The story of
Hotel Tango
The story of Hotel Tango starts on April 14, 2002, when Travis Barnes, profoundly affected by the terrorist attacks of September 11, enlists In the U.S. Marine Corps. He travels 2,000 miles to Recruit Training and School of Infantry (a.k.a. Boot Camp) in Southern California. He is eager and anxious, scared and determined. His training begins.
At Boot Camp, Travis quickly learns that there is only one acceptable way of doing things: the right way. Tying his boots, folding his shirt, cleaning his rifle —— he performs all of these tasks again and again, until they’re hardwired into his muscle memory.
He goes without sleep for days at a time, marching into the ocean to stay awake. He learns a new standard for precision —— and a new degree of fortitude. He finishes training and is assigned to the First Reconnaissance Battalion, Company A, First Platoon. He is sent to Iraq.
Travis serves three tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He sees extensive combat, his missions including knock-and-talks, IED interdiction, ambush/counter-ambush, and direct-action raids on High Value Targets. He serves as a Team Leader in Charlie Company, Second Platoon during his third tour. He learns the importance of surrounding yourself with people you can depend on.
He rises to the rank of Sergeant and receives multiple combat action medals and citations. He is also hit by several IEDs during his service, resulting in Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. He is given an Honorable Discharge and re-enters civilian life.
Travis attends and graduates law school. He meets Hilary, his future wife, and marries her in August 2012. He begins making whiskey, applying the same rigor, precision and unwavering commitment he learned during his time serving his country. His whiskey is a resounding success. He wonders if it’s good enough to build a company on.
With plenty of encouragement, Travis, Hilary and some friends start Hotel Tango in 2014. To honor Travis’ military service, they name it based on the NATO phonetic alphabet —— Hotel for Hilary, Tango for Travis. Surrounding themselves with exceptional people at every level, they focus on crafting equally exceptional spirits. Spirits that reflect Travis’s exacting standards. Spirits that are fit to serve —— and made to share.
