The Art of Agave: Inside the Tequila Program at RPM Seafood

At RPM Seafood, the dedication to sourcing the best, without compromise, is kept standard throughout every aspect of the restaurant, including the beverage program. Beverage Director Ben Lieppman has spent his tenure at RPM honing a tequila program that focuses on quality and technique rather than quantity.

We sat down with Ben to discuss how he’s redefining what a luxury tequila experience looks like, from custom single-barrel collaborations to the perfect seafood pairings. 

A Sourcing Ethos: Quality Over Everything

“The tequila program isn’t just about having the largest selection,” Ben explains. “It’s about finding incredible producers. We follow the same ethos as our kitchen and our wine program: sourcing the best ingredients and distilled spirits in the world.”

With a thoughtful curated collection, every label on the shelf has earned its place. Ben’s focus is on additive-free, artisanal products, shifting away from the “flashy bottle” culture and towards a more refined appreciation of the agave plant. 

The Single Barrel Program: Proprietary Profiles

The RPM beverage program’s most prized offerings are the Single Barrel selections. These unique bottlings capture a specific moment in time, representing the contents of one solitary barrel.

“Because it’s a single barrel, there are all these unique qualities: the temperature it aged in, where it lived in the warehouse, the microclimate changes that create nuanced differences you won’t find in a normal blend,” says Ben. 

RPM takes this a step further by commissioning custom finishes: 

Arette Reposado
RPM sent Napa Cabernet barrels from Paso Robles down to the distillery in Mexico to age this tequila exclusively. The result? A profile rich with red fruit flavors and bold wine notes.

G4 Reposado
A unique expression aged in Cognac casks, lending a sophisticated caramelized orange finish to the spirit. 

G4 Fementado de Madera
A process involving fermenting the agave fibers with the mash, creating a rounder, mouth-coating texture.  

A Perfect Pairing: Tequila and Seafood

Tequila is not made to only be served with tacos. In fact, Ben argues that it is one of the most dynamic spirits for seafood pairings. During your next visit to RPM Seafood, use one of Ben’s pairing suggestions: 

RPM Private Label Oysters and Blanco

Branzino and Reposado

With a beautifully rich fish like Charcoal-Grilled Branzino that has roasted, oily, and charred flavors, Ben suggests a Reposado with extra body and oak influence. 

 

Signature Sip Spotlight: The Jalisco Affair

To see the program in action, look no further than the Jalisco Affair cocktail. This isn’t your average margarita, but a masterclass in complexity, built around the Arette Single Barrel. 

The Build

The Base: Arette Single Barrel Reposado.

The Heat: Charred pineapple and habañero syrup (hand-roasted until blackened).

The Smoke: A touch of Del Maguey Iberico Mezcal, crafted in a traditional pechuga-style distillation with cured Spanish Ibérico ham.

The Balance: Fresh lime juice and Aperitivo Nonino. 

Dive into Tequila

Ready to experience the art of agave for yourself? Whether you’re stopping in for a coastal-inspired spread, a post-work Happy Hour, or a sunset sip by the river, our curated collection is waiting to be explored. Join us at RPM Seafood today to discover the nuanced flavors of our exclusive single barrels and find your new favorite pairing.

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