Freddy Andreasson

One of Mexico's leading agave authorities, sourced from Sweden

Freddy Andreasson is a true original. Kitted out in an electric blue Adidas tracksuit, the 6ft 4in Swede with shaggy blond hair probably isn't the obvious pick for a tequila expert – but he's more than earned the right to that title. 

A decade later, he's now the owner of El Gallo Altanero, which ranked No.8 on the list of North America's 50 Best Bars 2025. Known for its outstanding collection of bottles from small, independent tequila producers, El Gallo Altanero is a shrine to all things agave. 

When Andreasson arrived in Mexico over ten years ago, the culture around tequila was vastly different. While few people cared deeply at the time, the agave boom across the border in the US has seen interest in tequila and mezcal explode, with many enthusiast now collecting bottles in the same manner as whiskies. 

This was very different to how the drink has always been viewed by Mexicans, where tequila was, and has always been, a part of daily life. Across his journey, Andreasson has looked to protect the interests of tequila, sharing knowledge and access in a responsible manner. 

For all of these reasons and more, Andreasson is named winner of the Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award 2026. 

Read more about Andreasson and watch the video here:

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