Discover the Journey of UNI Tequila: Behind the Brand with Founder Metta Risdal

Tequila lovers, rejoice! If you’re on the hunt for a premium, sustainable tequila that stands out in both quality and taste, look no further than UNI Tequila. Established by Metta Risdal, a spirited entrepreneur from Norway, UNI Tequila is crafted with estate-grown organic agave. This brand offers two distinguished expressions: a blanco and anejo, each bringing its own unique characteristics to your palate.

A Taste of UNI Tequila

The blanco expression of UNI Tequila is a favorite among many, known for its silky, floral, and citrusy notes that culminate in an exceptionally smooth finish. For those who appreciate a more mature flavor profile, the anejo offers a deeper, richer taste experience.

Meet the Founder: Metta Risdal

Metta Risdal’s journey to creating UNI is as intriguing as the tequila itself. A Norwegian native, Metta discovered her passion for tequila during her frequent travels to Mexico. Noticing a gap in the market for a sustainable approach to tequila production, she established UNI Tequila with a commitment to organic practices.

Expanding Horizons

Currently, UNI Tequila can be found in select bars, restaurants, and alcohol stores across New York and Florida. However, Metta is on her way to expanding the brand’s reach, with sights set on availability in more states, including California.

Metta’s role in running the brand requires her to travel extensively, allowing her to engage with accounts and explore new opportunities. Her frequent travels afford her unique experiences and encounters, weaving a tapestry of tales that enrich the brand’s story.

On the Road Essentials

Running a business means Metta often has to live out of a suitcase. Here are her travel must-haves:

• A few bottles of UNI Tequila – always prepared to share a taste with new friends and potential partners.
• Minimalistic packing – traveling light and keeping things simple.
• A flask of UNI Tequila in her carry-on, ensuring she always has her favorite drink.

Favorite Discoveries on Her Travels

Traveling for work has its perks, including discovering some amazing places along the way. Here’s a taste of Metta’s favorites:

Delicious Eats

• Food Shack in Jupiter, Florida: This casual restaurant offers fresh and local fish, including the must-try sweet potato crusted fish of the day.
• In Norway, the fish is simply prepared yet incredibly fresh, embodying the essence of true flavor.

Best Bars

• Torrisi in New York: A culinary delight with an exquisite selection at the bar, ensuring a top-notch experience for foodies and tequila lovers alike.
• Lucky Shuck in Jupiter, Florida: Offering a serene view of the Jupiter Lighthouse, this bar is the perfect place to unwind.

Mexican Charms

Among her cherished destinations in Mexico is Flora Farms, located just 30 minutes from Cabo. This 150-acre paradise grows organic ingredients for their restaurant, providing a true farm-to-table experience. The site includes a spa, cooking classes, and a unique fragrance studio, where you can create your own natural perfume using farm-grown flowers and herbs.

Tequila and Travel Philosophy

For Metta, traveling is about maintaining her personal values of sustainability and simplicity. Her approach involves bringing her own natural products, including soap and of course, UNI Tequila. She opts for hotels that offer juice bars and exciting dining options.

Memorable Encounters

During her travels, Metta has crossed paths with fascinating individuals, including an inspiring woman in her 80s who formerly worked in fashion and now dedicates her efforts to charity. This encounter, along with meeting fellow brand owners in the wine and spirits industry, highlights the camaraderie and shared experiences within the field.

Future Aspirations

Metta harbors ambitions for UNI Tequila to reach even more esteemed locations. Seeing UNI as a staple in luxury minibars at notable hotels like The Breakers, Aman, and Baccarat Hotel is on her wishlist, where it already enjoys a presence at the bar.

Travel Style: Carry On vs. Checked Luggage

For a tequila enthusiast like Metta, checked luggage is essential—it allows her to bring along her cherished UNI Tequila wherever her journeys lead.

Metta’s travels and passion for UNI Tequila embody a commitment to excellence and sustainability, marrying her love for exploration with the ethos of her brand. As UNI continues to grow, the journey of this remarkable tequila is one to watch.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/shivanivora/2024/11/28/uni-tequila-founder-metta-risdal-talks-travel/