Dano's Dangerous Tequila

By Lori Thompson

What’s now becoming a Steamboat local’s favorite is Dano’s Dangerous Tequila. It all started with Dano, who moved to Steamboat in the late 70’s. Dano started experimenting in his basement by infusing Blanco Tequila and fresh pineapples and jalapeno, making unique and delicious Tequila. He created a recipe his friends and family raved about and as the popularity exploded, his friend, Chris Timmerman, a long-time entrepreneur, was convinced it should expand beyond the basement. He wanted to take the infusion public and share it with the world.

So, these two adventurers took a trip to Tequila in Jalisco, Mexico, to find a distillery that could produce the new blend. The journey led them to the Hacienda De Reyes, a small, 4th generation family run Tequila distillery where the Reyes family had been handcrafting Tequila since 1840’s. The family still uses the old school distilling process with only the sweetest blue agave, steamed in brick ovens and finished in copper stills. The partnership flourished and here in the famous town of Tequila, the Reyes family crafts Dano’s Tequila Infusion using 100% Agave Azul Blanco with fresh pineapples and jalapenos. This blend is the only fresh fruit infused Tequila in the world. Dano’s Dangerous Tequila has added three more ultra-premium tequilas; Blanco, Reposado and Anejo now all distributed under Dano’s label.

Tequila was first produced in the 16th Century in the city of Tequila, Jalisco Mexico. There are 5 different states that are allowed to make Tequila by Mexican law. Only Tequila produced in this area is allowed to be termed Tequila. Most Tequila is required to be at least 35-55% alcohol by volume. The best Tequila is made from the Weber Blue Agave plant. It is found growing in rich sandy soil and can grow to over 7 feet. It’s harvested after growing for 5-8 years and with its elevated sugar concentration, makes it a highly desirable source for this popular spirit. Make sure you buy only Tequila labeled 100% Blue Agave for the smoothest, tastiest Tequila. Less expensive Tequila may be made with blue agave but is not 100% and may have added sugar, which can give you a nasty hangover.

Since then, Dano’s has earned accolades at the SIP (International Spirits Competition) with double gold ratings and most recently Dano’s Anejo won Best In Show in the San Francisco World Spirit Competition against 900 tequila brands. Dano’s Dangerous has been featured in several magazines, including Forbes, Rollingstone, NY Post, Men’s Journal and Delish. Over the last 5 years, Dano’s sales have earned a place in the top 10% of the Tequila market of over 3000 Tequila brands.

Dano’s continues to grow its fan base across the country with distribution on the East Coast, Florida, Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. Dano’s Tequila can be found locally at your favorite Spirit store or can be ordered online at DanosTequila.com