Poncho’s 1910 Tequila: KWV’s Award-Winning Revolutionary Spirit That Celebrates Mexican Freedom

When KWV decided to import tequila into South Africa, they didn’t go for just any brand – they chose Poncho’s 1910, an award-winning range that celebrates one of history’s most transformative moments: the Mexican Revolution of 1910 that liberated tequila from local obscurity and shared it with the world. With two highly coveted Goldpack trophies, distinctive hand-crafted bottles featuring earthy colors and wooden corks, and revolutionary flavored infusions combining extra-premium tequila with rich Central American coffee or lavish caramel-toffee, Poncho’s 1910 isn’t your average tequila liqueur. Produced in Mexico, bottled in South Africa, and priced around R90-R150 per 750ml bottle at 35% ABV, this is accessible luxury that honors Mexican pride while delivering smooth, sweet indulgence perfect for sipping, shooting, or mixing. Here’s everything you need to know about the tequila liqueur that’s revolutionizing South African spirits shelves.

Table Of Contents
  1. History
  2. Production Method
  3. Alcohol Percentage
  4. Number of Calories
  5. Tasting Notes
  6. Best Served With
  7. Where to Buy
  8. FAQs
Ponchos Tequila

History

Poncho’s 1910 takes its name and inspiration from the Mexican Revolution of 1910 – the monumental uprising that transformed Mexico and, crucially for tequila lovers, liberated this spirit from regional obscurity. Before 1910, tequila was largely a local Mexican drink, confined to Jalisco and surrounding areas. The revolution changed everything: as Mexican culture spread globally, so did tequila, becoming a symbol of national pride recognized worldwide.

The brand honors this pivotal moment with its “1910” designation and revolutionary positioning. “Tequila is the heart and soul of Mexico and a symbol of national pride,” the brand declares, “but it was only after the Mexican revolution of 1910 that tequila was truly liberated and shared with the rest of the world. Poncho’s tequila is a celebration of this.”

While the exact founding date of the Poncho’s 1910 brand isn’t widely documented, it emerged as part of KWV’s strategic spirits portfolio. KWV (Ko-operatieve Wijnbouwers Vereniging van Zuid-Afrika), founded in 1918 in Paarl, South Africa, is legendary for award-winning brandy and gin production. Recognizing growing tequila appreciation in South Africa, KWV imported Poncho’s 1910 to offer South Africans access to premium tequila-based liqueurs.

The accolades came quickly. Poncho’s 1910 earned two highly coveted Goldpack trophies – prestigious awards recognizing packaging design excellence and product quality. These trophies validate both the liquid inside (extra-premium tequila infusions) and the presentation (hand-crafted bottle design with earthy colors, wooden cork, rugged edges).

Poncho’s 1910 entered the South African market not as straight tequila (competing with Jose Cuervo, El Jimador, Patrón) but as flavored tequila liqueurs – a strategic differentiation. The flagship expressions launched with:

Poncho’s 1910 Coffee: Extra-premium tequila infused with rich Central American coffee Poncho’s 1910 Caramel: Extra-premium tequila infused with lavish caramel-toffee

This positioning targets consumers seeking sweet, approachable tequila experiences rather than harsh shots or complex sipping. The 35% ABV (lower than standard 40% tequila) enhances accessibility and smoothness.

The product is produced in Mexico (maintaining authenticity and Mexican sourcing) then bottled in South Africa under KWV’s quality control. This hybrid model ensures genuine Mexican tequila character while supporting local bottling and distribution infrastructure.

By 2025, Poncho’s 1910 had secured distribution through Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Makro, Norman Goodfellows, Mothercity Liquor, Hillcrest Tops, Johnny’s Liquor, and other premium retailers nationwide, establishing itself as KWV’s flagship tequila offering alongside their renowned brandies and gins.

Production Method

Poncho’s 1910 begins with extra-premium tequila as the base – meaning quality blue Weber agave tequila sourced from Mexican distilleries. While specific distillery details (NOM number, exact location) aren’t publicly disclosed, the “extra-premium” designation suggests quality base spirit production.

The tequila likely undergoes standard production: hand-harvested agave, cooking in traditional ovens, fermentation, double distillation in copper stills. This creates the clean, smooth tequila foundation essential for infusion-based liqueurs.

Poncho’s 1910 Coffee Production:

After distillation, the tequila is infused with rich Central American coffee. The infusion process extracts coffee’s natural oils, flavors, and aromatics into the spirit without bitterness or harshness. The result is described as:

  • Sweet, well-rounded palate
  • Rich coffee notes throughout
  • Soft creamy mouthfeel
  • Pleasant taste of extra-premium tequila at the end
  • Subtle cream essences (likely from coffee processing or added cream flavoring)

The coffee component creates that energizing spirit perfect for after-dinner drinks or coffee cocktail applications.

Poncho’s 1910 Caramel Production:

The tequila base is infused with lavish caramel-toffee, creating:

  • Sweet, buttery, creamy caramel character
  • Hints of roasted nuts (from caramelization process)
  • Delightful caramel notes with sweet afterimage
  • Smooth, indulgent texture

The caramel infusion appeals to dessert liqueur lovers and those preferring sweeter spirits.

After infusion, both expressions are diluted to 35% ABV (lower than standard 40% tequila, enhancing smoothness and sweetness), filtered, and bottled in South Africa in those distinctive hand-crafted bottles featuring earthy colors, wooden corks, and rugged edges that create exclusive artisanal appearance.

Alcohol Percentage

Poncho’s 1910 expressions are bottled at 35% ABV (Alcohol by Volume / 70 proof), positioning them as tequila liqueurs rather than straight tequila.

At 35% ABV, Poncho’s 1910 delivers:

  • Lower alcohol than standard tequila (40% ABV)
  • Smoother, sweeter drinking experience
  • Accessibility for those finding 40% spirits harsh
  • Versatility for sipping, shooting, or mixing

For comparison:

  • Poncho’s 1910: 35% ABV
  • Standard tequila (El Jimador, Jose Cuervo): 40% ABV
  • Kahlúa coffee liqueur: 20% ABV
  • Amarula cream liqueur: 17% ABV
  • Baileys Irish Cream: 17% ABV

Poncho’s 1910 sits between standard tequila (40%) and cream liqueurs (17-20%), offering substantial flavor and body without overwhelming alcohol strength. The 35% ABV allows the coffee or caramel flavors to shine while maintaining that tequila backbone.

Number of Calories

At 35% ABV with added sugars from coffee/caramel infusions, Poncho’s 1910 contains approximately:

  • 25ml shot (single): ~75-85 calories
  • 50ml serving (double): ~150-170 calories
  • 750ml bottle: ~2,250-2,550 calories total

These calories come from:

  1. Alcohol (35% ABV): Approximately 50-60 calories per 25ml from ethanol
  2. Sugars: Approximately 20-30 calories per 25ml from coffee/caramel sweetening
  3. Flavor additives: Minimal additional calories

For comparison per 50ml:

  • Poncho’s 1910 Coffee/Caramel (~160 cal)
  • Kahlúa (20% ABV, 50ml): ~130-150 cal
  • Standard tequila (40% ABV, 50ml): ~112 cal
  • Baileys (17% ABV, 50ml): ~160-175 cal

Poncho’s 1910 is moderately indulgent – more than straight tequila (no sugar) but comparable to other flavored liqueurs. The sweetness makes them sipping liqueurs rather than session drinks.

Tasting Notes

Poncho’s 1910 Coffee

Appearance: Rich amber to dark brown with coffee tones

Nose: Aromatic roasted coffee dominates with sweet tequila agave underneath. Rich Central American coffee character with hints of chocolate and vanilla. Inviting and warming.

Palate: Sweet, well-rounded with rich coffee flavor taking center stage. The extra-premium tequila provides smooth agave backbone supporting the coffee without competing. Soft creamy mouthfeel (subtle cream essences) creates luxurious texture. The sweetness is balanced – sweet enough to be indulgent without being cloying.

Finish: Pleasant taste of extra-premium tequila emerges at the end, balanced by lingering rich coffee and subtle cream notes. Medium-length finish that’s satisfying and complete.

Best for: After-dinner drinks, coffee cocktails, dessert pairings, shooters, over ice

Poncho’s 1910 Caramel

Appearance: Golden amber with caramel hues

Nose: Sweet, buttery caramel with hints of roasted nuts. Inviting dessert-like aromatics with underlying tequila warmth.

Palate: Delightful caramel notes dominate – sweet, creamy, buttery with toffee character. Hints of roasted nuts (almonds, pecans) add complexity. The tequila provides structure and prevents the caramel from becoming one-dimensional. Smooth, indulgent texture.

Finish: Sweet afterimage with lingering caramel and tequila warmth. Clean despite the sweetness.

Best for: Dessert liqueur, over ice cream, dessert cocktails, shooters, gift-giving

Overall: Both expressions deliver exactly what they promise – revolutionary infusions of extra-premium tequila with bold, indulgent flavors perfect for those who prefer sweet, approachable spirits over harsh shots.

Best Served With

Serving Suggestions

Chilled Shots:

  • Serve ice-cold in shot glasses
  • Perfect for celebrations and parties
  • The 35% ABV makes them smoother than 40% tequila

Over Ice:

  • Pour 50ml over ice in rocks glass
  • Sip slowly as an after-dinner digestif
  • The cold enhances refreshment

Coffee Cocktails (Coffee variant):

  • Espresso Martini: Poncho’s Coffee + vodka + espresso
  • Mexican Coffee: Poncho’s Coffee + hot coffee + whipped cream
  • Iced Coffee Kick: Poncho’s Coffee + cold brew + cream

Dessert Applications (Caramel variant):

  • Pour over vanilla ice cream
  • Add to hot chocolate
  • Drizzle over pancakes or waffles
  • Mix into tiramisu or desserts

Food Pairings

Poncho’s 1910 Coffee:

  • Chocolate desserts (brownies, chocolate cake)
  • Tiramisu or coffee-flavored desserts
  • Churros with chocolate sauce
  • Cheese platters (aged cheddar, Gouda)

Poncho’s 1910 Caramel:

  • Caramel desserts (flan, crème brûlée)
  • Apple pie or tarte tatin
  • Pecan pie
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Salted caramel anything

Where to Buy

Specific Retailers (South Africa)

Woolworths Product: Ponchos 1910 Coffee Infusion Liqueur 750ml Available: Woolworths stores nationwide with liquor sections Website: woolworths.co.za Note: Premium retail quality

Biltong.co.za Product: Ponchos 1910 Tequila Coffee 750ML Price: R89.50 (was R99.99) SKU: 6009705940639 Website: biltong.co.za

Norman Goodfellows Product: Ponchos 1910 Coffee Tequila 750ml Multiple locations: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban Website: ngf.co.za

Pick n Pay Product: Ponchos 1910 Tequila Coffee 750ml Available: PnP Liquor stores nationwide Product Code: 000000000000415456_EA Website: pnp.co.za

Makro Product: Ponchos 1910 Coffee Tequila 1 x 750ml Available: Makro stores with liquor sections Website: makro.co.za

Mothercity Liquor (Cape Town – Online) Products: Ponchos 1910 Tequila Coffee 750ml, Ponchos 1910 Caramel ABV: 35% Delivery: 0-2 days (Cape Town), 2-5 days (rest of SA) Website: mothercityliquor.co.za

Johnny’s Liquor Hypermarket Product: PONCHOS 1910 TEQUILA COFFEE 750ML Website: johnnys.co.za Note: Free delivery Gauteng on orders over R1000

Hillcrest Tops (KZN) Product: Ponchos Tequila & Coffee Infusion 750ml Location: Hillgate Centre, Hillcrest Contact: helpdesk@hillcresttops.co.za

KWV Direct Products: Poncho’s 1910 Coffee, Poncho’s 1910 Caramel Website: kwv.co.za Note: Order directly from the importer

Prices (South Africa, 2025)

Retail Bottle Prices (750ml):

  • Poncho’s 1910 Coffee: R90-R150
    • Promotional pricing: R89.50 (Biltong.co.za)
    • Standard pricing: R99-R130
    • Premium retailers: R130-R150
  • Poncho’s 1910 Caramel: R90-R150 (similar pricing)

Bar/Restaurant Pricing:

  • Shot (25ml): R25-R40
  • Double (50ml): R45-R70
  • Coffee cocktail: R60-R95

Pricing Notes:

  • Exceptionally affordable for tequila liqueurs
  • Significantly cheaper than imported equivalents (Patrón XO Cafe R800+)
  • Watch for promotional pricing (R89.50 deals)
  • KWV brand ensures quality at accessible prices

FAQs

Is Poncho’s 1910 real tequila? Yes! Poncho’s 1910 uses extra-premium tequila as its base (produced in Mexico from blue Weber agave). However, it’s classified as a tequila liqueur rather than straight tequila because it’s infused with coffee or caramel and bottled at 35% ABV (standard tequila is 40% ABV minimum). Think of it as tequila enhanced with delicious flavors.

Why is it called “1910”? The name honors the Mexican Revolution of 1910 – the uprising that transformed Mexico and liberated tequila from regional obscurity, sharing it with the world. Poncho’s 1910 celebrates this revolutionary moment when tequila became a global symbol of Mexican pride.

Who makes Poncho’s 1910? Poncho’s 1910 is produced in Mexico (maintaining authentic Mexican tequila sourcing) and bottled in South Africa by KWV (Ko-operatieve Wijnbouwers Vereniging), the legendary Paarl-based spirits company famous for award-winning brandies and gins. KWV imports and distributes Poncho’s 1910 as part of their premium spirits portfolio.

What are the Goldpack trophies? Poncho’s 1910 has won two highly coveted Goldpack trophies – prestigious international awards recognizing excellence in packaging design and product quality. These validate both the hand-crafted bottle design (earthy colors, wooden cork, rugged edges) and the liquid quality inside.

Can you mix Poncho’s 1910? Absolutely! Both Coffee and Caramel work brilliantly in cocktails. Coffee variant makes exceptional espresso martinis, Mexican coffee, and iced coffee cocktails. Caramel shines in dessert drinks, hot chocolate boosters, and cream-based cocktails. Also delicious over ice cream or in cooking/baking.

Which variant should I buy first? Coffee (R90-R150) is the more versatile choice – works as after-dinner drink, coffee cocktail base, and dessert pairing. If you love sweet, indulgent flavors, Caramel (R90-R150) delivers buttery toffee perfection. Both are affordable enough to buy and try both!

How should Poncho’s 1910 be stored? Store upright in a cool (15-20°C), dark place. Once opened, keep tightly sealed and consume within 6-12 months for optimal flavor. The 35% ABV preserves the liquid well, but the infusions can degrade over time. Serving ice-cold enhances the experience.

Is Poncho’s 1910 gluten-free? Yes! Tequila (including Poncho’s 1910) is gluten-free because it’s made from agave, not grains. The coffee and caramel infusions don’t add gluten. Safe for celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.

Whether you’re discovering tequila liqueurs, building your spirits collection with KWV quality, or searching for that perfect after-dinner indulgence that honors Mexican heritage without breaking the bank, Poncho’s 1910 delivers revolutionary excellence. From the 1910 Mexican Revolution that liberated tequila to KWV’s award-winning importation to your glass in South Africa, every sip celebrates freedom, flavor, and accessible luxury.

This is tequila reimagined for indulgence – extra-premium spirit infused with rich Central American coffee or lavish caramel-toffee, presented in hand-crafted bottles, and priced around R90-R150 to make premium accessible to all. Raise a glass to revolution, to Mexican pride, and to KWV’s commitment to bringing the world’s finest spirits to South African tables.

¡Viva la Revolución! (Long live the Revolution!) – or as we say in South Africa, Gesondheid to revolutionary spirits that don’t demand revolutionary prices!

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