Mark Wahlberg Talks Tequila
Mark Wahlberg Talks Tequila
The star spills the tea and toasts to his Flecha Azul tequila in Miami Beach
On a Saturday evening, the Bleau Bar at the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel is usually teeming with people enjoying libations mixed by some of the city’s most capable bartenders.
Last weekend, however, one of the bartenders had a most impressive resume: actor, singer, and model with past gigs that include the Departed, Ted, Boogie Nights, and the ‘90s anthem, Good Vibrations. Wahlberg took to the bar to pour shots of his new tequila venture, Flecha Azul.
Wahlberg made an entire turn around the oval bar, spending time toasting with as many fans as possible. The actor was also seen chatting up people and taking countless selfies.
Wahlberg made his entry into the tequila game in early 2022, announcing a partnership with entrepreneur Aron Marquez and PGA pro golfer Abraham Ancer. Flecha Azul is an ultra-premium tequila made from 100% Blue Weber Agave in Jalisco, Mexico. It’s available in five expressions: Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, Cristalino, and Extra Añejo.
The global tequila market is currently valued at almost $10 billion and is projected to reach $13.5 billion by 2028 and Wahlberg is quick to acknowledge that he’s not alone in investing in agave spirits. “Honestly, there are a lot of celebrities making tequila,” he tells me.
Walhberg says that his reason for partnering in Flecha Azul is about the tequila — and the people behind the product. “I was introduced to a special brand that was created authentically by some really exciting and talented young Mexican entrepreneurs,” he tells me, referring to Marquez and Ancer. “I wanted to be in business with them. I believed in what they created and I thought it was different from anything that was in the market.”
Wahlberg says that he puts his trust in Marquez and Ancer to make the tequila, while his job is to put his name in front of the brand. “I don’t know a lot about tequila, but they’re experts in the space and I wanted to invest in them and to utilize my firepower to be able to create awareness and excitement about the tequila.”
Aron Marquez says he loves the fact that tequila is fast becoming the spirit of choice, with the distinct possibility that it could surpass vodka as top gun in the spirits world. “I love it because it creates more jobs and more opportunities back home in Mexico. It’s good for Mexico and it’s good for the people of Jalisco.”
Wahlberg, who admitted he was a “wine guy” most of his life, says that he found a new appreciation for fine tequila, thanks to his partners. “I’ve been learning a bit about tequila. I’m excited about the growth, for sure.”
The actor and newfound tequila maven says that his favorite expressions of Flecha Azum are the Reposado and Cristalino. “I find them easy to sip.”
And no need to get a mixologist to cater to Wahlberg’s needs: Just a clean glass will do. “I don’t like to put anything in my tequila. I don’t like ice. I don’t like to water it down at all. I like it neat. Very neat.”