Another Kardashian-Jenner business venture has secretly taken off. Kendall Jenner announced the launch of her tequila brand 818 on Tuesday, February 16, and it turns out she's already having a lot of success with it. She revealed in an Instagram post that she worked for the brand for nearly four years and was rewarded with numerous awards.
"For nearly four years I have been dedicated to making the most delicious tequila," she wrote in part. “After dozens of blind taste tests, visits to our winery, anonymously entering and winning world wine tasting competitions… 3.5 years later, I think we’ve done it!”
Jenner went on to share that the tequila was "coming soon," putting her enthusiastic stamp on it. “That’s all we drank last year,” she added, “and I can’t wait for everyone else to drink it and enjoy it as much as we do!”
The model also shows off the process of creating the alcohol, which the brand says is "artisanal tequila from Jalisco, Mexico." Her announcements on Instagram include videos of her choosing between different options, tequila-centric celebrations, photos of awards they've won, and more.
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Of course, members of the Kardashian-Jenner clan were rooting for Jenner too. Her sister Kylie, an entrepreneur herself, commented: "Kendall!!!!! Yes!!! I see all the hard work and love you guys put into 818! You do it.. the best Tequila! So proud of you." Sister Kim Kardashian also shared her pride, writing: "I never drank all day before trying 818. All drink tequila!”
There seems to be plenty of reason to be proud. According to its announcement, 818’s honors include Best Reposado Tequila at the World Tequila Awards, Platinum Award at the SIP Awards, President’s Trophy at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, and more.
However, despite the positive feedback, some fans were skeptical of her choice in business ventures, especially given tequila's strong ties to its birthplace, Mexico. (In fact, it's named after a city in the state of Jalisco.) While many fans on Twitter celebrated her "badass" move of entering the competition anonymously, others thought she made the drink a Cultural decisions.
Coincidentally, Jenner launched 818 the day after comedian Kevin Hart announced he was getting into the tequila game. He told fans to "stay tuned" in a Feb. 15 Instagram statement, revealing that after "3 years of development," he was "getting there." Apparently, fans won't be short of options when it comes to celebrity tequila.
