(Photo: Costa Tequila)
Costa Tequila, rolled out in 2019 by Florida's Stephen Gavula III, is teaming up with conservation organizations in its home state to raise funds for marine wildlife.
On Wednesday, Costa unveiled a limited-edition blanco with a portion of proceeds going toward the Coastal Conservation Association of Florida. Founded in 1977 after an epidemic of commercial overfishing off the Texas coast, the organization currently counts over 125,000 members dedicated to habitat restoration, restocking and the protection of water quality.
On each of Costa's latest bottles, available now through the brand's website at $36, you'll find a portrait of the white marlin designed by local artist Kasey Scott. Often confused in size and silhouette for the swordfish or its cousin the blue marlin, the fish is held near and dear to the seaside Florida community.
Though the white marlin is formally classified under the "least concern" endangered status, proponents have fiercely advocated for its recategorization over the years. Often sighted throughout the Atlantic and Caribbean, fishers reported that total catch of the fish declined by nearly two-thirds between 1999 and 2010. Though numbers have since trended upward, advocates have kept a close on their habitat, notorious for overfishing and oil spills.
“After working with Costa Tequila for the last couple of years, I am so honored to be able to give back to my community with my art," Scott said in a news releae. “Protecting our coast lines and waterways has always been a passion of mine, and with Costa I can bring everything together in one bottle."
Since its launch in 2019, Costa Tequila has specialized in what it claims to be the world's only "Hi/Lo" blend. While blue weber agave grown in the highlands of Jalisco is known for its sweetened palate, lowlands agave is renowned for notes of herbs and terroir. Costa combines them both into one, resulting in a "more balanced, widely-appealing and longer-lasting flavor profile." To date, the distiller has released a Blanco, Reposado, Añejo and tequila-based Café liqueur. If you're interested in learning more, find Costa's websitehere.
“Kasey Scott’s art is a unique celebration of marine life. He is an active waterman and we are privileged to have him showcase his talents on our bottle,” Costa Tequila Founder Stephen Gavula III said. “Furthermore, we are excited to give our customers something rather unique while also supporting the conservation efforts in our home state of Florida."
