Stepping off a plane, many travelers look forward to unwinding with a drink at an airport bar. For tequila aficionados, however, the selection often falls short of expectations. @cubsfan2112 posed an intriguing question: "Why does airport tequila suck?" In our latest video, we delve into the reasons behind this all-too-common experience and explore the dynamics that limit tequila variety at airports.
The Monopoly of Airport Dining
Airports are bustling hubs of travel activity, hosting thousands of people of diverse tastes and preferences. Despite this, the beverage options available are often limited and predictable, especially when it comes to tequila. The primary reason? A single company usually manages all airport bars and restaurants, including those marketed as branches of "local" eateries. It's a world dominated by gigantic contracts rather than curated selections.
This business model prioritizes efficiency and consistency over variety. To meet the demands of a high-paced airport environment, these companies secure agreements with large tequila brands known for their widespread recognition and availability.
The Main Players
When you peruse an airport bar's drinks list, you'll likely encounter familiar names such as Cuervo, 1800, Don Julio, Casamigos, and Patron. These tequilas are household names for a reason—they're trusted, broadly distributed, and well-received by the general public. However, this lineup leaves little room for craft tequilas and artisanal options that many tequila enthusiasts crave.
Craft Tequila's Absence
Craft tequila is celebrated for its diverse flavors, small-batch processes, and dedication to traditional methods. Unfortunately, the complexities involved in organizing airport contracts mean that the unique and intricate offerings of craft tequila producers are often overlooked—airports operate on scale and predictability, favoring big players who can consistently deliver large quantities.
The situation reflects a broader trend observed in many chain restaurants, where the focus is on consistency nationwide. Specialty and craft products are generally constrained to smaller bars and high-end tequila-centric establishments where the emphasis can be keenly placed on variety and uniqueness.
A Call for Change
For lovers of artisanal tequila, lackluster airport selections can feel disappointing, but there's hope. As consumer awareness grows and the demand for diverse, quality options increases, airports may rethink their offerings. Tequila aficionados can also champion for change by choosing to visit bars and restaurants prioritizing variety and by supporting small-batch, craft tequila brands wherever possible.
Thank you, @cubsfan2112, for sparking this engaging discussion. Keep those thought-provoking questions coming, and be sure to check your DMs for a gift card to our online store as a token of our appreciation!
For more insights and to join the conversation about tequila and travel, watch our full video and share your thoughts. Cheers to better choices and wider selections in the future!
