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With Cinco de Mayo around the corner, it felt only right to spotlight one of the most unique voices behind our Latin liquor collection—a man whose journey blends music, culture, and craftsmanship in a way few can. Before he became the driving force behind the product development of our Latin Liquor Collection, he was living the life of a true rockstar in Mexico, performing in a nationally recognized band called Pito Pérez that helped shape early-2000s Mexican rock.
Today, he brings that same passion, creativity, and relentless energy into every bottle we offer. From the stage to the agave fields, his story is proof that passion doesn’t fade—it evolves.
We sat down with Abe Bustos to explore his musical roots, his journey into the world of spirits, and how these two seemingly different worlds are more connected than you might think. His story is a powerful reminder of how diverse experiences can come together to create a purposeful and unexpected journey. Abe’s path is about following your passions, believing in yourself, and embracing where those passions may lead—from your past to your future. He also emphasizes the importance of family, meaningful connections, and staying true to who you are in everything that defines you.
Abe: I started playing music when I was about 14 or 15, after moving from Los Angeles to Mexico. I got into a junior high rock band with friends—started singing, then moved to bass, picked up some guitar. That’s really where everything began. Through the mid-90s, I played in different bands, just learning and growing as a musician.
Abe: The band was calledPito Perez. We formed around September 2000, right around Mexican Independence Day. The name actually comes from a Mexican novel—La Vida Inútil de Pito Pérez. It’s a very cultural reference, and we liked that it sounded like a person, even though it was a band.
We were a three-piece: Jorge on drums, Miguel on guitar and vocals, and me on bass and vocals. From day one, we clicked. Within about a year, we had already signed a record deal.
Abe: We entered a nationwide Battle of the Bands organized by Hard Rock Café and Warner Music Mexico—and we won. The prize was a record deal and $10,000. That really launched everything for us.
Abe: We were influenced by a mix of styles—grunge from the ‘90s, but also early 2000s rock. Bands like Blink-182, Deftones, Linkin Park. We also had roots in classic punk like the Ramones and Sex Pistols. So it was a blend—melodic but with edge.
Abe: We released two albums. The first wasCon Más Poder in 2002, and the second wasTalikwal in 2005. The first album really put us on the map.
Abe: “Lupita” became a hit and still gets played today. It’s a very special song. Our guitarist wrote it based on a poem his father had written for his mother before he passed away. He finished the poem and turned it into a song.
It’s a love story, deeply emotional, with a mix of rock and traditional Mexican influences. The name “Lupita” also resonates culturally—it’s tied to Guadalupe, which is very meaningful in Mexico. That connection made the song really powerful for a lot of people.
Abe: We got heavy rotation on MTV across Mexico and South America. Our first single, “Cinco o Seis,” really opened doors. We even partnered with Coca-Cola for a nationwide campaign tied to a soccer tournament. We toured extensively—it was an incredible time.
Abe: Guadalajara, Mexico. It’s an amazing city—full of culture, music, and art. It’s also in Jalisco, the heart of tequila and mariachi. That environment definitely shaped who I am.
Abe: We were together from 2000 to 2006. After the second album, we had creative differences and decided to part ways. I continued playing with another band for a while, but life started shifting—family, new priorities.
Abe: Yes, around that time I opened a bar in Guadalajara calledBlack Bar. Music and spirits have always gone hand in hand culturally, so it felt natural. That’s where I really started learning about whiskey and later tequila.
Abe: I moved to Las Vegas in 2015, starting from scratch. I applied to Spirits and Spice, got hired, and just worked hard. Eventually, I became a store manager.
When we realized we couldn’t compete with tequila pricing in the market, I suggested developing our own products. I had the connections in Mexico, so I started building relationships, sourcing, and creating our own supply chain.
Abe: Exactly. It started with just 500 bottles of extra añejo tequila—handmade ceramic bottles. It wasn’t easy. There were production issues, logistics challenges—but we kept pushing. Now it’s grown into a major part of our business.
Abe: Absolutely. I travel back often, work directly with producers, and stay connected to the culture. It means a lot to me to represent and give back to the place that gave me so much.
Abe: 100%. A lot of my relationships and opportunities came through music. That connection never really goes away—it just evolves.
Abe: I do, but more as a hobby now. I have a small studio at home where I write and record occasionally. My priorities have shifted—family comes first, then work, then music—but it’s still part of me.
Abe: We’ve talked about it, maybe doing a show in Guadalajara, but nothing concrete. Everyone’s on their own path now.
Abe: Whatever you do, put passion into it. You never know where it will take you. Every experience teaches you something, and eventually, all those paths connect in ways you never expected.
From rocking stages across Mexico to crafting exceptional spirits rooted in tradition, Abe Bustos truly embodies the spirit of passion, culture, and creativity. This Cinco de Mayo, we’re raising a glass not just to great tequila—but to the stories, journeys, and rockstars behind it.
¡Salud! 🥂
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