Avion Tequila Partners With Artist David Flores For Holiday Gift Set

Still looking for the perfect holiday gift for the tequila lover in your life? Avion has got you covered. The award-winning producer out of Jesús María, Mexico has partnered with renowned painter and muralist David Flores to create a one-time holiday “drop.”

The gift set includes gear meant to entice tequila fans and art lovers, alike. Inside you’ll find drinking glasses, an ice mold, playing cards as well as a custom Bluetooth speaker, all incorporating customized design by Flores. It will go on sale exclusively via NTWRK— a livestream shopping platform—at 4pm EST on December 17th. The price is set at $44 in honor of Avion’s signature Extra Añejo, Reserva 44. To be clear, that bottle will not be included in the box, due to restrictions on sending alcohol to all 50 states.

But here’s the crazy part: it does include a $200 gift card. Which means you can wet down the set with the appropriate liquid—as you see fit. Don’t ask me how the math works. I’m just here to talk tequila and art. And to that end, I sat down with David Flores for an exclusive interview about his partnership with Avion.

What was the genesis of this collaboration? 

Tequila Avion approached me with the idea of curating a set that would highlight moments that are rooted in great friendship. For me so many of these experiences and ideas are created spending time with friends and family. My studio is a special place for us all, where we often listen to music and drink great tequila. Highlighting these times felt authentic for me and my excitement for the partnership was instant. 

Talk about this gift set and what went into it? 

Reimagining the Avion logo felt like the next logical step with my work currently portraying florals. Within the gift set we wanted to focus on high quality items that enhance the experience and let you focus on enjoying those “top shelf” friendships. The custom designed speaker for me was a must because music plays a big role in my studio. Details like the signature etched glassware adds a sense of elegance, while the box itself is a unique work of art. 

Talk about your new mural in the Bowery. How long did it take you to conceive and execute?

I recently completed the Bowery wall mural, with my partner Olivia Bevilacqua. It was an honor bestowed upon us by Goldman Global Arts. I feel it’s an accomplishment to be invited to showcase my work on such a historic and legendary location. Being able to add my name to the list of greats feels like years of hard work acknowledged. Muraling takes a great physical effort and we have focused our efforts on mastering the craft of public art over the last 12 years. A lot of thought goes into the design process before brush hits wall. For this mural I worked closely with Olivia to create a concept that would provoke a feeling of joy for the viewer. Fun, the excitement of being alive, the feeling of exhilaration. These were the emotions we knew we wanted to share with the public and from that determination we brainstormed imagery for about a month that made us feel that way.  

What interests you the most about tequila? 

I have always enjoyed tequila. Over the last few years, I have been building out my new art studio. I have a speakeasy-style bar there and tequila is the go-to. I’ve found my taste has refined over the years and when I am enjoying a drink with friends, a nice glass of extra añejo tequila over ice is my preference. What really interests me most is the quality of the tequila and of my friendships. 

You’ve worked with the Mexican Consulate, have you spent any time down in Jalisco? And have you spent any time exploring the cultural roots of tequila?

Yes, working with the Mexican consulate was another monumental project that I am very proud to be a part of. We did a wonderful mural based around enriching the community. The consulate brought in world renowned artists to an area that sees very little. The entire project pushed boundaries. Not only introducing a new caliber of artwork to such a large number of people,but testing the abilities of my team and myself. Equipment posed the largest challenge when the boom lift was not safe to use. Forcing us to paint suspended from a large crane. We did not make it to Jalisco during that trip, but I’m hopeful we’ll get the chance to do that soon. We were able to spend a day a Teotihuacán, which started with a tequila tasting at 8AM.

Are there any qualities/characteristics that really stand out to you about Reserva 44, specifically? 

Reserva 44 is a great sipping tequila. Lately I like to take my time, enjoying the flavor profile over ice and diving into a conversation. It’s a fantastic addition to my holiday lineup.