• 10-13-2009
    Essential 1800

    Proximo Spirits, Inc. and 1800® Tequila are thrilled to announce today the release of the second annual collection of limited-edition Essential Artists bottles. Introducing 12 new bottles designed by up-and-coming artists from New York to Hawaii, the 1800 Tequila Essential Artists series celebrates a dynamic range of original artwork on a unique and unexpected medium – bottles of 100% Agave Silver Tequila!

    Showcasing eleven designs gathered from over 15,000 online submissions, selected by 1800 Tequila, and one special edition “celebrity artist” bottle, this new line is a vibrant example of the undiscovered, yet soon-to-be-recognized talent residing across the country.

    The first installation of the series proved to be a compelling initiative, attracting attention from a wide-range of both world-renowned and unknown artists. This year, in addition to the eclectic variety of 11 user-generated designs, 1800 Tequila is excited to feature a special-edition bottle by Studio Number One, a group of rising star designers whose work is now being recognized as ‘essential’ in the art world.

    Founded in 2003 by artist Shepard Fairey (who gained global notoriety this year for his Obama “Hope” design), Studio Number One has built a reputation as one of today’s most influential creative agencies in the country. Describing themselves as a “firm where art and design bridge the gap between culture and enterprise,” Studio Number One reflects the mission of the 1800 Tequila Essential Artists series.

    “It's a pleasure to be involved with something that puts art in more people's hands, and to work with a brand like 1800 Tequila that supports and promotes artists," said Amanda Fairey, Chief Operating Officer for Studio Number One.

    "We wanted to create something that's as much fun to enjoy on the shelf as it is off the shelf. It's a design that captures the wild side of tequila, but tames it with a dose of humor and a sense of adventure," added Florencio Zavala, Associate Creative Director for Studio Number One.

    In addition to Studio Number One, eleven artists nationwide contributed work to create the series of 12 bottles. These artists include SteveOramA (Honolulu, HI), the $10,000 Grand Prize Winner whose design has been given a starring role in the series, as well as Ian McGillivray (Brooklyn, NY), Nickelyn Reames (Manteca, CA), danyol (San Francisco, CA), Leyland “Lee” DeVito (Detroit, MI), Danielle Salinas (Bloomfield, NJ), Chad Shore (Atlanta, GA), Mark Sweeney (San Francisco, CA), Branden Tintiangco (San Diego, CA), Chuck Trunks (Los Angeles, CA), and Michelle Villasenor (Atlanta, GA).

    “We’re excited to offer another round of Essential Artists bottles, as we received an overwhelmingly positive response to the first campaign,” said Elwyn Gladstone, VP of Marketing for Proximo. “Emerging artists can struggle for years before seeing their work recognized on a national scale, but the creative genius behind the submissions and the incredible demand from consumers has allowed us to expand this program and feature 11 more artists, on our way to showcasing 1,800 inspired submissions.”

    Only a limited number of bottles have been produced, making for an attractive collector’s item and lively addition to any bar. To find the bottles, which retail for $24.99 each, consumers can enter their zip codes into the “Liquor Locator” on 1800Tequila.com to find the series in their area. In hopes of encouraging other artists to make their dreams a reality, 1800 Tequila plans to re-launch the contest at the end of this year, inviting artists to submit their own bottle designs for a chance at inclusion in the next series.

    About 1800® Tequila
    1800® Tequila is the United States’ best selling super-premium tequila, renowned for being expertly aged and consistently smooth. Named after the year it was created, 1800® Tequila is pure, 100% blue agave tequila grown on family-owned ranches and bottled in Jalisco, Mexico. Each bottle of 1800® Tequila is double-distilled and matured in French and American oak barrels for superior drinkability. 1800® Tequila is recognized for its iconic packaging which includes a stopper that doubles as a shot glass. The complete 1800® Tequila portfolio includes Select Silver, the first 100-proof Silver tequila, Silver, Reposado, Añejo, and 1800® Colección, an extra-añejo tequila, that is released annually in highly limited quantities. 1800® Tequila is available nationwide at most exclusive bars and retailers.

    About Proximo Spirits, Inc.
    Proximo Spirits, Inc. is a family-owned company based in New York, NY and is a leading producer, importer and marketer of prized spirits in the United States. As one of the fastest growing spirits distributors in the US, Proximo was formed in 2007 and offers five key brands, including Three Olives Vodka, 1800® Tequila, Gran Centenario Tequila®, Maestro® Dobel Diamond™ Reposado Tequila®, and the exquisite Ron Matusalem® Rum.

  • 09-15-2009
    Proximo Spirit Brands

    New York, N.Y. – Proximo, a leading marketer of premium spirits in the United States, announced today the launch of an aggressive new advertising campaign for 1800 Silver Tequila, which sparked the luxury tequila trend and is now setting out to reclaim the top spot in the super premium tequila category.

    Featuring The Sopranos star Michael Imperioli, the spots call attention to the fact that tequila has lost its way, becoming an overpriced and pretentious spirit. In a series of spots, Imperioli brandishes his signature tough guy image, poking fun at Patrón while noticing one brand that sets itself apart – 1800 Tequila.

    ”Unlike Patrón, which was started by a co-founder of a hair care company in 1989, 1800 Silver Tequila has nine generations of distilling expertise behind it, and is a family-owned brand of superb quality 100% Agave spirit,” said a spokesperson from Proximo. “In this economy, we don't think consumers need to pay an arm and a leg for great tasting tequila. This new ad campaign is about reminding people that they can buy the real deal – 1800 Silver Tequila – and have just as much fun.”

    The campaign, created by Agent16, an award-winning New York-based boutique advertising agency, is the brand’s first venture into television advertising. The aggressive tone of the spots – calling out Patrón for the top position in the premium tequila category – illustrates how 1800 Tequila will assert itself as the leading brand of Silver tequila.

    The new $15 million ad campaign is set to debut on September 14th on top cable channels including ESPN and Comedy Central. NY-based digital agency Special Ops Media is handling the online execution of the campaign which includes development of interactive, expandable rich media for placement on Sports Illustrated.com and Yahoo! Sports, showcasing the complete collection of television spots, to round out a full television, print, online, and out-of-home campaign.

    The launch of the new campaign follows a sponsorship of the Los Angeles Lakers, making 1800 Tequila the first spirits brand to sponsor the 2009 NBA Championship team.

    About 1800® Tequila
    1800® Tequila is the United States’ best selling super-premium tequila, renowned for being expertly aged and consistently smooth. Named after the year it was created, 1800® Tequila is pure, 100% blue agave tequila grown on family-owned ranches and bottled in Jalisco, Mexico. Each bottle of 1800® Tequila is double-distilled and matured in French and American oak barrels for superior drinkability. 1800® Tequila is recognized for its iconic packaging which includes a stopper that doubles as a shot glass. The complete 1800® Tequila portfolio includes Select Silver, the first 100-proof Silver tequila, Silver, Reposado, Añejo, and 1800® Colección, an extra-añejo tequila, that is released annually in highly limited quantities. 1800® Tequila is available nationwide at most exclusive bars and retailers.

    About Proximo Spirits, Inc.
    Proximo Spirits, Inc. is a family-owned company based in New York, NY and is a leading producer, importer and marketer of prized spirits in the United States. As one of the fastest growing spirits distributors in the US, Proximo was formed in 2007 and offers five key brands, including Three Olives Vodka, 1800® Tequila, Gran Centenario Tequila®, Maestro® Dobel Diamond™ Reposado Tequila®, and the exquisite Ron Matusalem® Rum.

  • 08-12-2009
    Proximo Spirit Brands

    New York, NY - Proximo Spirits, Inc. and 1800® Tequila announced today a groundbreaking partnership with legendary NBA team the Los Angeles Lakers, winner of the 2009 NBA Championship, marking 15 NBA Titles in total. Part of a multi-million dollar investment deal including TV advertising and on and off-premise logo rights, the LA Lakers will align with 1800 Silver Tequila, the fastest growing super-premium tequila on the market.

    This is the first time that a spirits company has signed an exclusive tequila deal with the NBA Champion Lakers. Based in Los Angeles, CA, the Lakers play their home games at the Staples Center. Holding records for the most wins, the LA Lakers have the longest consecutive winning streak, the highest winning percentage, the most NBA Finals appearances and the second-most NBA championships. 1800 Tequila is thrilled to make their foray into the professional sports arena with the support of such a celebrated team.

    “In creating a partnership for our Super-Premium Tequila with a legendary sports franchise, the LA Lakers were a perfect choice for us,” said Elwyn Gladstone, VP of Marketing for Proximo. “Just as the LA Lakers represent the pinnacle of their sport in terms of dynamism and brand recognition, 1800 Silver Tequila represents the most exciting name in Tequila.”

    As part of the deal, 1800 Tequila will produce extensive advertising and promotions featuring the LA Lakers logo. All messaging will be connected with a responsible drinking statement. The partnership is part of a multi-million dollar advertising and promotional campaign for the brand, including a new ad campaign (OOH, TV, On-Line, Print), national sampling campaign and multiple sponsorships.

    “Our goal is to ensure that Lakers games are the most enjoyable and exciting games to watch” said Los Angeles Lakers Chief Marketing Officer Tim Harris. “Through this groundbreaking partnership, 1800 will provide Lakers fans with the familiar flavor of the super-premium spirit and a variety of beverage choices to enjoy while celebrating courtside, while ensuring that we communicate responsible drinking.”

    1800 Silver is the real deal – 100% Agave and the brand that started it the Luxury Tequila Revolution. It is THE perfect shot. It’s double-distilled for crystal clarity and mellowed in wooden barrels for an exceptionally smooth taste.

    About 1800® Tequila
    1800® Tequila is the United States’ best selling super-premium tequila, renowned for being expertly aged and consistently smooth. Named after the year it was created, 1800® Tequila is pure, 100% blue agave tequila grown on family-owned ranches and bottled in Jalisco, Mexico. Each bottle of 1800® Tequila is double-distilled and matured in French and American oak barrels for superior drinkability. 1800® Tequila is recognized for its iconic packaging which includes a stopper that doubles as a shot glass. The complete 1800® Tequila portfolio includes Select Silver, the first 100-proof Silver tequila, Silver, Reposado, Añejo, and 1800® Colección, an extra-añejo tequila, that is released annually in highly limited quantities. 1800® Tequila is available nationwide at most exclusive bars and retailers.

    About Proximo
    Proximo is a family-owned company based in New York, NY and is a leading producer, importer and marketer of prized spirits in the United States. As one of the fastest growing spirits distributors in the US, Proximo was formed in 2007 and sells brands including Three Olives Vodka, 1800® Tequila, Gran Centenario Tequila®, Maestro® Dobel Diamond™ Reposado Tequila®, Matusalem® Rum and the newly launched Kraken® Rum.

  • 07-01-2008

    Proximo Spirits, Inc. and 1800 Tequila have announced an international campaign, commissioning nine artists to design limited edition bottles for the premium tequila brand. “Essential Artists” allows for up-and-coming artists to showcase their visions on a unique medium, offering an exciting perspective both in the art world and beyond.

    A unique mix of palette and palate, Essential Artists celebrates the talents of artists from the United States and Mexico. In recent years, tequila has emerged as the discerning drink du jour, appearing on many of the premier cocktail menus in the country and winning over discriminating young moderns with its clean flavor and unmistakable kick. With the launch of Essential Artists, 1800 encourages tequila drinkers to tap into their artistic side.

    The nine artists commissioned to design these collectible limited edition bottles include Jorge Alderete (Mexico City), Glenn Barr (Detroit), Will Chambers (Chicago), Chris Dean (Detroit), Kim Dosa (Atlanta), Josh Ellingson (Oakland), Hannah Stouffer (Oakland) and Urban Medium (Atlanta). Only 1,800 bottles have been produced with each design and they will be available for $34.99 at high-end liquor stores.

    “The creative genius behind these works is inspiring and 1800 is thrilled to share these designs with the public,” said Elwyn Gladstone, Head of Marketing for Proximo Spirits, Inc. “We hope the Essential Artists campaign will encourage other artists to make their dreams a reality.”

    The specially commissioned artwork will be unveiled as part of an $8 million outdoor advertising and promotional campaign across the country — a new-generation museum that brings art to the people. For those who are unable to view the high-impact billboards in person, the campaign will also be available online at www.1800Tequila.com.

    In addition to the Essential Artists campaign, 1800 fans will be able to design their own bottle and enter a competition to be selected for the 2009 billboard campaign. As an added bonus and in collaboration with GourmetKickz, consumers will be able to create their own pair of custom sneakers at www.1800Tequila.com using artwork from the 1800 Essential Artists series. We’ll drink to that!

  • 04-05-2008
    Proximo Spirit Brands

    Proximo Spirits, Inc., a high-end spirits distributor, has announced an exciting new addition to the 1800 Tequila portfolio with the launch of its premium 1800 Select Silver. The perfect choice for partygoers, this unique spirit is a sophisticated, refreshing alternative to the predictable players behind the bar.

    Made from 100% agave, 1800 Select Silver is the first 100-proof clear tequila available on the market. Reserved for only the finest tequilas, 1800 Select Silver is produced using two proprietary distillations, blended and filtered to create crystal clarity and an incredibly smooth, crisp taste.

    “We are pleased to expand our brand with this superior tequila. 1800 Select Silver offers drinkers an exciting experience, combining exceptional taste with the familiarity of fun,” said Elwyn Gladstone, Head of Marketing for Proximo.

    Launched as a compelling, must-have spirit for the young and young at heart, 1800 Select Silver raises the bar among luxury tequilas. 1800 Select Silver is packaged in an iconic glass bottle with a stopper that doubles as a shot glass, and a rich matte black label with silver embossing for a head turning appeal. As an essential edition to any home bar, 1800 Select Silver shines as a smooth shot and is a great way to get the party started with friends.

    1800 Select Silver is an exciting, new introduction to the established 1800 Tequila clan. As the latest addition to one of the most successful and legendary families of high-end tequila, 1800 Select Silver assumes its place in a family acknowledged as a distinct, authentic brand that stands the test of time.

    1800 Select Silver is sold nationwide at fine spirits retailers at a cost of $29.99 for a 750 ml bottle; also available in 375 ml and l liter sizes.