Upcoming Events
- Spirts of Mexico
- San Diego, CA
- Sept. 11–13, 2008
- Vodka Fest with Gin
- Tampa Bay, FL
- Nov. 21, 2008
Philip Soto Mares, Director
Duende,
LLC & El Duende de Don Felipe Tequila
Mr. Soto has been an active consultant in a variety of industries. Ranging from head wear to tequila. Phillip designed and established a 6,000 square foot shampoo manufacturing facility for Natures Choice, he remained at Natures Choice as Production Director from 1998—2002. In 2002 Phillip was hired as a consultant for Battery Equaliser to setup manufacturing and is still an active consultant. Phillip is currently the sole owner of Duende Collectible Tequilas, a small company whose
business is the sale of rare collectable tequilas. Phillip is also the Director of Duende, LLC a company whose business is the development and sale of tequila. Phillip, or Felipe as he is affectionately called by friends, has been immersed in the chemistry of fine tequila for eight years, after being elected by his uncle to join the art.
In September 2004 Phillip was appointed to the Fest USA advisory board.
After being invited to attend the seminar of Experto en Tequila by the Academia Mexicana Del Tequila, A.C. and completing the five day intensive course Phillip received his accreditation as Catador Experto en Tequila the only such designation given to anyone from the US.
As a company Duende, LLC has been involved in the community as a sponsor for several non-profit organizations such as Sky Ranch Foundation, Fiesta of The Spanish Horse and North County Jaguars Youth Track Team to name a few.
The Distinguished Mark of El Duende
Since 1985 Phillip has been active in conservation projects, mostly throughout Latin America. These projects entailed establishing Biological Reserves on property donated by prominent individuals, one being Luis Bacardi of the Lou B. Foundation of the Bacardi Rum family.