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By Alfredo Espinola
In the world of wine and spirits, every detail matters. From the origin of the grape or agave to the way the final product is served, every link in the chain builds an experience. In this universe of nuances and subtleties, Kristalov, a Mexican company founded in 2000, has positioned itself as a leader in specialty glassware. It's not just a glass, it's a sensory vehicle. And they know it.
A toast with purpose
Kristalov's story began with a clear vision: to offer the Mexican market quality glassware that was accessible and designed to enhance every drink. At that time, Mexico was experiencing a boom in wine and spirits production, but the glassware available was not up to par. It was Pablo Behar, the company's founder, who identified this gap and decided to fill it with knowledge, passion, and technology. Today, their glasses—made of lead-free crystal and integrated with titanium—are 50% more resistant and designed to highlight every aromatic and flavor profile.
Much more than a glass
“Crystal is not only more elegant, it is functional,” explains Rodrigo Huacuja, the brand's commercial director. Unlike glass, crystal has unique properties: it is more porous and its cold cuts allow the wine to flow correctly to the center of the mouth. This, far from being a technical detail, transforms the consumer experience.
Kristalov doesn't just sell glasses; it builds tailor-made experiences. Through strategic alliances with sommeliers, winemakers, tequila masters, and chefs, it designs specific glasses for each style of drink. From white tequila to a robust Pinot Noir, each model is the result of in-depth organoleptic behavior studies.
The ideal glass exists, and it has a Mexican name
One of the brand's greatest sources of pride is its participation as an official sponsor in the Brussels World Competition, where more than 300 international judges evaluated wines in a glass developed by Kristalov. “It was incredible to see how the glass allowed them to rate more accurately. It was no longer just the wine, it was the tool that provided them with the right sensory information,” says Rodrigo.
In total, the brand has 12 families of glasses that adapt to different beverages and moments of consumption. From flutes for sparkling wines, to the universal 520 ml glass, ideal for white and red wines, to XXL one-liter glasses designed for wines for aging. They also have exclusive models for tequila, mezcal, whiskey, cocktails, and craft beer.
Liquid education
One of the pillars of Kristalov's philosophy is consumer and restaurant industry education. With the support of Canirac and the Mexican Wine Council, the brand offers free training on proper wine service, the use of appropriate glassware, and how to elevate the dining experience from the glass.
“We are interested in empowering waiters, bartenders, chefs, and students. The more they know, the better decisions they will make in their businesses,” says Huacuja. They are even developing a free digital course for anyone interested, whether professional or amateur.
There are also glasses for beer
Although beer has traditionally been served in mugs or straight from the bottle, Kristalov seeks to promote a new beer culture in Mexico. Its specialized glasses for IPA, Pilsner, and draft beers allow for a better appreciation of the aromas, textures, and evolution of each drink.
“There is a lot of consumer education to be done,” explains Rodrigo, “but we believe that if we give craft beer the place it deserves, the experience improves, and with it, sales for bars and producers.”
The importance of the last step
In the words of the director, “producers invest time, money, and passion in creating a great wine or spirit. If you serve it in the wrong glass, you ruin the whole experience.” And that's no exaggeration: aromas can fade, flavors can be altered, and the memory can be diluted in a glass that's not up to par.
Rodrigo Huacuja: from Apple to the art of glass
Rodrigo joined the company in the midst of the pandemic, after working for several years at Apple. From technology to glassware, he found a new world at Kristalov that, although very different, also requires attention to detail, customer service, and a passion for the experience. Today, he leads the company's commercial expansion with a clear ethic: don't sell just to sell. “I'd rather recommend the right thing than sell you something you don't need.”
For those who are passionate about wine, mixology, or the good life, Kristalov is an invitation to elevate every moment. Because as the saying goes, love is born from sight... and in this case, so is taste.
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