This is an excerpt of the original article, to read the full article click here.

 

A Jacquemus pop up, free Hermès workshops, a Vermont getaway, and a conversation with Bertha González Nieves of Casa Dragones.

 

[...]

 

 

Bertha González Nieves is the CEO and co-founder of Tequila Casa Dragones, the renowned small batch, independent tequila company, and the first certified female Maestra Tequilera by the Academia Mexicana de Catadores de Tequila. An entrepreneur dedicated to the tequila industry for 20+ years, Bertha is a leader in the spirits world, establishing Casa Dragones as a pioneering tequila producer committed to Mexican craftsmanship, modern, sustainable production and innovation.

 

Tell us about yourself!

I grew up in Mexico City, and my love of tequila began early. In Mexico, tequila is part of our culture and history and is part of every celebration. I come from a family of entrepreneurs and was very entrepreneurial growing up. In my early twenties, I was selected by the Japanese government as junior ambassador of Mexico. During this time, I traveled extensively throughout Mexico, and after visiting the agave fields in Jalisco, I knew I wanted to focus my career on the tequila business. I had the opportunity to work for over ten years at one of the largest and eldest tequila producers in the industry. Since founding Casa Dragones in 2009, it's been an incredible journey to share our love of the craft and showcase the best of Mexico to the world.

 

What inspires you to uncover more?

We are committed to innovation and to continuously trying to push the boundaries of what has been done before. With innovation comes curiosity and we are inspired by working with experts in many different fields—from contemporary artists and designers to some of the worlds’ top chefs and mixologists. These collaborations give us an opportunity to learn, evolve and innovate.

 

Where is your go-to spot when in NYC?

Cosme, Dante, Zero Bond, Temple Bar

 

Is there a secret, local-only spot you can share?

In Mexico City, there is so much to explore since the city and country are so vast and has a diverse culture/landscape. Since I was born here, it really connects to my heart. One of my favorite understated spots is Ticuchi by Enrique Olvera. I feel like Pujol is a global dining destination, but you’ll catch a decent number of locals enjoying lite bites and some of the best cocktails in the city there.

 

Where is your bucket-list destination? What makes you excited about visiting?

Safari on the Okavango Delta in Botswana. I’ve been fortunate to travel many places, but a Safari in Africa is one I have not crossed off my bucket list yet. I have never-ending curiosities, and really do love immersing in different cultures and seeing landscapes across the world.