As the agave spirits category continues to evolve, a new tequila, Hot Torque, is hitting venues and bottle shops across Australia.
Introduced by former WA chef and Perth local Laszlo Till, who partnered with a Mexican producer to import the tequila, Hot Torque is available on- and off-premise in Western Australia and Melbourne, and is starting to roll out to other states.
Reflecting on his journey, Till spoke about his ambition to create a high quality, easy drinking tequila.
“About a decade ago, while working on an engineering project with some of the NASCAR racing teams in the US, I had a dream of making my own tequila. Despite extensive travel throughout the United States during this time, my deep passion for both food and tequila remained unwavering.
Trained as a chef in Western Australia, Till developed a special affinity for tequila and felt it was unfairly stigmatized in Australia.
“I wanted to bring to market a tequila that everyone could enjoy and that reflected the refined palate I had honed as an award-winning chef,” says Till.
“A pivotal moment in my tequila project came when I was introduced to a distillery in Mexico while working on a technical project. This marked the beginning of a transformative period punctuated by numerous challenges […] that essentially required me to start from scratch.
“Despite the setbacks and moments of despair, my unwavering determination fueled my dream. […] My guiding principle has always been ‘I never create anything I would not consume myself’ and I live by it.
Till restarted his process, working with another contact in Mexico who meticulously followed his procedures and ensured that every drop of tequila bore the stamp of his creative passion and expertise. Despite the complications that arose during the onset of the pandemic, his commitment remained.
“I was determined to change the perception of tequila from just shots to a drink that could be enjoyed during a meal, as is customary in Mexico.
After an extensive search, Till found a distributor in Melbourne who recognized the potential of his product. With the support of various venues and establishments in Western Australia, Hot Torque Tequila began to gain traction.
“After the pandemic, I really sought out venues in Western Australia and Melbourne that were receptive to my journey and willing to taste and be a part of this tequila. It’s important to understand that tequila can only be made in Mexico for branding and authenticity reasons, with the unique cultivation of the agave, soil and general knowledge.
“As we expand in Western Australia, we continue to look for people who share our passion for food and drink and appreciate a quality product.
“Our goal is to provide consumers with a unique and enjoyable tequila experience, the result of years of hard work and inherent risks.
“The tequila industry is evolving, and my artisanal process makes all the difference. We have much more to offer, and I look forward to sharing exciting news as our brand continues to evolve.
“I’m grateful for the support of local and interstate industry players who have embraced our Australian brand and process, allowing us to stand alongside some of the best in the world on store shelves, I always let the customer be the judge.
“Venues and hardworking operators are our passion and it’s incredibly rewarding when people appreciate what we do. Our greatest accolade is someone who loves our products.
The Hot Torque line includes an Anejo, Reposado and Blanco Tequila.
