The Enduring Popularity of A-List Tequilas: A Trend That’s Here to Stay
It’s undeniable that the A-list tequila trend has become a permanent fixture in the spirits industry. George Clooney, along with his business partner Rande Gerber, ushered in this trend with the launch of Casamigos in 2013, a brand that revolutionized the luxury tequila market. Since then, numerous celebrities have followed suit, recognizing the potential for diversifying their portfolios and capitalizing on the success of celebrity-backed tequila brands.
The remarkable profitability of Casamigos further cemented the status of celebrity-backed tequila. In 2017, Diageo acquired the brand for an astonishing $1 billion, highlighting the immense value and endurance of this trend. The pool of celebrities entering the tequila sector has continued to expand, extending beyond A-list actors. Musicians like Nick Jonas and Metallica, former NBA star LeBron James, and even an acclaimed chef with spiky hair have all joined the tequila frenzy.
With the diverse range of celebrity-owned tequilas available, consumers now have a wide array of options to choose from. Each brand brings its own unique story, flavor profile, and style, making the world of celebrity-backed tequilas an exciting and ever-evolving landscape. Whether you’re a tequila enthusiast or simply intrigued by the allure of celebrity entrepreneurship, exploring these renowned tequila brands is a must-do for anyone interested in the intersection of celebrity and spirits.
The surge of famous personalities entering the rapidly expanding and financially rewarding tequila industry has substantially elevated the reputation of this traditional agave spirit. With each passing year, it seems that more high-end and super-premium tequilas endorsed by celebrities are hitting the market, further fueling the trend. According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, by 2022, over 60 percent of spirits revenue was generated by super-premium spirits, with tequila and American whiskey leading the category in total sales.
This remarkable growth has resulted in an abundance of tequila options, making it inevitable that some bottles will stand out among the rest. To help navigate through the vast selection, below is a guide highlighting some of the celebrity-owned tequilas that you should definitely consider trying. These brands have emerged as favorites among aficionados and have garnered positive reviews for their quality and craftsmanship.
So, whether you’re a connoisseur or simply curious about exploring the world of super-premium tequilas, keep an eye out for these exceptional celebrity-endorsed bottles. They represent the pinnacle of the tequila industry and promise an unforgettable tasting experience.
Casamigos
Indeed, George Clooney and Rande Gerber made a significant impact with the launch of Casamigos tequila, even though their involvement may have evolved over time. Casamigos continues to uphold its reputation as one of the highest-quality celebrity-owned tequilas in the market. The brand has expanded its offerings beyond the initial blanco and reposado expressions and now features añejo, cristalino, and even mezcal.
While all of these expressions are suitable for sipping and savoring, the blanco and reposado varieties are particularly well-suited for crafting top-shelf margaritas or tequila-based cocktails. The blanco tequila, known for its smooth and vibrant flavors, adds a crisp and lively character to cocktails. The reposado, having been aged in barrels, brings forth a richer and more nuanced profile, lending depth and complexity to mixed drinks.
Casamigos has successfully demonstrated its commitment to producing a range of tequilas that cater to various preferences and occasions. Whether you prefer a classic margarita or seek to explore innovative cocktails, Casamigos tequilas provide a reliable foundation for creating exceptional beverages.
Calirosa
Rosé tequila has emerged as a captivating and unique variation within the tequila landscape, appealing to enthusiasts seeking something different. Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo ventured into the world of spirits and founded Calirosa tequila in 2021, drawing inspiration from their trips to Mexico and their fondness for the pink-hued beverage.
Calirosa tequila is produced by the Real family, who have been dedicated tequila producers in Amatitán, Jalisco since 1942. The rosé tequila, also referred to as “rosa” or “rosado,” acquires its distinctive color through a brief resting period of a few weeks in California wine casks that were previously used for aging cabernet sauvignon. This resting period allows the spirit to absorb the oak and wine remnants, resulting in a rosé tequila with a mellowed profile and subtle nuances of strawberry and honey, culminating in a light finish.
Apart from the original pink expression, Calirosa also offers reposado, añejo, and extra añejo iterations of their rosé tequila. These variations undergo a longer period of aging in the wine barrels, resulting in smooth and sophisticated expressions that are just as enjoyable as the initial pink version.
Calirosa’s rosé tequila exemplifies the constant innovation and creativity within the tequila industry. The blending of tequila with the influence of wine barrels creates a unique sensory experience, allowing tequila lovers to explore new flavors and enjoy a distinct twist on a beloved spirit.
Teremana
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s tequila brand exemplifies his commitment to excellence and sustainability. The brand focuses on producing tequila that is not only exceptional in quality but also environmentally conscious in its production process.
One standout aspect of the brand’s sustainability efforts is the repurposing of leftover agave fibers, which are used as compost instead of going to waste. Additionally, the waste water generated during production goes through an advanced water filtration system, minimizing its impact on the environment.
The tequila is crafted in collaboration with the Lopez family, who have a long history of agave growing and distilling. As third-generation agave growers and second-generation distillers, the Lopez family’s expertise ensures that only small batches are produced using copper pot stills, prioritizing quality over quantity.
The aged expressions of the tequila, including blanco, reposado, and añejo, are rested in American white oak barrels, adding depth and character to the final product.
Notably, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s tequila brand offers a remarkably reasonable price point, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers.
This combination of conscious production practices, collaboration with experienced artisans, and affordable pricing makes Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s tequila brand an appealing choice for tequila enthusiasts who appreciate exceptional quality and sustainable values.
818
Kendall Jenner’s involvement in the tequila industry led to the creation of 818 Tequila, named after the area code of her hometown, Calabasas, in Los Angeles. Since its launch in 2021, the brand has gained significant attention and experienced remarkable sales, quickly becoming a viral sensation.
Produced in Jalisco, Mexico, 818 Tequila places emphasis on sustainability and transparency in its production process. The agave used in the tequila is sourced from family-owned farms, ensuring a connection to the land and a commitment to quality.
Given Kendall Jenner’s association with the Kardashian-Jenner family, it is not surprising that she features prominently in the brand’s marketing and branding. The family’s widespread influence and following have likely played a crucial role in the success and popularity of 818 Tequila.
With a combination of a recognizable celebrity name, a focus on sustainability, and transparent production methods, 818 Tequila has resonated with consumers and has quickly become a sought-after brand in the tequila market.
Casa Del Sol
Casa Del Sol, created by actress Eva Longoria, embodies her deep connection and love for her Mexican heritage. The brand is proudly Mexican-owned, underscoring its commitment to quality and authenticity in every aspect.
The tequila starts with 100 percent blue weber agave, sourced from a particularly fertile region in the highlands of Jalisco, known for producing exceptional agave plants. This careful selection ensures that only the highest quality agave is used in the production process.
Casa Del Sol pays tribute to the cultural significance of agave by featuring a label that represents Mayahuel, the Aztec goddess of agave and fertility. This label design showcases a genuine commitment to respecting and honoring the tradition and history of Mexican agave production.
The aging process of Casa Del Sol tequila takes place in French oak barrels, contributing to the creation of a rich and complex spirit. The interaction with the oak imparts flavors of toasted oak, raisins, and subtle notes of apricot and vanilla.
The combination of using premium agave, honoring Mexican culture through the label design, and the careful aging process in French oak barrels results in a tequila that offers a sophisticated and multi-layered drinking experience.
Casa Del Sol serves as a testament to Eva Longoria’s passion for her Mexican roots and her dedication to creating a tequila that showcases the best of Mexican craftsmanship and flavor profiles.
Santo
Tequila enthusiasts are in for a treat with the collaboration between rock legend Sammy Hagar and acclaimed chef Guy Fieri, resulting in a tequila that exudes a rock and roll vibe. The tequila is produced at Tequila El Viejito Tototlan in Jalisco, Mexico, under the expert guidance of Juan Eduardo Nuñez, a third-generation master distiller renowned for crafting high-quality spirits.
The blanco tequila from this collaboration is made exclusively from 100 percent blue weber agave, carefully harvested from the highlands of Jalisco. Hagar and Fieri have aptly described it as “a higher spirit,” a testament to its exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
When tasting the blanco tequila, the smoothness becomes immediately apparent, showcasing its refined character. It offers layers of flavor, including subtle hints of white pepper, citrus, and delicate floral notes. The combination of these flavors creates a well-balanced and enticing drinking experience.
Together, Sammy Hagar and Guy Fieri have crafted a tequila that captures the essence of rock and roll, delivering a smooth, vibrant, and flavorful spirit that will surely please tequila enthusiasts seeking an elevated experience.
Please note that while the information provided is based on available data, there may be additional details or recent developments that I am unaware of.
Lobos 1707
Lobos 1707 tequila quickly caught the attention of NBA star LeBron James, who had his first taste of it while enjoying a vacation on a yacht in the Mediterranean. The exceptional quality and flavor of the spirit, made from 100 percent blue weber agave sourced from Los Altos de Jalisco in Mexico, left a lasting impression on James. As a result, he became an investor in the brand.
Lobos 1707 was founded by Diego Osorio, whose family has an impressive sixteenth-century legacy in tequila production, and CEO Dia Simms. The tequila crafted by Lobos 1707 is categorized as a joven, which means it is a blend of blanco tequila and their Lobos Reposado. This blending process imparts a golden hue and complexity to the spirit.
To further enhance the flavor profile, the tequila is aged in American white oak barrels and then undergoes a resting period in Spanish Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. These additional aging and resting processes infuse the tequila with rich fruit notes and contribute to a light, peppery finish.
The combination of generations of tequila-making expertise, the involvement of notable individuals, and the careful aging and blending processes all contribute to the creation of Lobos 1707 tequila. It’s a brand that offers a unique and complex tequila experience appreciated by tequila enthusiasts and those seeking exceptional craftsmanship.
Please note that as an AI, I cannot guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information provided.
Villa One
The partnership between Nick Jonas and John Varvatos brings together their shared passions for music, fashion, and tequila. It all started when they connected over these interests at a dinner party, leading them to launch Villa One. To ensure the highest quality, they enlisted master distiller Arturo Fuentes, renowned in the tequila industry as the “Godfather of tequila,” to oversee the production. Villa One sources agaves from both the highlands and lowlands of Jalisco, resulting in exceptional spirits.
Villa One offers a range of tequilas to cater to different preferences. Their blanco expression is ideal for mixing in cocktails, while the reposado and añejo options are perfect for enjoying on their own. The reposado and añejo varieties are noted for their subtle notes of banana and vanilla, adding complexity to the sipping experience. Overall, Villa One has created a brand that combines the worlds of music, fashion, and tequila to deliver outstanding spirits to enthusiasts.
Flecha Azul
PGA golfer Abraham Ancer and entrepreneur Aron Marquez share a common determination that led them to successfully convince actor Mark Wahlberg to invest in their tequila brand, Flecha Azul. Despite facing an initial rejection, they persisted and ultimately established a flourishing presence in the premium tequila market.
Flecha Azul offers a range of expressions including blanco, reposado, cristalino, añejo, and extra añejo. The aged spirits are characterized by their distinct notes of spice and praline, adding a rich and flavorful profile. The cristalino, which is an aged añejo passed through triple-filtration, exhibits a lighter finish while still retaining a layered complexity. Flecha Azul has become a respected brand, thanks to the determination of Ancer and Marquez and their ability to create tequilas that appeal to discerning consumers.