As I’ve written about many times before, tequila is my drink of choice. When it comes to my favorite brands, UNI is on among the top on the list.
Crafted with estate grown organic agave, the brand has two expressions: a blanco and anejo. The blanco is what I drink the most, and a bottle always has a place in my bar at home. It’s silky, floral, citrusy all at once and has an exceptionally smooth finish.
Through writing about UNI before, I had the good fortune of meeting its founder Metta Risdal, who is from Norway and discovered a love for tequila during her frequent trips to Mexico. Sensing an opportunity in the market for a sustainable and organic tequila, she decided to establish her own brands, and hence, UNI was born.
It’s available mainly at bars, restaurants and alcohol stores in New York and Florida, and Metta is on her way to expanding it to more states.
Running UNI has Metta traveling with regularity to visit her accounts and sell new ones. I spoke to her about her life on the road and the adventures along the way.
How often on the road for work?
I’m constantly on the road for UNI and travel monthly
I mostly travel to my distillery in Mexico and then between Florida and New York where I have distribution but also California because I’m expanding into California.
What do you always have in your suitcase?
At least a couple of bottles of UNI because I never know who I’m going to run into who I want to give a bottle to.
I’m very simple when it comes to stuff I don’t need a lot so I don’t travel with too much
In my carry on/ purse I usually have a flask of UNI because not all the places I go have it.
One of the best places for food that you’ve discovered?
Food Shack in Jupiter, Florida. It’s super casual with live music. The fish is fresh and local, and they have this amazing dish sweet potato crusted fish of the day. Very simple but just fresh and healthy and delicious
Of course, when I go to Norway the fish is just delicious and simply prepared but so fresh. I love good fish.
What’s your favorite bar?
One of my favorite bars is Torrisi right here in New York I love it so much first because they have Uni but also because I love to eat at the bar and the food is just beyond delicious. Since it can be hard to get a reservation, the bar is perfect
I also love the bar at Lucky Shuck in Jupiter, Florida. It’s on the water and you overlook Jupiter Lighthouse. Sitting there looking at the boats passing by and that turquoise green water is just so peaceful
Current favorite place in Mexico?
One place I just love that I discovered on my travels is Flora Farms just 30 minutes from Cabo It’s 150 acres, and they grow their own organic ingredients for the restaurant. Real farm to table style.
They also have a spa, cooking classes and my favorite: an all natural fragrance studio using flowers and herbs from the farm where you can create your own natural fragrance.
Talking about it makes me want to go back soon. I just love Mexico.
Do you have any specifics when it comes to hotel stays?
What I’ve learned from staying in hotels is that I always bring my own soaps and of course, my tequila. I like everything to be as natural and organic as possible so bringing my own personal stuff when traveling is key. I also try to stay at places that have a juice bar in the hotel or nearby and of course, a cool bar since I travel alone mostly and eat at the bar.
Any particularly memorable encounters during your travels?
I once met a very interesting woman who used to work in the fashion industry but now she does charity work. She’s in her 80’s and lost her husband, but she continues to travel a lot on her own and goes out all the time. She’s very social and was an inspiration.
Also, I love when I meet and talk to other brand owners of wine and spirits because we get each other to share experiences is awesome
Where would you like to see Uni Organic where it’s currently not?
So many places but probably on top of my list would be in the minibar at hotels like The Breakers, Aman and Baccarat. Uni is at the bar at the Baccarat Hotel but not the mini bottle in the rooms.
Carry on or checked luggage?
Always checked because I always bring my Tequila everywhere
This post was originally published on here
