BRENT HOCKING:
Brent Hocking, the award-winning entrepreneur and visionary, is recognized for his trailblazing role in shaping and redefining the alcoholic beverage industry. Born with a natural gift for recognizing untapped potential and a genuine passion for wine and spirits, Hocking's legacy stretches across an iconic range of 'luxury with an edge' beverage brands spanning the finest tequilas and whiskies to the most celebrated champagnes.
Hocking launched his first venture in 2008 with the introduction of DeLéon Tequila. With an unyielding dedication to purity and craftsmanship, Hocking reinvented the tequila industry, transforming it from a popular party drink to a premium, sipping spirit. Publicly credited for pioneering 'a whole new class of tequila' by refusing to use caramel coloring, flavoring, or additives in the aging process; instead, Hocking opted for natural barrel aging using only French Sauternes barrels from the most renowned producers in France. Hocking's impeccable selection of only the finest Blue Weber highland agave and meticulous attention to the aging process resulted in a product that, in a market filled with options, stood out for its smoothness and sophistication.
With DeLeón, Hocking received Robb Report’s Best of the Best 'Spirit of the Year' award three years in a row (2010, 2011 and 2012), becoming the only person in the history of the magazine to do so. DeLeón was named Back-to-Back Grand Champion at the World Beverage Competition in Geneva, Switzerland two years in a row, making Hocking--again--the only individual to achieve Back-to-Back Grand Championships in the competition's history. DeLéon was sold to Diageo PLC in 2013--just four years after launch.
In 2016, Hocking turned his attention to the world of whiskey. Collaborating with the multi-talented entertainer, Drake, they birthed Virginia Black Whiskey, a sultry, decadently rich bourbon that quickly became a favorite among connoisseurs. Hocking's knowledge of crafting spirits combined with Drake's massive influence helped Virginia Black to redefine the American whiskey category, breaking single day sales records, and selling out globally immediately upon release.
Virginia Black Whiskey quickly became a sensation in the world of spirits, achieving a rating of 91 Points from Wine Enthusiast, being recognized as one of the ‘Top 5 Spirits of 2016’ by Wally's Wine, and earning Hocking the title of "The Grand Duke of Spirits" by Resident Magazine.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Hocking continued to push the boundaries of luxury spirits with the launch of Mod Sélection Champagne in 2018. Mod Sélection, praised for its unique blend of traditional and innovative methods, quickly established itself as a must-have at high-profile events and celebrity gatherings consisting of ten intricately crafted releases, ranging from: Non-Vintage to Vintage, Rosé de Saignée, Vintage Rosé de Saignée, Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs, Vintage Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs and Single Vineyard, Estate-Grown Tete de Cuveé. The brand reflects Hocking's unerring ability to detect market gaps and fill them with top-tier offerings that are both unique and authentically engaging.
Mod Sélection Champagne became the recipient of immense praise and an array of industry awards. Renowned critics such as Anthony Dias Blue and James Suckling rated Mod Sélection at a stellar 98 and 97 Points respectively, lauding its elegance, structure, and complexity. Robb Report, again, named Mod Sélection the Best of the Best 'Champagne of the Year' in both 2019 and 2020, cementing Hocking as the only individual to receive five 'Best of the Best' awards in the 30-year history of the magazine.
Brent Hocking's journey is one marked by persistent innovation, unrivaled quality, and masterful marketing. He remains a game-changer in the liquor industry, continuously challenging norms and setting new standards. His fine artistry and business acumen have earned him an esteemed reputation and numerous industry awards. His exceptional acumen led to his venture being recognized as the International Mergers & Acquisitions Consumer Products Deal of the Year in 2013 and he has been a regular fixture on Bloomberg, CNN Money, Fox Business News, Yahoo, The Daily Ticker, Forbes, Fortune Magazine and Business Insider offering insight and expertise into the changing luxury spirits market.
With a visionary mind and an unquenchable thirst for excellence, Brent Hocking continues to captivate the world with his impressive portfolio of spirits, including newly created Purísima Tequila and Brown Sugar Liqueur, each product release a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering dedication to quality and craftsmanship.