Becoming Extraordinary with Santa Teresa Brand Ambassador Anther Herrera

Anther Herrera is one of the many ex-gang members whose life was changed by Santa Teresa Rum and its Project Alcatraz program.

The initiative started in 2003 after three men tried to rob a security inspector at the Hacienda Santa Teresa. They were offered a choice: to be handed to the police or to work for free at the Hacienda for 3 months. They chose the latter and the Project was born. The decision made by the first gang changed the life of an entire community and that of 10 other gangs that came later.

Chilled had the pleasure of talking to Anther Herrera about his past and how he was able to leave it behind and start a new healthier, successful life thanks to Project Alcatraz.

Talk to us about being a Life Shaker Ambassador for Santa Teresa Rum.

I used to be part of a criminal gang. Now, I am a Life Shaker Ambassador for Santa Teresa 1796.

My past, like other Alcatraces, was involved in the world of crime and delinquency from a very young age. I always had to lie to my family, my friends, my wife, I couldn’t share anything with them.

In 2020, after two years negotiating with Project Alcatraz, we decided to leave the past behind and start a new life. During our transformation process, we received psychological support, rugby training and values.

For me, this has been a learning process and the experience of a lifetime. I’m discovering new things I thought weren’t possible before. I have had the chance to travel to Spain and I know about the world of the Spirits industry; I’ve shared my story with people all around the world. But most importantly: I can tell my wife everything; I don’t have to hide who I am. I found peace.

What do you hope to take away from this experience.

From this experience I hope to offer my kids and family a better future. I dream of winning an international rugby tournament with my team: Alcatraz Rugby Club. I also hope that the Union 11 distribution company, the business owned by gang 11 from Project Alcatraz, becomes a national reference of excellence in distribution.

What have you learned thus far?

I have learned that greatness takes no shortcuts. If you want to achieve great things, you must have the courage to work hard; you must have the courage to change the game.

What would you like bartenders to know?

I want them to know about Project Alcatraz and the power of second chances. Everyone deserves one and must make the most out of it.

Talk to us about ST1796 Rum. What sets it apart from other rums?

Santa Teresa 1796 is a rum that has changed the game in the rum industry. To start, its production process is unique: it is a triple-aged Solera rum. In this process it combines rums aged separately for up to 35 years which are then blended and aged again in two stages of our unique Solera. This allows Santa Teresa 1796 to achieve a unique smooth and balanced profile, which has been recognized in international competitions.

Tell us about what you like to do with it, signature cocktails/go-to ingredients?

What I enjoy the most when preparing cocktails is when I grab the cocktail shaker, fill it with ice, Santa Teresa 1796 rum, other ingredients and shake it! During those 10-15 seconds I feel happy, it’s like time freezes. I enjoy it very much.

What is your favorite thing you know about this rum?

Our Maestros Roneros Nancy Duarte and Nestor Ortega have shared some secrets with me! But I’m not allowed to share them. What I can say is that I believe that it is amazing how they created a unique and special Solera only for Santa Teresa 1796.