‘Top Chef’ Winner Cooks Up Tattoo-Inspired Tequila Brand Redefining the Celebrity Formula

(Photos: Marcado 28)

On Wednesday, celebrity chef Michael Voltaggio added a touch of fine dining to the tequila world with the launch of Marcado 28.

Intended as an ode to tattoo culture (with which Voltaggio’s arms are well acquainted), Marcado is slated to touch down this month with an unaged Blanco and American oak-rested Reposado. The tequila’s recipe consists of only agave, yeast and water sourced from the aquifers of Volcán de Tequila.

Many know Voltaggio best as the winner of “Top Chef” season six. Behind the camera, he’s built out an empire of Modern American restaurants with locations in California, Washington D.C. and his hometown of Frederick, Maryland. The chef was inspired to launch a tequila venture after meeting maestro tequilero Bruno Barba during a trip to Jalisco, Mexico. Barba’s great-grandmother, Feliciano Romo, is credited with creating the first-ever reposado during her tenure at Herradura.

“We’re very proud of what we created together,” Voltaggio remarked in a news release. “It’s a blending of cultures, the forging of friendships and building bigger tables without borders to enjoy the spirit of Marcado 28 together. This is tequila for the people. ¡Salud!”

The bottle’s intricate labels were overseen by tattoo artists El Sando and Billy Bacca.

Marcado 28 Blanco, said to boast sweet and spicy agave, floral and citrus notes, is now on sale at a suggested retail price of $49.99. The brand’s Reposado, rich in honey, chili, citrus, chocolate and vanilla, costs $59.99. Both are available at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits stores throughout Florida with plans to expand nationwide in the months to come.

“In a market dominated by celebrity brands, Marcado 28 defies the trend with a few of its own ‘celebrities’ who deserve to be recognized not for their fame and popularity but for their authentic expertise,” said Ron Roy, co-founder of Marcado 28. “From Chef Michael Voltaggio to Master Tequilero Bruno Barba and talented tattoo artists El Sando and Billy Baca, who created the original art for our labels, our ‘celebrities’ personify and define this brand: defiant, authentic and masterful –and these qualities shine in our premium product.”