Side Hustle and El Tequileño create Tequila

Latin-American-inspired venue Side Hustle in London and Tequila producer El Tequileño have teamed up to launch a limited edition añejo expression that is exclusive to the bar.

Side Hustle Select Barrel Double Añejo has been crafted under the supervision of El Tequileño’s third-generation master distiller, Jorge Antonio Salles. It is a blend of Tequilas that have been aged in two different types of wood: one aged in new American oak barrels for eight months, and another – an añejo – aged for 18 months in ex-Bourbon barrels. This blend was then aged for an additional 19 months in new, medium-char American oak barrels. The result is described as a rich and flavourful Tequila with notes of cooked agave and herbaceous flavours on the palate, complemented by a complex aroma of oak, vanilla, and dried red fruit, with a peppery finish. With a limited number of bottles produced, this release is available neat and in cocktails at Side Hustle, and in select quantities for takeaway. Davide Segat, bars manager at NoMad London, said: “My goal with this Tequila was to create something truly special for our guests at Side Hustle. I wanted something fun and unique that even the most experienced Tequila drinker hasn’t tasted before, but also something versatile that we can play with in cocktails. I think we’ve achieved that perfectly. I can’t wait for people to experience what has been years in the making for us, and I hope it’s the first of many.” Segat previously worked with El Tequileño vice president Steffin Oghene in 2007, when the pair were based at London Tequila bar, Green & Red Bar and Cantina in Shoreditch. The pair initially bonded over a shared love of Tequila, and embarked on a journey to learn everything about the category, travelling to Mexico several times over the years to meet its makers firsthand, with the aim of bringing their knowledge back to educate their guests. As such, the Side Hustle Select Barrel Double Añejo was born from ‘a desire to educate people on Tequila and Mexican culture’, and was designed to ‘bridge the gap’ between different spirits and Tequila styles – for those who want to explore or experiment with the category further. Oghene added: “To create something special with your friend is always fun, but we knew that this was the right time to collaborate because of how well the visions of these two brands align. “Like us, NoMad is known for exceptional quality, history, and heritage – a brand that has stood the test of time. It’s a perfect match, and I’m thrilled that this Tequila reflects that partnership – with the essence of our multi-award-winning El Tequileño, and an extraordinary profile that comes from Davide.” The Tequila’s ‘complex yet approachable’ character is said to be a ‘versatile spirit for all’. The bottle design was created to highlight the partnership, and is based on an original El Tequileño bottle from 1959, when the brand was founded. The warm colour palette reflects the wood, and the gold accents have been included to highlight the ‘premium quality’ of the liquid. Side Hustle’s bold branding is visible on the front of the neck – designed to make it easy to spot behind the bar, and a ‘conversation piece’ for guests. Side Hustle Select Barrel Double Añejo is imported to the UK via Ten Locks and is available exclusively at Side Hustle at NoMad London, for a retail price of £180 (US£228) per bottle. Side Hustle isn't the first bar to partner with a spirits brand to launch an exclusive bottling. In 2023, Sexy Fish partnered with Ki No Bi to create a limited edition gin.