From Behind the Bar: A Bartender’s Take on Estoico Tequila
Real Feedback, Real Conversations
In our last post, we shared the five key questions we ask seasoned bartenders when introducing Estoico Tequila. Today, we’re following up with the real answers, not from a focus group, but from an experienced bartender who’s poured, served, and sold Estoico at their bar.
Here are the answers from Jack Wallpe , General Manager & Head Bartender at King William Wine Company in San Antonio, TX.
Instagram: @jackthebarback
Experience: 8 years bartending, in the industry for 12.
Personal Philosophy: My personal philosophy is making sure everyone has what they want to enjoy the best they can and to create a safe and welcoming environment at the bar or restaurant, so I always recommend something based on the direction they want to go and what suits their needs
Off The Clock: When I’m off the clock I really enjoy tequila Honeysuckles and will slam them with the bartender or a friend I’ve made at the bar.
Interview
1. When you taste this neat, what stands out compared to other premium blancos you work with?
"It opens up with excitement and joy. It’s crisp, clean, and doesn’t come with that grassy or overly earthy flavor other tequilas carry. It speaks for itself as a well-deserved, higher-premium tequila and demands to be reminisced in the best way."
Estoico doesn’t aim to shock, it aims to satisfy. And for those who work with spirits daily, that subtle balance of smoothness and character makes a difference.
2. Where would you place this on your back bar or menu: sipping tequila, featured cocktail, or both?
"It’s on my back bar; front and center. I showcase it openly, easy to point out to guests looking for higher-quality tequila. It’s not currently on the printed menu, because I like to introduce it personally. It creates more of an experience."
Word of mouth still wins. Especially when the bottle and the story behind it do the heavy lifting.
3. How do guests who usually drink Don Julio, Fortaleza, or Ocho react to this?
"Estoico is perfect for guests who want premium but not the usual names. It gives me a chance to broaden their horizons. Many have said it compares right alongside Fortaleza and some prefer it neat."
For customers open to discovery, Estoico is a conversation starter that earns its place among respected peers.
4. Does the texture and finish make you more likely to recommend it neat or in a spirit-forward cocktail?
"I say, ‘I can pour the whiskey for you, but I can’t tell you how to drink it.’ It’s the same with Estoico. I offer it to guests looking to commemorate the night. Personally, I like it neat with a single ice cube and orange slices."
It’s not about dictating the experience, it’s about creating the space for one.
5. If you were introducing this tequila to a regular, what’s the one line you’d use?
"If you’re looking for a good tequila, you’re going to enjoy this. I love it for what it stands for, and it will hold up to the high-end tequilas you know. Let’s try it together."
That’s how loyalists are born, not through marketing decks, but through trust, hospitality, and just a small pour to start.
Why This Matters
Estoico isn’t about chasing hype, it’s about earning respect. And as this bartender’s feedback shows, respect comes from performance, presentation, and story. From the way it pours to the way it’s introduced, Estoico is built to be remembered.
We’ll keep listening. The real feedback is always the most valuable kind.
