo Garcia and Macheé Mezcal, while we dive into border culture, entrepreneurship, community, and the connections that great spirits create. It’s an honest, insightful conversation full of great stories—and one that proves Emilio is only getting started.
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Ep 382 – Alejandro Orendain: Arette Tequila, a Brand Above.
Alejandro Orendain understands numbers, travel, and agave. What started as a departure from the family business, quickly turned back into a return to the homeland. His roots in Tequila, and the inescapable pull back into the operations of Tequila Arette, bring us to his current chapter. A chapter during which, Alejandro educates many about the familial brand and ensures that his quality tequila can be easily available at everyone’s fingertips. We chat about drumming, bar anecdotes, and a whole new brand aesthetic.
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Ep 378 – Glenn Boiles: Another Bottle After Another
Austin’s Glenn Boiles is seemingly around every corner waiting to freshen your drink. He is at every event with a smile, warm glow, and the finest spirits from across the globe care of The Backbar Project. From Texas, to PDX, back to ATX, Glenn has acquired massive knowledge and experience in the hospitality industry; often as the result of flipping a coin. From Park Cognac to Estancia Raicilla, the various marks in the Back Bar project reflect different places, different traditions. Much like Glenn, they express the beauty this world has to offer. We chat fatherhood, argument styles, and the perfect boilermaker.
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Ep 376 – Cristina Allen: The Heart of Rock and Roll is Still Drinking
Cristina Allen co-founder of Volans Tequila learned that the craft and beauty of tequila is always attainable but only with the right processes in place. Cristina studied music production and has always had a knack for creativity. Seeing the dawn of the digital era sunset on those bygone days of analog, perhaps Volans tequila is the bridge between the past and the future. A truly analog spirit. We sit and chat on a windy Sunday afternoon to discuss Alice In Chains, making sure younger generations listen to proper music, and more.
