From Bartender to Tequila Brand Owner | The Carabuena Story (Victor Diaz Interview)

Carabuena Tequila founder Victor Diaz went from bartender at 15 to tequila brand owner in Texas. In this interview we dive into additive-free tequila production, NOM 1564 La Misión, and the 13-year grind behind Carabuena. Carabuena Tequila founder Victor Diaz shares the incredible journey from bartending at age 15 in Guadalajara, Jalisco to building his own tequila brand in Texas. In this exclusive Tasting Tequila with Brad interview, we cover: • Starting the dream in 2009 • Launching in 2022 after 13 years of grinding • Switching distilleries to NOM 1564 (La Misión, San Juanito Escobedo) • 100% Blue Weber agave grown in-house (28–32 brix) • Stone/brick oven cooking (40–50 hours) • Open fermentation • Copper pot distillation • French & American oak aging (Reposado & Añejo) • Additive-free tequila • Growing to 100+ accounts across Texas This is more than a tequila interview — it’s an entrepreneur story about resilience, culture, and never giving up. If you love additive-free tequila, small-batch brands, or inspiring founder stories, this episode is for you. Check out Carabuena Tequila: https://carabuenatequila.com Follow Victor Diaz Instagram: @carabuenatequila Let me know in the comments: Would you chase your dream for 13 years? © Tasting Tequila with Brad