Espolòn Tequila Launches DEATH, A Limited-Edition Day Of The Dead Magazine

NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Heard print was dead? Sounds delightful.

Today Espolòn Tequila launches DEATH, a magazine that pays homage to a creative (and wonderfully morbid) Day of the Dead art form — the writing of literary calaveras. Simply put, these are illustrated poems — but with a deadly twist.

The rise of this style of poetry is intrinsically linked to the brilliant work of Jose Guadalupe Posada, whose iconic drawings during the Mexican revolution would become the country's beloved, quintessential representations of death. It is his artwork that inspires the striking design of Espolòn Tequila bottles.   

Literary calaveras, which began as satirical obituaries of Mexico's elite in the 19th century, evolved into a longstanding tradition that is still alive today. Every year, at the end of October, people of Mexico take to newspapers, radio and even television to share witty (and often biting) poems poking fun at their (still living) loved ones' shortcomings, ultimately culminating in their comical demise. They are a sign of Mexican creativity and irreverence – and a friendly reminder of our own mortality.

In this spirit, Espolòn Tequila honors Posada and all who've crossed over with DEATH, a custom publication featuring modern calaveras penned by some of today's rising literary stars and pop culture personalities, many of whom come from Mexican-American and LatinX communities. Notable contributors include:

• Miguel, Grammy-winning R&B superstar.
• Cover illustration done by Scott Campbell, world-renowned tattoo artist.
• Mishel Prada, Activist and star of Starz's ground-breaking drama series, Vida.
• Valentina, Star of RuPaul's Drag Race.
• Suzy Exposito, Latin Music editor at Rolling Stone.
• Bricia Lopez, World famous restaurateur.
• Caitlin Doughty, Mortician and New York times best-selling author.
• E.R Pulgar, Acclaimed LatinX poet and music critic.
• Valeria The Mexican Witch, Celebrity Tarot reader, author and founding priestess of the Feminist Church of La Santa Muerte.

"I've never contributed to an idea that tied this many of my favorite things together all at once -- heritage, tequila, culture, and poetry," said Grammy-winning R&B superstar Miguel. "It was cool to be a part of a project that celebrated Día De Muertos in this way."

If you can't get your hands on a printed magazine, an online version of the magazine can be found in full here: https://espolontequila.com/diademuertos

DEATH Newsstand
Not content to launch our first magazine without a party, Espolòn Tequila will celebrate the launch of DEATH at a pop-up "newsstand from the other side" in the heart of SoHo October 31 and November 1, 2019. But like all things Espolòn, there's more to this newsstand than meets the eye. Step through the fridge full of Espolòn Bottles to discover a gallery-inspired space filled with copies of DEATH, unique pieces of art, collaborative merchandise and displays that illuminate Espolòn Tequila's inherent association with Day of the Dead. Lucky attendees who stop by might even be invited to "cross over" into a once-in-an-afterlife immersive Day of the Dead celebration hidden even deeper within the space.

The pop-up space will highlight the cultural importance of art in Mexico, especially during Day of the Dead. In honor of the holiday, Espolòn Tequila is donating $25,000 to PAOS GDL, a non-profit focused on dissemination and promotion of art from Guadalajara, Mexico (the home of Espolòn Tequila) to the rest of the world. Learn more at paosgdl.org.

Pop-Up Details

• Dates: Thursday, October 31 and Friday, November 1
• Times: Open to the public (ages 21+) 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Location: 499 Broadway New York, NY 10012 (SoHo, between Broome & Spring Street)

For more information about Espolòn Tequila, visit EspolònTequila.com and follow along on social media at: Instagram @EspolonTequila| Twitter @EspolonTequila| Facebook @EspolonTequila

ABOUT ESPOLÒN TEQUILA
The story of Espolòn lies in the heart of Mexican history itself. Distilled from hand-harvested 100% Weber Blue Agave in Los Altos, the Highlands region of Jalisco, the award-winning tequilas are the pride of the San Nicolas Distillery and made in the Mexican tradition with modern techniques. A dream come true for Master Distiller Cirilo Oropeza, Espolòn pays homage to the legendary rooster, and is a tribute to the artists who inspired the world with their true portrayals of the rich, storied culture of Mexico. Espolòn's striking bottle artwork features the calavera (skeletons) depicting key moments in Mexican history, and led by the proud rooster, Ramón.

Espolòn, at its heart, is a tribute to Mexican culture. Each bottle's label captures a different moment from Mexico's history, but all pay tribute to one true hero – José Guadalupe Posada. Posada was a 19th century artist and printmaker, a real pioneer and a bit of a rebel. His most famous work, the calavera (skulls), made powerful commentary on the social injustices of his time. He gave his people a voice and gave the art world a style that continues to influence pop culture today, as reflected with DEATH.

About Campari America
Campari America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI - Bloomberg CPR IM).  At the heart of Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry.  The first, SKYY Spirits, was founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY Vodka.  The second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have been making the world's finest whiskies since the 1800's.  Both companies were purchased by Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America, which has built a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Campari America manages Campari Group's portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY Infusions®, Grand Marnier®, Campari®, Aperol®, Wild Turkey® Kentucky Straight Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell's Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Forty Creek® Canadian Whisky, BULLDOG® Gin, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolòn® Tequila, Appleton® Estate Rum, Wray & Nephew® Rum, Coruba® Rum, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Cynar®, Averna®, Braulio® and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®. 

Campari America is headquartered in New York, New York.  More information on the company can be found at www.campariamerica.com, www.facebook.com/campariamerica, Twitter: @CampariAmerica, Instagram: @CampariAmerica, and www.camparigroup.com.  Please enjoy Campari America brands responsibly and in moderation.

SOURCE Campari America