About Us
➨ MISSION
We believe that traditional agave spirits represent culture. We believe that independent and family-owned spirits brands often have the best relationships with the people and the environment and can have a lasting, positive impact in their communities. We believe that small labels deserve a place in bars and restaurants where consumers care about what they drink.
We represent authentic distillates that express the diversity of Mexican terroir. Each of our offerings is made by real people who care deeply about their craft.
Our team believes in bringing experience, sharing knowledge, and building community in an industry that can be intimidating and challenging to navigate for newcomers.
We work to empower brand owners with control and scalability by integrating traditional agave spirits production methods with an education-first approach to marketing and distribution in one streamlined solution.
Our portfolio reflects our beliefs. It is curated for people who care about what they drink.
➨ OUR STORY
Bad Hombre Imports started in 2014 when founder Fred Sanchez spent a year soul-searching in Mexico. He was doing research on the experiences of young people that had been deported from the U.S. back to Mexico and attended a book launch that was sponsored by an artisanal mezcal brand. Though rather unconventional, there was something about the blend of culture and activism that he found intriguing. Tried as he did to find mezcal that good in Mexico City, it wasn’t until he visited Oaxaca that he realized how much he was missing out.
In 2015, Fred came back to the U.S. with a second passport, a suitcase full of mezcal, and a burning desire to share what he had learned about traditional agave spirits. Having witnessed the labor of love that is artisanal mezcal production, he knew he had to be involved. Fred began working with a couple of brands in 2018, but it wasn’t until 2020 that he reconnected with his old friend from Oaxaca, Adriana Correa. Along with Adriana and her husband Felix, they launched Agua del Sol at the beginning of 2021.
➨ FERNANDO BETANCOURT
A native of Los Angeles, Fernando has been a part of the hospitality industry for over 15 years. His love for the industry began when he was only five years old, helping his grandfather at his LA nightclub “Pedro’s Grill.” Fernando has been a bartender at a variety of bars and restaurants across Los Angeles and before serving as the beverage director at The Edmon in Hollywood and The Sixty Hotel in Beverly Hills. Fernando hung up his apron in 2021 when he joined the BHI team. With his deep industry experience, Fernando brings invaluable expertise to our team. He is passionate about promoting ethical Mexican spirits, so pull up a bar stool the next time you see him.