We've learned that when it comes to Tesla CEO Elon Musk's Twitter feed, you should take some messages with a pinch of salt.
However, what started as an April Fools' joke posted back in 2018[1] by the entrepreneur has some Tesla fans polishing off their salt shakers and grabbing a slice of lemon instead, as "Tesla Tequila" is now officially on the market.
"Elon was found passed out against a Tesla Model 3, surrounded by "Teslaquilla" bottles, the tracks of dried tears still visible on his cheeks," the executive posted back then, featured in a picture of him grasping a scrap of cardboard scrawled with the phrase "bankwupt."
This was linked to a former wind-up[2] post claiming Tesla had gone "completely and totally bankrupt" -- despite last-minute efforts to sell Easter eggs to stay afloat.
What was seen as a passing joke is now a reality, with the launch of a 40% tequila on Tesla's website[3].
"Tesla Tequila, an exclusive, small-batch premium 100% de agave tequila añejo made from sustainably sourced highland and lowland agaves," the company says. "Aged for 15 months in French oak barrels and into a hand-blown glass bottle, Tesla Tequila features a dry fruit and light vanilla nose with a balanced cinnamon pepper finish. Best enjoyed as a sipping tequila."
As the drink has been aged, this might be why we've only heard about it now -- but the market's reaction isn't likely to have disappointed Musk. Within hours, the $250 bottles had completely sold out across the US.
Deliveries are expected by the end of the year.
It might be less the booze, however, and more the bottle -- of which the lightning-bolt lines do fit the Telsa brand well -- considering the price-gouging