Seventh Episode of Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services Podcast Explores Premium Sipping Tequila and Educational Events in ABS Retail Stores

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) has released the seventh episode of its podcast series “Spirited Discussions: A Podcast by Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services.” The series helps residents and businesses understand alcohol products, trends and policies in Montgomery County. The seventh episode, “Premium Sipping Tequila,” explores the explosive popularity of fine tequila, tips for enjoying premium spirits and product education opportunities in Oak Barrel & Vine stores.

In the podcast, ABS Community Business Engagement Specialist John Bowles and Clase Azul Mexico Global Brand Maestro Rubén Vargas join host Jocelyn Rawat to discuss the tequila-making traditions of Mexico and the unique collection from Clase Azul Mexico. Guests recommend traditional cocktail recipes and new ways of enjoying artisanal expressions. They also highlight the artistry behind Clase Azul’s hand-painted decanters and ways that County residents can taste and learn about available products.  

Vargas recently visited Montgomery County and offered a masterclass that included tastings of five of the products in the Clase Azul portfolio. Limited to Montgomery County residents, the free masterclass was part of ABS’s expanding “Taste & Tell” program that gives participants a robust education and tasting experience for featured products. “Taste & Tell” events require advance registration and are offered through the department’s Facebook page. ABS also offers in-store tastings of a wide range of products every weekend at all its 27 retail locations. A full list of in-store tasting events is available on the ABS website.

“We are fortunate to have access to such great classes and tastings at no cost,” said Mr. Bowles. “Rubén’s class filled up within 15 minutes of being posted on Facebook, but rest assured, there will be more excellent opportunities.”

The Alcohol Beverage Services podcast is posted on the department’s website and is available on several podcast platforms including Amazon, Apple and Spotify. Subscribe to the podcast by selecting the “follow” or “plus” button on your provider’s podcast platform.

Listeners are encouraged to email ideas and questions for future episodes to [email protected].

Previous episodes highlighted the art and science of whiskey barrel picks, defined the “control model” for alcohol distribution, introduced customers to locally produced beer and provided guidance for selecting French wine. Future episodes will feature rare products and locally licensed establishments.

The Office of Broadband Programs in the County’s Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions (TEBS) provides technical support for the ABS podcast.

ABS is the alcohol wholesaler of beer, wine and spirits for Montgomery County and operates 27 retail stores throughout the County. In addition, ABS manages alcohol licensing, enforcement and education for more than 1,000 businesses. Generating more than $35 million in net income annually, its profits are used to pay down County debt with a large portion deposited in the general fund to pay for resident services that otherwise would be funded by County tax dollars. Follow ABS on Facebook and X.

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Release ID: 25-034
Media Contact: Jocelyn Rawat 202-604-72
Categories: ABS