Kendall Jenner bashed for 818 tequila launch as fans say model is ‘exploiting Mexican culture’ with new liquor brand

FANS are slamming Kendall Jenner for creating a new tequila brand, saying she’s trying to “profit off” Mexican culture.
The 25-year-old announced the upcoming launch of her new alcohol product on Wednesday, revealing it’s been in the works for almost four years.
Kendall Jenner is launching a new tequila brandCredit: Instagram
Kendall shared a little bit about the journey of making her new 818 tequila brand with a gallery of videos and photos from over the years and said she started on it shortly after she turned 21.
Official details on when the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star’s product will launch and what it will cost have not yet been revealed, but according to Instagram, it’ll run at about $59.99 per bottle.
Though it’s not yet for sale, the announcement alone is already upsetting many people.
One Twitter user bashed the reality star’s new venture: “I really f*ing hope Kendall Jenner learns Spanish now that she has a tequila brand.
“I mean how else is she supposed to learn something if she can’t communicate with the people who are work the lands and make the tequila ?? @KendallJenner learn !!”
The liquor brand is called 818Credit: Instagram
Fans said it rubbed them ‘the wrong way’ that Kendall’s making tequilaCredit: Twitter
A second tweeted out: “Something about Kendall Jenner making tequila rubs me the wrong way.
“Like the idea of white celebrities taking from local Mexican artisans and profiting off our traditions and agricultural business yet only visit Cabos and Puerto Vallarta for vacation spots.”
Another slammed the brand name, which is an area code in California, writing: “Kendall Jenner starting a tequila brand, with zero knowledge on Mexican culture and calling it ‘818 tequila’ is GENTRIFICATION.
“The 818 does not claim Calabasas. What about those smaller, family owned Mexican tequila/mezcal brands? They deserve the hype & support.”
Some called her a ‘culture vulture’ for trying to ‘exploit’ Mexican cultureCredit: Twitter
She announced it will launch soon and posted a bit about the creation journeyCredit: Instagram
Others called Kendall a “culture vulture” and slammed her for not thanking the “Mexican farmers, distillers whose craft and heritage [she’s] appropriating.”
Some said they’d rather support smaller distilleries and ones that “honor [their] heritage.”
The supermodel revealed her 818 tequila on Tuesday, sharing an inside look at the creation of the product and many of the taste tests she’d done.
The supermodel said there were made blind taste testsCredit: Instagram
The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star said a lot of her friends and family members have been drinking it, as wellCredit: Instagram
She shared in the caption: “After dozens of blind taste tests, trips to our distillery, entering into world tasting competitions anonymously and WINNING… 3.5 years later I think we’ve done it!”
The 25-year-old added: “This is all we’ve been drinking for the last year and I can’t wait for everyone else to get their hands on this to enjoy it as much as we do!”
Kendall’s family were quick to share their support with mom Kris Jenner writing: “Kenny! I am so so proud of you and the years of work and love you’ve put in to @drink818!!”
Younger sister Kylie also commented, writing that she had “seen all the hard work and love you’ve put into 818.”
There are three different types in her collection: añejo, reposado and blanco.
According to panelists at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, 818’s añejo tequila has “earthy aromas of pine and yellow fruits mix with vanilla.”
The collection includes three kinds – añejo, reposado and blancoCredit: Instagram
The Insidexpress is now on Telegram and Google News. Join us on Telegram and Google News, and stay updated.