Celaya Tequila partners with Southern Glazer’s

Craft Tequila brand Celaya has launched in Arizona and California in partnership with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.

Celaya Tequila was co-founded by brothers and former NFL players Matt and Ryan Kalil.

“We launched Celaya Tequila to honour and celebrate our abuela, Frecia, and her grandfather, Jose Celaya, who crafted homemade Tequila on his Sonora ranch in the 1850s,” said CEO Matt Kalil.

Though originally a limited edition run of 1,000 bottles for family and friends, Celaya Tequila is now carried at more than 100 bars, restaurants, and retailers throughout the Greater Los Angeles area.

In addition to founders Matt and Ryan Kalil, the leadership team includes chief commercial officer Joel Selesnick, who previously worked as vice-president of sales at Patrón Tequila, and chief financial officer Edgar Garcia.

“We have an incredible opportunity ahead of us. The Celaya family story is organic and inspirational, and we’re excited to have Southern Glazer’s on our side to spread the word,” commented Selesnick.

The Tequila is currently available in three varieties: blanco, reposado, and añejo.

All three expressions can be purchased online in 34 states across the US via drinkcelaya.com.

In addition to the brand’s distribution deal with Southern Glazer’s, it has now closed its founder-led multi-million-dollar funding round, which featured several spirits industry veterans and celebrities. The financial details of the fund have not been disclosed.

Matt Kalil added: “Our dream was to create a Tequila as good as our great-great-grandfather’s, and with the closing of our round, we’re excited to scale production, grow our executive team, and make that dream a reality.”

Southern Glazer’s recently agreed to buy distribution firm Webb Banks to grow its foothold in the Pan-Caribbean market.