The Unprecedented Collection of Don Luis January, 2008 - by Mark Cannon, PocoTequila.Com I originally met Don Luis (Lou) online, through eBay where we became acquainted buying and selling collectible bottles of tequila. In November of 2003 we finally met in person at The New Mexico Tequila Experience in Albuquerque, an event organized by our mutual tequila friend, Mike Morales. Since that time Lou and I have met and collaborated at various tequila related events in the USA and Mexico. We've shared some fantastic experiences (as well as tequila) and have become very good friends. Now to say that Lou and I both have collections of tequila would be a bit like saying Tiger Woods and I both play golf. The "Colección de Don Luis" is one of the largest in the world. The Univision documentary (click link above) is in Spanish but I believe it claims that this collection is considered to be the Worlds 2nd largest individual collection of Tequila. That is probably accurate but the "Colección de Don Luis" is so much more than just a large collection of bottles. It is an all-encompassing archive of all things related to the National Spirit of Mexico. Indeed it's a historical record and a very passionate look into this palatable aspect of the Mexican culture. The collection is based around the foundation of a huge number of full, standard sized bottles but also includes a full compliment of miniatures and oversized examples from all eras. Among the collection is mountains of other related memorabilia, hundreds of shot glasses, signage, posters, serving trays and other branded, promotional items. The reality and scope of this collection is both mind boggling and breathtaking. Lou's dream is to showcase this awe-inspiring collection in a Museum for all to see. That is truly where the collection would be ideally suited. In my mind this is a place I would love to visit time and again. For sometime Lou has been looking into locations to house the collection in San Antonio, Texas and some regions in Mexico. In Lou's words, "It took many years and thousands of miles of travel to assemble this unique collection. From numerous trips to tequila making pueblos in the mountains of Mexico to private auctions and exclusive tours, this treasure of bottles and memorabilia is a once in a lifetime find that combines the history, culture, art, and tequila making into one unique large exhibition found no where else in the world. The intention of the collection was to create an "International Museum of Agave" to showcase the Mexican culture and the art of tequila making. We are looking for a serious buyer or investors who can appreciate the collection and hopefully provide an appropriate showcase for it." As a result the coveted "Colección de Don Luis", which has been called the worlds second largest collection in private hands, is now slated for acquisition. I truly wish that I had the sort of resources to help fund the realization of a dream. In fact I'll be doing anything I can from here forward to help facilitate any action that could lead to this dream becoming a reality. The best way for this to happen may very well be, "the sale of this collection to a serious buyer who can appreciate the collection and hopefully provide an appropriate application or venue for it." The "Colección de Don Luis" belongs in a museum. Anyone with the means to do so, now has the opportunity to acquire this dream of a collection. I hope and expect this to be a person with a mutual passion for the great "Spirit of Mexico" that also agrees this unprecedented treasure should be shared with all. Interested?, For more information Contact: tequila@luis.org Serious Inquiries only please. This wonderful collection will not be divided up. Please do make any inquiries of that nature. Only serious offers pertaining the entire collection will be considered.