From 'Top Chef' To Top Shelf: Michael Voltaggio’s Tequila Is A Work Of Art

This National Tequila Day (July 24), Michelin-starred chef and "Top Chef" winner Michael Voltaggio is inviting tequila lovers to raise a glass with purpose.

His premium tequila brand, Marcado 28, created in partnership with 10th-generation Mexican distiller Bruno Barba, offers more than just a smooth pour. It delivers craftsmanship, culture, and a story in every sip.

Launched in the heart of Jalisco, Mexico, Marcado 28 is crafted with 100% Blue Weber agave using traditional methods passed down through generations.

For Michael Voltaggio, stepping into the world of tequila wasn’t a vanity play. It was a mission to bring something “honest and meaningful to a competitive market.”

With Barba’s legendary family lineage, responsible for helping define what Reposado is today, the two set out to create a tequila that honors Mexico’s heritage while pushing the boundaries of modern spirits branding.

“Our goal wasn’t just to launch another tequila,” Voltaggio told The Blast exclusively. “It was to tell a deeper story rooted in culture, craft, and connection.”

Marcado 28 Blanco is the purest expression of tequila. Bright, crisp, and clean, with a crystal-clear appearance that showcases the agave’s natural character. It’s ideal for sipping neat or mixing into a high-quality cocktail.

Marcado 28 Reposado is aged for eight months in American oak barrels, giving it a warm golden hue and layered flavor profile. Smooth and subtly spiced, it’s a luxurious choice for those who want depth and richness in every sip.

“Transparency matters,” Voltaggio said. “Marcado 28 is additive-free, made using time-honored methods, and crafted to spark conversation. Not just consumption.”

The aesthetic of Marcado 28 is just as meaningful as the liquid inside. Every bottle is individually numbered and wrapped in striking tattoo-inspired artwork that Voltaggio says was designed to reflect personal expression and cultural authenticity.

“The bottle tells a story just as much as the spirit inside does,” he explained. “It’s bold, deliberate, and rooted in heritage. Just like the tequila itself.”

To him, the bottles aren’t just packaging. They’re pieces of art. “These aren’t just labels. They’re collectors’ items with deep meaning. What’s inside the bottle is traditional, clean, and honest. The outside is an extension of that authenticity.”

Voltaggio’s entry into the spirits world might seem like a departure from his culinary roots, but he sees it as a natural evolution.

“The culinary world is all about honoring ingredients, process, and the people behind it. The same goes for tequila,” he told The Blast. “We took the same level of care with Marcado 28 that I bring to my kitchens.”

He even incorporates the spirit into his dishes. “I love pairing our tequila with grilled meats, especially during summer. The tequila’s clean profile complements the smokiness and acidity of grilled food beautifully,” he said. “And it’s not just for sipping. It works great in marinades, adding depth and tenderizing proteins.”

To celebrate National Tequila Day, Marcado 28 is offering an exclusive online promotion. $5 off per bottle through July 30 at Marcado28.com using promo code "NationalTequilaDay".

To help you toast in style, Voltaggio shared two exclusive cocktail recipes with The Blast:

Bleeding Heart Margarita, a spicy, citrus-forward twist on the classic

• 2 oz Marcado 28 Blanco
• 2 oz fresh blood orange juice or purée
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• ¾ oz light agave nectar
• 10 cilantro leaves
• 1 slice Fresno chili, plus 1 for garnish

Method: Muddle chili and cilantro. Add other ingredients and shake vigorously over ice. Double strain into a cocktail glass and garnish.

Marcado 28 Tequila Sunrise, a vibrant, juicy take on the classic sunrise

• 2 oz Marcado 28 Blanco
• 4 oz fresh orange juice
• 0.25 oz grenadine
• 2 fresh strawberries

Method: Muddle strawberries with grenadine. In a glass filled with ice, pour tequila and orange juice, then add the strawberry mix slowly to create a “sunrise” effect. Garnish with a blood orange slice, cherry, and orange peel.

Whether you’re a longtime tequila connoisseur or just starting your journey, Voltaggio hopes Marcado 28 makes high-quality spirits feel more approachable.

“We want to demystify premium tequila and make it accessible to everyone, not just aficionados,” he told The Blast. “With Marcado 28, what you see is what you get. No shortcuts, no gimmicks. Just clean, smooth, versatile tequila.”

From the fields of Jalisco to the chef’s table and now your glass, Marcado 28 is a tequila that honors where it comes from, while leaving a bold, modern mark on where it’s going.