STOP Drinking Jose Cuervo Tequila! Drink These Other Brands Instead!

Jose Cuervo has a reputation, and not a particularly stellar one in the tequila world. While its iconic status and affordability make it a popular choice, true tequila aficionados tend to steer clear. If you’re ready to ditch the mediocre and discover tequilas that deliver a genuine agave experience, this guide is for you.

The Jose Cuervo Conundrum

So, why the aversion to Jose Cuervo among tequila enthusiasts? Here’s the lowdown:

  • Rankings Tell a Story: Websites like Tequila Matchmaker rank Jose Cuervo rather poorly compared to other tequilas. This suggests a less-than-ideal production process and overall quality.
  • It’s Not All Agave: If the bottle doesn’t say “100% Blue Weber Agave,” it’s likely a mixto. That means the tequila includes other sugars and potentially additives, diluting the authentic agave flavor.
  • The Taste Test: Many reviewers find Jose Cuervo Blanco harsh, with hints of rubbing alcohol, artificial caramel, and even a gasoline-like note. Not exactly a sipping experience.

Alternative Brands to Jose Cuervo That Won’t Disappoint

Ready to elevate your tequila game? Here are some excellent options, many of them surprisingly close to Jose Cuervo’s price point:

  • El Tequileño Blanco: Similar in price, this tequila is additive-free. Expect a pronounced agave flavor profile, complemented by black pepper and zesty citrus.
  • Arrete: A true budget-friendly gem, Arrete boasts 100% blue Weber agave and zero additives. Think roasted agave sweetness balanced with black pepper and earthy undertones.
  • Honorable Mentions: If you’re willing to spend a few dollars more, these tequilas are worth exploring:
    • Tres Agaves (great value for price). Made at the same Distillery that makes Cazcanes.
    • Suerte (reliable and widely available)
    • Cascahuin: Made at one of the best distilleries in all of Mexico.
  • The Reviewer’s Favorite: Cimarron holds a special place in the video creator’s heart. This tequila’s roasted agave, vegetal notes, and black pepper hints make it his go-to for a memorable tequila experience.

Beyond the Video: Additional Tips for Your Tequila Journey

  • 100% Agave is Key: This signifies the highest standard in tequila production.
  • Embrace Higher Proofs: While most tequila is 80 proof, opting for 100 proof delivers a flavor explosion if you enjoy a bolder agave kick.
  • Aging Matters: From unaged Blanco with its pure agave notes to the oaky smoothness of Añejo, aged tequilas offer unique flavor profiles.
  • Do Your Own Taste Test: Tequila is all about personal preference! Explore and find the brands and styles that tantalize your taste buds.

Final Thoughts

Expanding your tequila horizons is an exciting adventure. Remember, good tequila is meant to be savored, not masked with mixers. So, ditch the Jose Cuervo and discover the vast world of tequilas that genuinely celebrate the spirit of the agave plant. If you want more tequila recommendations check out this article.

Should You Put Tequila in Your Freezer?

Today, we’re going to dive into the controversial topic of “freezing tequila” or as we should call it instead, Putting Tequila in your freezer. I know it’s a popular practice, and many of you might even have a bottle chilling in your freezer right now. But let’s take a moment to explore the reasoning behind this habit and whether it’s actually doing justice to our beloved agave spirit.

So, why do people freeze tequila?

Well, when you lower the temperature of a spirit like tequila, its viscosity increases, giving it a smoother texture. Imagine sipping on a vodka that has been luxuriating in the frosty depths of your freezer—it glides over your taste buds, coats your mouth, and provides a more pleasant drinking experience. The cold also tends to mellow the burn of harsher spirits like vodka, making them easier to enjoy.

Sounds great, right? But here’s the catch: as the temperature drops, so does the intensity of the aromas and flavors present in tequila. Now, this may not be an issue with vodka since it’s known for its neutrality, but tequila is a different beast altogether. It boasts beautiful aromas and natural flavors that can become muted if subjected to freezing temperatures for too long.

But I can already hear some of you saying, “But I love keeping my Casamigos in the freezer! It makes it so much easier to drink.” You’re not entirely wrong. If you have a low-quality tequila, putting tequila in your freezer it might indeed make it more palatable. Some producers cut corners and use additives, resulting in an inferior product with a synthetic vanilla or cotton candy taste. Freezing masks those unwanted flavors, making it easier to swallow.

However, when you come across a truly well-crafted tequila, it’s a different story.

Tequila, my friends, is an incredibly complex spirit, brimming with an array of tantalizing aromas and flavors. It is meant to be savored at room temperature, allowing you to experience the full spectrum of flavors that the master distillers intended when they created this liquid masterpiece.

Think about it—tequila comes from the agave plant, which takes years to reach maturity. It absorbs incredible flavors from its surroundings, including the terroir and the water source. All that time spent in the ground contributes to the unique character of the spirit. By freezing it, you’re essentially sacrificing those distinct flavors and missing out on the true essence of tequila.

Similar to adding ice cubes, putting tequila in your freezer dulls its flavors and aromas. While it may chill the spirit, it deprives you of the opportunity to savor its rich, robust, agave-forward taste. Unlike whiskey, tequila doesn’t need water to “open up.” It stands proud on its own, showcasing the plant that took years to cultivate. Why would you want to mask that?

But fear not, my fellow tequila enthusiasts! There’s a simple solution for those moments when you crave a quick, high-quality sip. Just reach for that bottle on your shelf, pour it into a glass, and enjoy it at room temperature. No fuss, no hassle—just pure tequila pleasure. Sometimes, all we need is to appreciate the spirit in its purest form, without diluting it or burying it in the freezer.

Now, I understand if you have a bottle of subpar tequila that needs a little help to go down smoothly. But for those who invest in sought-after, high-quality tequilas, ask yourself why you’re purchasing them

Gran Coramino Tequila by Kevin Hart. Is it Worth it?

Hey there, tequila enthusiasts! Today, I’ve got something exciting to share with you: my honest review of Kevin Hart’s Gran Coramino Tequila. Now, we all know Kevin Hart as a hilarious comedian and actor, and he’s decided to dip his toes into the tequila game, just like his buddy The Rock and many other celebrities. But the big question is, does his tequila actually live up to the hype? Well, buckle up, because I’m about to give you the lowdown on Gran Coramino Tequila and whether it’s worth your hard-earned money.

It all started a few months back when I received a surprising DM. To be honest, I was at a loss for words, and the message has been sitting in my inbox ever since. But here I am, with a bottle of Gran Coramino in hand, ready to spill the beans. So, let’s dive into the facts.

Bottle Design:

First impressions matter, right? And I must say, the bottle design of Gran Coramino is pretty impressive. It has this elegant curved shape and minimalist branding that exudes sophistication. I can totally picture it being gracefully brought to your table in the VIP section. Interestingly enough, if it didn’t explicitly say tequila, you might mistake it for a bottle of vodka. But hey, let’s not judge a tequila by its bottle design alone.

Tequila Type:

Now, let’s talk about the type of tequila we’re dealing with here. Gran Coramino is classified as a Reposado Cristalino tequila. Reposado means it has been aged for up to six months in barrels, while Cristalino refers to the tequila being charcoal-filtered to achieve the appearance of an unaged Blanco tequila. I must admit, I’ve never been the biggest fan of Cristalino tequilas. They often seem like a contradiction, stripping away the aging process’s complexity and flavors that took years to develop.

Production:

Gran Coramino is produced at NAM 1122 distillery. Now, if you’re not familiar with the distillery numbering system, let me tell you that NAM 1122 isn’t particularly well-regarded among the tequila producers in Mexico. In fact, their most prominent product is Jose Cuervo, which, in my opinion, epitomizes what an awful tequila tastes like. It’s quite surprising that the same people responsible for Jose Cuervo are behind Gran Coramino. And guess what? Gran Coramino doesn’t come with a cheap price tag like its notorious cousin.

Celebrity-Owned Tequila Brands:

Before we get to the taste, let’s take a moment to talk about celebrity-owned tequila brands. It’s no secret that for many celebrities, these ventures are nothing more than cash grabs. I’m a huge fan of Kevin Hart, and I find him hilarious, but let’s face it, this seems like an attempt to follow in The Rock’s footsteps. The Rock’s tequila has been a massive success, and Kevin Hart probably thought, “Hey, I want a piece of that action too!” But does that mean we should automatically jump on the bandwagon? I have my doubts.

Tasting Notes:

Now comes the moment of truth. I took a deep breath, opened the bottle, and let the tequila speak for itself. On the nose, there’s a distinct ethanol scent, along with a hint of agave and a touch of sweetness. Nothing too extraordinary, but not terrible either. But then came the taste… Oh boy, it was not good at all. The predominant flavors I detected were vanilla and cotton candy. It’s advertised as smooth, but honestly, it was just bland and lacked character. Tequila is supposed to have a distinct taste, not try to imitate vodka.

Label Claims and Additives:

Let’s talk about the claims on the label. Smoothness, mellowness, and balance are mentioned as the desired qualities. But here’s the thing – those are not what I look for in a tequila. I want it to have its own unique character, with bold flavors and a delightful agave punch. The label also mentions Eastern European barrels and Californian Cabernet wine barrels, but it doesn’t give any specific details on how these aspects impact the flavor. It feels like they’re just using fancy buzzwords to attract buyers without providing any substantial information.

Conclusion:

After trying Gran Coramino Tequila, I have to say, I’m disappointed. The lack of flavor, body, and authenticity left me wanting more. And considering the higher price point compared to other tequilas in its category, I can’t help but feel like I’ve been let down. This review serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that celebrity-owned tequila brands may not always deliver on their promises. So, before you jump on the celebrity tequila bandwagon, take a moment to consider if it’s really worth it.

Remember, the tequila world is vast and filled with incredible options, crafted by passionate artisans who put their heart and soul into their products. Don’t settle for mediocrity just because of a famous name slapped on a bottle. Cheers, and may your tequila adventures be filled with memorable sips!

Fortaleza Tequila. Why You Can’t Find it ANYWHERE

Why Can’t I Find Fortaleza Tequila?

Fortaleza is one of the most sought after tequila brands on the market today. In my opinion, it is also one of the best tequilas ever made. It is also a brand that is incredibly hard to find, and people are always asking why it is never in stock. In this blog post, we will break down why this amazing brand is so hard to find and what makes it so special.

Firstly, Fortaleza is a relative newcomer to the industry, having been created in 2005. However, the people who make Fortaleza come from a long line of tequila producers spanning over 125 years. Don Guiermo launched the brand with the explicit goal of creating tequila in the ancestral way that his family had been known for, for generations. Everything they do is handmade and created in a craft way to the highest level of quality possible.

Fortaleza is one of the most sought after brands because it is one of the most traditionally made brands. This directly plays into why it is so hard to find. The cost is also high due to its high demand. Many people have learned about the brand in the last year or so. This has lead to higher demand and because of that demand, supply has dwindled. In addition, there are only so many bottles that they can produce on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. And that is because of the traditional method used in production. This factor usually takes longer to produce and produces less quantity, making it harder to keep up with demand. Hence, prices have increased over the last year.

What makes Fortaleza Different than other tequila brands?

According to Rob, known as the Tequila Collective on Instagram and TikTok, the traditional factor that makes Fortaleza so unique also plays a role in its limited supply. He explains that the agave plant needs to grow for about six to seven years before it is harvested. At Fortaleza, the agave is chopped up into quarters or halves, and the heart of the agave plant is cooked in an horno, or brick oven. The Horno uses steam for about five days to cook the agave. This traditional method takes time and produces less quantity.

Despite the difficulties in finding Fortaleza, it is widely considered the best tequila on the market today. Its distillery is ranked number one out of all the tequila distilleries in Mexico, according to Tequila Matchmaker. The brand is known for its amazing product, which is produced in the ancestral way. Which so many people feel results in the highest level of quality possible.

In conclusion, Fortaleza is a unique tequila brand that is difficult to find due to its high demand and limited supply. However, its traditional production methods and high-quality product make it worth the effort of trying to find. If you manage to find a bottle of Fortaleza, be prepared to pay a premium price, but rest assured that you will be experiencing one of the best tequila brands on the market today.

STOP Drinking Don Julio 1942! Drink These Tequila Brands Instead!

If you’re a tequila drinker, you’ve probably heard of Don Julio 1942. It’s a tequila that’s widely popular in the United States, and you’ve likely seen it served in high-end bars and clubs. But while it may be a favorite of many, there are some good reasons why you might want to think twice before drinking it.

Why You Shouldn’t Drink Don Julio 1942

First and foremost, Don Julio 1942 is way overpriced. You can find a bottle for anywhere between $170 and $270, depending on where you look. And if you’re buying it in a club, it can cost thousands of dollars, which is just absurd. It’s not worth spending that much money on a drink just to look cool.

Another issue with 1942 is that it’s not a good representation of what tequila is supposed to taste like. Tequila is not meant to be super smooth. It’s supposed to have a distinct flavor that lets you know you’re drinking tequila. While Don Julio 1942 may be easy to drink and have a relatively good flavor profile, it’s not the best representation of what a tequila should taste like.

Don Julio 1942 is also owned by a giant corporation called Diageo. Who have a track record of buying brands and then doing questionable things with them. Some people claim that Don Julio 1942 has additives in it, although you can’t prove it since no company is out there advertising that they put chemicals in their tequila.

Drink these Brands Instead

So if you’re looking for a tequila that’s worth your time and money, here are three options that you should try instead:

  1. Fortaleza: This tequila is made by a very historic family of tequila makers. They have been making tequila for five different generations. Fortaleza is incredibly delicious, has a great agave flavor, and is an easy sipper. It’s also certified additive-free. It costs between $70 and $80, which is about half to one third the price of Don Julio 1942.
  2. El Tesoro: This tequila is made by a master tequila distiller named Carlos Camarena, who is an absolute legend in the industry. El Tesoro has a rich, natural agave flavor with some great undertones provided by the barrel. It’s also certified additive-free and runs around $70, making it a great alternative.
  3. Cazcanes: This tequila is a relative newcomer to the industry. It’s making strides by doing everything small batch in the right way. Cazcanes is certified additive-free and is one of the highest rated tequilas on Tequila Matchmaker. It costs around $135, but it’s worth the price for the incredible taste.

In conclusion, Don Julio 1942 may be a popular tequila, but it’s overpriced. It is not a good representation of what tequila is supposed to taste like, and most likely uses additives. If you’re looking for a better tequila, give Fortaleza, El Tesoro, or Cazcanes a try. These three options are delicious, certified additive-free, and won’t break the bank. So next time you’re in the mood for tequila, skip the Don Julio 1942 and try one of these alternatives instead.

Stop Drinking 818 Tequila! Drink These Brands Instead

818 Tequila: The Controversial Brand

Are you tired of hearing about yet another celebrity trying to sell you a mediocre product? Look no further than 818 Tequila, the highly controversial tequila brand launched by Kendall Jenner. Not only does it suffer from cultural appropriation and other issues that plague celebrity tequilas, but it’s also just not a very good tequila. And to make matters worse, it comes with a premium price tag, all for the privilege of having Kendall Jenner’s name attached to it.

818 also most likely uses additives in their production. I have an entire other blog post diving into what additives are and why they are being used.

But fear not, there are plenty of other tequila brands out there that are worth your time and money. In this post, we’ll be exploring three tequila brands that you should be drinking instead of 818 Tequila. So put down that overpriced bottle and let’s dive into some truly delicious tequila options.

Tequila Ocho: The Single Estate Tequila

Tequila Ocho is an exceptional brand of tequila created by two men in partnership. One of those men is Thomas Estes, the former tequila ambassador to Europe from Mexico. His partner is Carlos Camarena, whose family has been making tequila for generations. Tequila Ocho is a single estate tequila made with agave from one farm and one location. It is crafted with the highest level of care and detail.

Tequila Ocho is certified additive-free and widely available in the US and Europe. At around $50 for a bottle of Blanco, it is cheaper than 818 Tequila and of superior quality. It offers a robust agave flavor that is enjoyable to sip on its own or in a cocktail.

Mijenta: The Sustainable Brand

Mijenta is a tequila brand that offers sustainability and female representation in the tequila industry. The master distiller, Anna Maria Romero, has over 25 years of experience in the industry. The brand is committed to sustainability and works with partners who share the same vision.

Mijenta is a certified additive-free tequila brand that produces Blanco and Reposado varieties. The Blanco has a subtle agave flavor with spice notes that are easy to drink. The Reposado has a caramel characteristic with a balance of agave and spice notes. The bottles are also aesthetically pleasing and make for an excellent addition to your home bar.

Fortaleza: The Traditional Brand

Fortaleza is a tequila brand that values traditional practices and techniques. The brand is family-owned and operated and uses traditional methods to make their tequila. They use a stone wheel, called a tahona, to crush the agave before distillation.

Fortaleza produces Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo varieties. The Blanco has a sweet agave flavor with a peppery finish. The Reposado has a vanilla and caramel characteristic with a balance of agave flavor. The Añejo has a smooth, complex flavor with notes of vanilla, chocolate, and cinnamon.

In conclusion, while 818 Tequila may have its controversy, there are many other high-quality tequila brands on the market. Tequila Ocho, Mijenta, and Fortaleza are three brands that offer unique flavor profiles and traditional methods of production. Give them a try and find the tequila that suits your palate.

Don’t Drink Teremana Tequila! Drink These Brands Instead

Why You Should avoid Teremana Tequila

Teremana tequila has become a popular brand in the United States due to the celebrity status of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who launched the brand. This celebrity-owned brand has been making waves across social media and in bars all across the country. However, despite its widespread popularity, there are several reasons why you may want to think twice before trying this tequila brand. There are many problems surrounding celebrity owned tequila brands as a whole.

For starters, while some people claim that Teremana Tequila is free of additives, the truth is not as clear. The place that produces it doesn’t have the best track record and isnt one of the best ranked distilleries on Tequila Match Maker

But that’s not the only reason to avoid this tequila brand. While it may have a relatively accessible price point of around $30 for a bottle of the Reposado and a little bit less for the Blanco, there are so many other tequila brands out there that are much better in terms of taste and quality. In this blog post, we’ll be introducing you to three alternative tequila brands that we think are well worth your time and money.

So if you’re looking for a tequila that truly delivers in terms of taste and quality, you may want to steer clear of Teremana Tequila and try one of these other options instead. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.

Arette

One of the best alternatives to Teremana is Arette, which is confirmed additive-free. It is produced by the Orendain family, who have been producing tequila for multiple generations. The Blanco is available for about $23, while the Reposado is slightly more expensive at around $25. Arette is an excellent well tequila and works perfectly in a margarita.

Cimarron

Another great alternative to Teremana is Cimarron, which costs around $25. Cimarron is made at a distillery that produces other high-quality brands such as Tears of Llorona and Fuentesseca. Cimarron is 100% additive-free and has a great minerality and spice notes, along with a raw agave flavor. It works perfectly in a cocktail, but can also be sipped and enjoyed on its own.

La Gritona

La Gritona is a brand of reposado tequila that is owned and operated by a team of almost exclusively women. This matters because it is a rare thing in most industries. It is a lightly rested reposado and therefore it’s not as dark as some other reposado tequilas. Costco sells its across the country and it usually goes for about $30.

La Gritona is an excellent value for its price, and shows you what a great reposado tequila can be. The taste is vastly different from Teramana Repo, which has a fake vanilla and cotton candy kind of flavor to it. La Gritona has a beautiful bottle, but it can be a bit difficult to open.

When you take a sip of La Gritona, you’ll notice that it’s super light, almost barely rested, but it’s still technically a reposado. The agave flavor hits you right on the nose and it stands up really well in a cocktail. It’s a fun tequila to mix into your cocktails, but you can also enjoy sipping it on its own. Overall, La Gritona is an amazing value for a great tequila that is well worth trying.

Honorable Mentions:

While Tequila Ocho and El Tequileno are more expensive than Teremana, they are still worth considering for those who are willing to pay a little more for higher quality tequila. Tequila Ocho is a single estate tequila that can be found for around $45-$50 and is one of the best tequilas on the market. El Tequileno has two lines, with the regular line costing around $45 and the premium line costing around $90.

Teremana tequila has become a popular brand due to the celebrity status of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. There are many other tequila brands that are of higher quality and are available at a similar price point. Arette and Cimarron are both excellent alternatives to Teremana. They work well in cocktails and can be enjoyed on their own. Tequila Ocho and El Tequileno are more expensive but are worth considering. Especially for those who are willing to pay more for higher quality tequila.

Blanco vs Reposado vs Añejo Tequila: What’s the Difference?

Tequila is more than just a shot with salt and lime. It’s a complex spirit with a rich history and a variety of flavors. And if you’re a tequila lover, you’ve probably come across three terms that describe the different types of tequila: Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. But what do they mean, and how do they impact the taste of the tequila you’re sipping on?

In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of tequila aging and explore the differences between Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo types of tequila. We’ll uncover the secrets of aging, the impact of the barrel on the tequila, and how to choose the perfect tequila for your personal taste. So, whether you’re a seasoned tequila drinker or a newcomer to the world of agave spirits, sit back, pour yourself a glass, and get ready to discover the magic of aged tequila.

Aging Tequila

Before we get into the different expressions of tequila, we need to first understand why are spirits aged at all. Aging a spirit is the process of placing it in a wooden barrel for a period of time, allowing it to take on some of the flavors from the wood inside. Unaged spirits can be quite harsh, so aging was initially used to smoothen the raw taste. However, this isn’t necessarily the case with tequila, as unaged tequila is quite popular.

Blanco Tequila

Blanco tequila is the most raw and honest expression of what the master distiller wanted to achieve with the tequila. It’s unaged, meaning it hasn’t been in contact with wood and is a clear, blanco-looking liquid. It has a clear or “blanco” appearance, and its taste is characterized by the distinct vegetal, earthy notes of the agave plant. Blanco tequila is typically used for cocktails, such as margaritas, due to its bold flavor profile.

Technically, for a tequila to be called Blanco, it needs to spend anywhere between zero and two months in a barrel. However, there are some exceptions, such as Montagave Blanco tequila, which is rested in bordeaux barrels from France, giving it a pinkish-orange color.

Reposado Tequila

Reposado tequila is rested in a barrel for anywhere between two months and a year, resulting in a slightly darker color than Blanco tequila. Reposado tequila provides the best of both worlds, blending the raw flavor of Blanco tequila with the aged notes of the barrel. It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for a wholly unique aging process in spirits.

Añejo Tequila

Finally, Añejo tequila is aged in a barrel for at least one year, giving it a much darker color and a smooth, rich flavor. Anejo tequila is the perfect choice for those who want the distinct taste of tequila blended with the warm notes of a barrel.

Extra Añejo Tequila

In addition to the three main types of tequila, there are also extra añejo tequilas, which are aged for more than three years.

Extra Añejo tequilas are a relatively new category of tequila that was introduced in 2006 by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT) in Mexico. To be classified as an Extra Añejo, the tequila must be aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels that have a maximum capacity of 600 liters.

The extended aging process gives them a dark color, rich and complex flavors, and a smooth texture. The oak barrels used for aging the tequila impart notes of vanilla, caramel, chocolate, and spice, and the longer the tequila is aged, the more pronounced these flavors become.

Tequila is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer the boldness of blanco tequila, the smoothness of reposado tequila, or the complexity of anejo tequila, there’s a tequila out there for everyone. So, next time you’re enjoying a tequila cocktail, take a moment to appreciate the unique flavor profile that each type of tequila brings to the table.

Don’t Drink Casamigos Tequila! Drink These Brands Instead

Casamigos Tequila is one of the most popular tequila brands on the planet. Everywhere you look, Casamigos seems to be on the shelves. But honestly, Casamigos is not a good tequila brand. It has additives, its overproduced and it not worth the price. In this Video I will show you the 3 best tequila brands you should be drinking instead.

Tequila is one of the most popular spirits out there and so many brands are capitalizing on it. Celebrities far and wide have tried to make a quick buck by selling tequila and there are so many bad brands out there. And that’s all thanks to Casamigos. Casamigos was created by George Clooney and eventually he sold it to Diageo for $1 Billion dollars so in a way they were responsible for the whole trend of Celebrity Tequila.

Celebrity tequilas are becoming a huge problem in the tequila industry especially as the tequila industry continues to explode in popularity. I did an entire video on the problems with Celebrity Tequilas which you can watch to learn more about. All of these celebrities are cutting corners and creating an inferior product to make money while hurting the tequila industry as a whole.

The Three brands I cover in this video are all family owned and run, free of additives and are all well worth your money.

Mijenta is a more recent brand to the industry but they are committed to sustainability and creating amazing tequila. Arette is a great budget tequila that is cheaper than Casamigos and certainly tastier. El Tequileno tequila has been a mainstay in Mexico since 1959 and is steeped in tradition.

These are the three best tequila brands 2022 you should be drinking instead of Casamigos.

If you would like more tequila recommendations check out this post, the best tequila brands you should be drinking!

The Problem With Celebrity Tequila Brands…

Why Are There So Many Celebrity Tequila Brands?

From The Rock to George Clooney, LeBron James to Kendall Jenner, and even Guy Fieri, it seems like everyone wants a piece of the tequila pie. Tequila sales worldwide have grown 6% every single year since 2002, reaching an over $4 billion industry in 2020. George Clooney sold his brand, Casamigos, for over $1 billion a couple of years ago. Showing the massive earning potential in this industry and kickstarting this craze. Celebrity tequila is trying to capitalize on that insane growth.

However, I must say that the quality of the product in these celebrity tequila bottles is not as good as other tequilas out there. With a lot of them being guilty of using additives in their products. While some might accuse me of being a hater for trashing almost every single one of these tequilas on my TikTok and YouTube, the problem runs much deeper than just personal dislike for certain celebrities.

Problems With Celebrity Tequila

One major issue with celebrity tequila is cultural appropriation. Take Kendall Jenner, for example, who received backlash for promoting her 818 tequila with a tone-deaf commercial featuring her wearing traditional Mexican clothes. Many argue that she was appropriating Mexican culture to sell her product, despite not having any real connection or ties to the country beyond wanting to make a quick buck from the agave plant.

Connection to Mexico

Additionally, most celebrity-backed brands have almost no connection or ties to Mexico beyond rolling up to one of the few distilleries that make almost all of the celebrity tequila, picking a barrel that slightly tastes different than the other barrel, slapping their name and logo on it, and then selling it at a high premium price to make money off of it.

Environmental Concerns

This not only takes money out of the Mexican economy but also directly contributes to a whole host of other issues in the agave industry, including deforestation and wildlife disturbance. The demand for celebrity tequila has put intense pressure on the industry. It has prompted tequila producers to produce more tequila faster and to make more tequila. To make more tequila they need more farmland, which leads to more deforestation.

Rising Cost of Agave

Furthermore, the pressure to create more tequila has caused a skyrocket in the price of agave. It takes about eight or nine years for agave plants to fully mature before they can be cultivated and turned into tequila. This lengthy and labor-intensive process has been put under immense pressure due to the influx of celebrity brands into the market.

In conclusion, while celebrity tequila might be more accessible and popular than ever before, it comes at a cost to both the Mexican heritage and culture, as well as the environment. While it’s understandable that celebrities want to make money, it’s important to ensure that their product is not only of high quality but also produced in a sustainable and ethical way.