LOBOS 1707 A NEW PREMIUM TEQUILA AND MEZCAL BRAND BACKED BY SPORTS LEGEND LEBRON JAMES OFFICIALLY DEBUTED LAST NOVEMBER, THOUGH ITS RELEASE WAS SEVERAL CENTURIES IN THE MAKING

BY AMANDA MCCOY

There was ample buzz surrounding the late 2020 launch of tequila and mezcal brand Lobos 1707 (translating to “wolves” in Spanish), not least of which for the pedigree of its leadership. Dubbed the wolf pack, the team consists of founder and CCO Diego Osorio, CEO and business powerhouse Dia Simms (the former president of rapper Sean Combs’ corporate portfolio), and sports legend (and tequila a cionado) LeBron James, who pledged his investment soon after meeting Osorio and tasting the spirit. But it takes more than star power to craft a spirit that stands apart in this rapidly expanding category (stats show 100% agave tequilas are driving the segment’s massive growth), and Osorio called upon an old family tradition that was rooted centuries ago.

In 1707, Osorio’s ancestor of the same name was introduced to the “agave spirit” after a voyage to Mexico’s Los Altos de Jalisco. Upon developing a taste for what would one day be christened tequila, the Spanish explorer transported the spirit back to his native Spain in sherry wine barrels. As the liquid aged, he discovered the sherry-soaked oak lended a smooth, elegant finish to the earthy profile. e legend of this “Osorio tequila” was passed down through the generations, and centuries later, his descendant set out to recreate this revered family recipe for the modern palate.

Lobos 1707 spans three tequila expressions Extra Añejo, Reposado, and Joven plus an artisanal, gloriously smoky mezcal. The tequila is cultivated from 100% Blue Weber agave, harvested after a minimum of six years, and rested, aged, and finished in Pedro Ximénez (PX) wine barrels from Spain a method culled from Osorio’s ancestor. The flagship, the Extra Añejo, is aged for three years in American white oak then finished in the PX wine barrels. Forged to be slowly sipped and savored, the complex flavor pro le yields sweet citrus, aging vinous wood, tobacco, and subtle notes of roast coffee and cocoa. $149.99, lobos1707.com

PALOMA DE JIMA
A divine spring refresher indeed, this citrus-forward cocktail uses Joven ($43.99), the brand’s young, carbon-filtered expression that features subtle tones of fiery balsamic on the palate.

3⁄4 oz agave syrup
2 oz Lobos 1707 Tequila, Joven
3⁄4 oz lemon juice
2 oz ruby grapefruit or blood orange juice
Ruby grapefruit or blood orange slice for garnish
Salt or spicy seasoning (optional)
Add the agave, the tequila, and the lemon juice in a mixing tin and shake. Pour in a rocks glass over ice, and top with ruby grapefruit or blood orange juice. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit or blood orange. For a shot of extra, rim the glass with lemon juice and then add salt or spicy seasoning.