OUR STORY
From a chance encounter to the brand’s creation, Blue Head Tequila stands as a testament to the fusion of two worlds — a testament to friendship, united by a shared love for tequila, a commitment to honor the heritage behind it, and the pursuit of excellence in the world of tequila.
MEET THE FOUNDERS
Jose Leonardo Lopez, “The Chief,”
and Jesse Lee Carrigan
IT STARTED AT A BAR
At a local cigar bar in Tampa in 2005, Jesse Carrigan, a consummate entrepreneur and visionary, found himself in a chance encounter when he struck up a conversation with two tequila enthusiasts who had just returned from Tequila, Mexico.
They were buzzing with excitement about the best tequila they'd ever tasted - sharing tales of a Native American distiller crafting this exceptional spirit in a small blue building tucked away in his backyard.
tampa, fl to Amatitán, jalisco
Despite their enthusiasm, the two strangers at the bar couldn't recall specifics beyond the taste, guiding Jesse with vague directions: "Down a dirt road toward the Sierra Madre mountains, past a huge distillery where the paved road ends." Their only assurance? "You'll know you’ve found it when you see locals lining up with empty jugs and bottles."
Two days later, captivated by the intrigue of this exotic spirit, Jesse embarked on a trip to Guadalajara, determined to uncover this hidden gem. After three days of searching, braving cold rains and slick mud roads, just days before Christmas, his determination finally paid off.
MEETING OF MINDS
As if drawn by fate, Jesse's gaze landed on it: a quaint blue building, and locals clutching their jugs and containers, lined up eagerly for their holiday tequila fix. Among them stood a man with vivid blue paint adorning his face, accentuated by streaks of red, yellow, and green, serving and filling up their jugs.
"You are either lost or drunk on tequila," he said. "I’m Leonardo, and if you do not get out of the car, they may find you in a few days still in it… down the river." An hour later, they began walking the streets of the festive village, immersed in the joyous celebration with Leonardo's tribe, the Purépecha.
CULTURAL FUSION
Thus began a bond, sealed that very night under the influence of tequila and camaraderie, swapping tales, ideas, and desires. Jesse boldly suggested a venture: to introduce Leonardo's remarkable tequila to the world. With that, the deal was made, awaiting only a name and logo for their new brand.
Drawing inspiration from the colorful paint on Leonardo’s face, Jesse proposed “Blue Head” - an homage to the azure-hued agave fields, the humble blue building where the spirit was born, the tribal tradition of vibrant head adornments, and the significance of the agave plant's head, where the finest sugar for tequila lies. Moments later, he declared, "Our logo— a Native American figure, a tribute to you and your esteemed, illustrious Purépecha tribe. And you, my friend, shall be the honored ‘Chief’”.
HARNESSING TRADITION AND EXPERTISE
Fueled by their shared passion and cultural experiences, Jesse and Leonardo officially set out to create a tequila that embodies both craftsmanship and cultural heritage, blending American entrepreneurship with Mexican tradition to create a brand deeply rooted in authenticity and quality. After meticulous planning and refining their product, Jesse and Leonardo proudly introduced Blue Head Tequila to the world in 2008.
Simply put, it is the spirit of Mexico that is in a bottle of Blue Head Tequila. The spirit of kindness and goodness, the spirit of tradition and respect to an honored tribe of ancient warriors, the spirit to protect the sky, the waters, the earth and homage to the Great Spirit of Creation.