From Queensland, a blanco and reposado crafted from blue Weber agave and double copper pot distilled
An International Award-Winning Australian Agave Spirit, Act of Treason
From Queensland, a blanco and reposado crafted from blue Weber agave and double copper pot distilled
In more than 40 countries, tequila is recognized and protected as a product solely of Mexican origin. Its designation protects the heritage of the spirit and the traditional methods behind it, especially in consideration alongside other Mexican agave spirts like mezcal, sotol and raicilla. Hailing from coastal Queensland, the Australian agave spirit Act of Treason isn’t trying to be tequila; it’s attempting to be even better. It just so happens that some of the circumstances around Act of Treason and liquids in the tequila category—from the use of blue Weber agave to the position 20 degrees south of the equator, mirroring that of the tequila region—align.
Crucial to Act of Treason’s success thus far is their blue Weber agave. Planted in their early stages on Act of Treason’s dedicated farm, they were originally sourced from a farm in the nearby town of Ayr, Australia. “Obviously as the same strain of blue Weber agave, to the eye the actual plant itself looks the same. The terroir and environment however is vastly different,” says Trent Fraser, CEO of Act of Treason and a global spirits legend with a tenure at both Volcan Tequila and Dom Pérignon. “The soil type, the Aussie gum trees, the local flora and fauna, the mango trees, being on the coast and not at altitude, these are all contributing factors as to why the taste profile ultimately is different. If this tasted like more of the same, it would be pretty boring and uninspiring. The fact that it has a real exotic fruit, citrus and minerality edge is an exciting uniqueness and differentiation.”
Though Act of Treason is in its early stages as a brand, reception has been thunderous. “We thought we may do well or make a few podiums, but to have won Gold in every major spirits show—IWSC, San Francisco, Melbourne and more—was absolutely not expected,” Fraser continues. “I’m not fanatical about awards, but as we are effectively building a new category, the recognition and credibility building is enormous and very helpful. It also takes a while to find your groove in distillation and the overall process, so off the bat could not be more humbled and honored.”
Powering the liquid is a purpose-built distillery, set amidst Act of Treason’s agave fields. There’s also a commitment to technological advancement on a quest for product refinement and brand sustainability. This includes a repurposed wine press, upcycled shipping containers, energy-saving sub condensers and a gravity-fed water management system. Act of Treason also employs spectral drone technology, geo-tagged plants and a custom-designed small batch still.
A brand’s sustainability efforts and awards accumulation only matter if the liquids they produce actually appeal to consumers. That’s where Act of Treason succeeds most. With their blanco, they’ve produced a refreshing, clean spirit that’s both citrus-forward but defined by the cooked agave flavors consumers love in tequila. For their reposado, which has been rested in ex-Australian whisky barrels, the citrus remains but a touch of vanilla and butterscotch (an influence of the wood), as well as cracked pepper exclamation points, come together for something extraordinary.