Sparkle Donkey - The World's Best Tequila Finally Arrives in the US

SEATTLE, WA, September 24, 2012 (Press-News.org) Black Rock Spirits, makers of Bakon Vodka, a brand that in only three years gained nation-wide distribution and a fanatical fan base, today announced they are assisting with the US distribution of Sparkle Donkey Silver and Sparkle Donkey Reposado tequilas. Until now, this 100% agave award-winning tequila with a rich heritage has only been available in small batches due to inefficient donkey-only distribution, according to a Black Rock Spirits spokesperson.

As most tequila aficionados know, heritage is critical to the taste of any tequila. "Is your favorite tequila old enough?" asks Black Rock Spirits subordinate, Sven Liden. "Maybe not. There are many tequilas to choose from and some have been around for three, four, even five generations. We're proud to be importing tequila with a heritage that goes back not generations, but centuries. We're also pleased that the Institute of Tequila Studies has recently completed an in-depth historical archive of the legend behind the world's best tequila, Sparkle Donkey."

The tale of the elusive Sparkle Donkey (or 'El Burro Esparkalo' as it's know to locals) is as rich with history as it is with mystery. Legend has it that one of the most well documented sightings of El Burro Esparkalo was in the late 1800s in a small Mexican village in the Jalisco region. Residents say that the donkey saved their village after spring floods destroyed their agave fields, bringing barrels of tequila down the mountain. Analysis confirms that the 100% Agave tequila is handcrafted somewhere in the Jalisco region using high-sugar agave and volcanic spring water, but beyond that, not much is known. The complete historical archive by the Institute of Tequila Studies can be viewed at www.sparkledonkey.com.

Fans of the Sparkle Donkey brand have been around for decades in the US, but until now were unable to find it consistently or in large quantities. Despite its rarity, notable spirits competitions and judges have praised the limited edition tequila's quality. Sparkle Donkey Silver was recently awarded a Gold Medal (rated 93 points, 'Exceptional') at the 2012 BTI International Spirits Competition (http://bit.ly/P0qb2X). The Reposado also earned a Silver Medal (rated 88 points, 'Highly Recommended') at the competition.

Prices vary from state to state, but Sparkle Donkey typically retails in the low- to mid-20 dollar range. For more information on when Sparkle Donkey will be available locally or to learn more about the legend and history of El Burro Esparkalo, visit www.sparkledonkey.com or like Sparkle Donkey on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sparkledonkey.

About Black Rock Spirits
Black Rock Spirits is a US-based spirits producer/importer which is 100% owned by a reclusive founder who wishes to remain anonymous. Brands owned by Black Rock Spirits were primarily developed before, during, and after prohibition era. More information can be found at www.blackrockspirits.com.

About the Institute of Tequila Studies
The Institute of Tequila Studies is widely recognized as the leading authority on the science of tequila production, Tequilana Weber Blue agave horticulture, the science of fermented agave distillation, and the history and culture of tequila. The ITS state of the art facility houses one of the largest collections of tequila bottles and memorabilia in the world, along with historic photos, tools, and artifacts. More information can be found at www.instituteoftequilastudies.org.

About the BTI International Spirits Competition
The Beverage Testing Institute's International Review of Spirits is the oldest and most prestigious annual spirits competition in the United States. Throughout the year, the tasting experts at the Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) will invite select members of the trade to join them as panelists in blind tastings of specific categories of spirits. Major and boutique spirits producers and importers from around the world and across the country participate in the competition because they know that BTI conducts the most objective, consistent, and widely regarded spirits reviews in America. Millions of consumers look to BTI's spirits reviews when making their spirits buying decisions, and retailers and distributors across the US closely watch BTI's reviews when looking for products to carry. All products are tasted blind by a panel consisting of trained BTI staff and talented guest panelists from the spirits world. BTI uses a proprietary tasting methodology that assures accurate, repeatable results. Each product receives a score based on a 100 point scale and a tasting note.

Media Contacts:
Revolution PR for Sparkle Donkey Tequila
Tanya Mahr / (206) 227-4774 / tanya@revolutionpr.com