After successful launch in Charleston, South Carolina, the Award-Winning Agave Spirits Brand Announces 2026 Major U.S. Market Expansion
New York, New York — NOCK Tequila and Mezcal launches official distribution in California, Illinois, New York, and Texas, marking significant market growth following a successful 2025.
The expansion comes on the heels of significant recognition for NOCK's portfolio, with three new awards in 2025: a London Spirits Competition Gold Medal (95 points) for its Joven Mezcal, and Gold medals from both the Agavos Awards and USA Spirits Ratings (93 points) for its Blanco. The brand previously earned Double Gold at the 2024 SIP Awards for its Reposado, demonstrating recognition from consumers and industry professionals alike.
These accolades arrive as the additive-free brand officially launches distribution in California with Aguirre Imports, Illinois with Atoto Distribution, New York with CW Distribution, and Texas with Liquorco Distribution, adding to its existing presence in South Carolina, Tennessee, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.
"We care about being transparent with all of our processes and know that what goes in every bottle is great, and as a small, self-funded company it feels good to have the validation," says Melissa Mathieson, CEO & Partner of NOCK Tequila & Mezcal. "Every bottle represents our commitment to additive-free spirits, fair trade practices, and the traditional methods that make agave spirits so extraordinary. We're thrilled to bring that to more tables around the world."
NOCK's expansion strategy mirrors its successful community-focused model established with their relaunch in Charleston, South Carolina—fostering genuine connections within each market through partnerships with craft cocktail establishments, educational programs for beverage professionals, and local-engagement initiatives.
Founded in 2010, José P. Rodriguez Samano wanted to bring a different tequila to the world—a tequila for everyday people to connect with the history of agave in Mexico. With the support of Melissa Mathieson, Master Distiller Daniel Popolizio Tuesta at NOM 1502, and Master Mezcalero Miguel Martinez, the brand relaunched in 2022 and kept the core principles of approachability and high-quality intact while demonstrating it could become 100% additive-free with a mixture of traditional and modern practices.
"When Melissa joined as partner and CEO it was a renewal of the brand's image, and our tequila profiles are now completely focused on more artisanal processes, mature agaves, and being additive-free," says Rodriguez Samano, NOCK Founder. "The objective was to bring the Mexican liquid culture to different parts of the world, starting with our neighbor and friend, the United States. Now our presence is in Italy, Portugal, UK, Colombia, and Japan, among other markets that increasingly value Mexican spirits. The NOCK brand also ventured into the mezcal category, and we can proudly boast about having one of the best mezcals in the world that's been awarded multiple medals in various countries."
NOCK positions itself as the "modern cantina" or "table tequila and mezcal"—spirits built for everyday gatherings where laughter is loud, stories are shared, tears might be shed and generations mix effortlessly.
The full NOCK portfolio available in new markets includes:
- Blanco Tequila (Gold, Agavos Awards & USA Spirits): Fresh and additive-free with notes of fresh cut grass and extraordinary softness
- Reposado Tequila (Double Gold, SIP Awards): Smooth with citrus notes and floral elegance rested in American white oak
- Añejo Tequila: Super premium, aged 12-14 months, warm and full-bodied with a touch of dried soft fruits
- Cristalino Tequila: NOCK Añejo that is specially filtered through charcoal, with a finish of butter and black pepper
- Joven Mezcal (Gold 95, London Spirits): Superior expression exhibiting a soft balance of smoke, petrichor and toasted agave using traditional manufacturing methods
- Añejo Mezcal: A special mezcal featuring elegant complexity of raw agave, smoked molasses coming from 1 year in used bourbon barrels
Each product features:
- Carefully selected Highland and Lowland agave aged over 6 years
- Organic open-air fermentation
- Slow and low autoclave cooking process
- 80-meter volcanic well water
- Double distillation process
- 100% additive-free
"We are committed to working closely with our partners around the world to ensure that our passion for friends, family, community, ethical business practices and most importantly—quality—is reflected in every joyful moment a NOCK bottle is shared," says Mathieson.
NOCK is a founding member of the Good Agave Pledge, an initiative that works alongside the Gente Buena Foundation, improving economic and environmental conditions for agave farmworkers in Mexico. The brand will contribute a percentage of every bottle sold to conservation initiatives and community projects.
In November 2025, NOCK partnered with Siete Sirenas to host "Hijos del Quiote," an exclusive 7-day immersive experience through Jalisco, bringing together 14 industry professionals from Mexico, Italy, Scotland, and across the United States to visit authentic tequila distilleries and traditional raicilla tabernas. This was an opportunity to demonstrate the brand's commitment to transparency through firsthand education.
NOCK is represented by Siete Sirenas, the import and brand agency founded by Mathieson to support small-batch Mexican spirits producers. Named for Mathieson's seven sisters and honoring women in the spirits industry, Siete Sirenas provides branding, market strategy, and distribution partnerships for craft brands committed to quality, community, and environmental stewardship.
About NOCK Tequila & Mezcal: Founded in 2010 by José P. Rodriguez Samano and Sergio Cruz, relaunched in 2022 with Melissa Mathieson and Master Distiller Daniel Popolizio Tuesta, NOCK Tequila combines traditional Mexican heritage with modern production methods to create premium, additive-free tequilas and mezcals. Available in select locations across Mexico, EU, and the United States including California, Illinois, New York, South Carolina, Texas, and Tennessee, award-winning NOCK embodies the necessity of quality, transparency, and tradition. Pricing varies by market and expression, with NOCK positioned as an affordable, everyday premium spirits brand.
About Siete Sirenas: Founded by Melissa Mathieson, Siete Sirenas connects artisanal Mexican spirits producers to global markets through transparent, fair partnerships. The agency represents NOCK Tequila & Mezcal, El Disfrute De Los Espíritus, and Balam Spirits.
Media Contact: Ash Eliot – Ash@PouringPurpose.com
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