How Casamigos Became a Premium Tequila Brand

Casamigos began with friends sharing tequila in Mexico. In 2013, George Clooney, Rande Gerber, and Mike Meldman turned their private tequila collection into something bigger. The name "Casamigos" means "House of Friends" in Spanish, is an homage to the casual evenings they spent developing the perfect recipe.

They wanted to make tequila you could drink without needing lime and salt to mask harsh flavors. After sharing bottles with friends and getting enthusiastic responses, they decided to sell it commercially. The brand grew so quickly that by 2017, Diageo bought it for $700 million upfront, with another $300 million tied to future performance.

Casamigos Production Process and Standards

Casamigos production starts in the Jalisco Highlands, where Blue Weber agave plants grow in rich red clay soil at high altitudes. Each plant needs seven years to reach its peak sugar content before harvesting. Local jimadors pick the agave by hand, carefully removing the pencas (leaves) to get to the piña (heart).

The cooking process sets Casamigos apart. They roast the piñas in traditional brick ovens for 72 hours - that's three times longer than most producers take. These ovens handle small batches of 500 pounds each, while larger producers use industrial autoclaves for thousands of pounds at once. This slower approach brings out natural sweetness and adds layers of flavor you can't get from faster methods.

The fermentation uses a special yeast blend and runs for 80 hours, while most tequilas ferment for just 48. This extra time lets flavors develop more fully and makes the tequila notably smoother. The liquid then goes through copper stills twice, cleaning up any rough edges while keeping the agave's natural taste.

Each batch gets personal attention from master distillers. They adjust the process based on things like room temperature and humidity to keep every bottle consistent. They test sugar levels after cooking, check pH during fermentation, and taste-test after distillation. If a batch isn't perfect, they don't use it - it's that simple.

All About the Casamigos Variants

Casamigos Blanco Tasting Notes and Pairings

Casamigos Blanco is a crystal-clear tequila that sits at 40% ABV (80 proof). Fresh agave leads the aroma, backed by vanilla and citrus notes. On the palate, you'll find crisp mint, fresh lime, and a subtle black pepper finish. The finish stays smooth with hints of vanilla and a light mineral quality from the highland agave.

This tequila works beautifully in margaritas and palomas. It adds depth to citrus-forward cocktails without overpowering other ingredients. For food, try it with fresh seafood ceviche or grilled fish tacos. The bright, clean profile cuts through rich guacamole and complements spicy salsas. It's also excellent chilled and sipped neat.

Casamigos Reposado Profile and Uses

After distillation, the Reposado ages for 7 months in American white oak barrels. These barrels previously held whiskey, which adds complexity to the final spirit. At 40% ABV, this expression shows caramel and cocoa aromas right away. The taste brings sweet agave, oak, and hints of dried fruit. A warm spice note lingers on the finish.

The barrel time makes this tequila perfect for old fashioneds and manhattans. The caramel notes blend well with aged spirits and vermouths. Food-wise, grilled meats bring out the oak character. The slight sweetness balances spicy Mexican dishes, and it pairs well with aged cheeses or dark chocolate desserts.

Casamigos Añejo Characteristics

The Añejo spends 14 months in those same American oak barrels. This longer aging develops deeper flavors while maintaining the brand's signature smoothness. At 40% ABV, you'll notice aromas of barrel spice, toffee, and vanilla. The taste offers caramelized agave, cinnamon, and dark chocolate notes. The finish is long with oak and butterscotch.

This expression shines in spirit-forward cocktails like boulevardiers and Mexican coffee drinks. Its richness stands up to bold mixers without losing character. For dining, match it with braised meats or mole sauces. The oak and spice notes complement roasted vegetables and enhance chocolate-based desserts.

Casamigos Cristalino and Mezcal Options

The Cristalino starts as Añejo tequila but goes through charcoal filtering. This process keeps the aged flavors while removing the color. At 40% ABV, it offers vanilla and caramel aromas with a surprisingly light body. You'll taste aged complexity with enhanced agave brightness.

Their Mezcal uses Espadín agave and traditional pit roasting. This 40% ABV spirit shows distinct smokiness balanced by herbal notes. The taste includes white pepper, citrus rind, and mineral notes typical of artisanal mezcal.

Both work well in upscale cocktails. The Cristalino makes excellent martinis and gimlets. The Mezcal adds depth to spicy margaritas and bloody marys. For food, pair Cristalino with light proteins like chicken or fish. The Mezcal matches grilled foods and spicy dishes. Its smoke character enhances roasted vegetables and adds complexity to simple tacos.

Buy Casamigos at Big Bear Wine & Liquor

Casamigos reposado

If you're looking for a smooth and complex tequila, you'll love Casamigos Reposado. This expression spends 7 months resting in American oak barrels, developing aromas of caramel and cocoa. On the palate, you'll find sweet agave, dried fruit, and warm spice notes, with the oak influence adding a touch of vanilla and butterscotch to the long, satisfying finish. Enjoy this reposado on its own or use it to add depth to classic cocktails like old fashioneds and Manhattans.

Casamigos blanco

For a crisp, clean tequila experience, reach for Casamigos Blanco. This one leads with fresh agave aromas complemented by hints of vanilla and citrus. On the sip, you'll taste bright flavors of mint, lime, and a subtle black pepper finish. The smooth, mineral-rich finish makes this blanco perfect for sipping or mixing into refreshing cocktails like margaritas and palomas.

Casamigos añejo

This expression spends 14 months resting in American oak barrels, developing deep flavors of caramelized agave, cinnamon, and dark chocolate. The long, luxurious finish offers notes of oak and butterscotch that pair beautifully with rich, savory dishes or decadent desserts. Sip this Añejo slowly and savor each sip.

Casamigos cristalino

Casamigos also offers a unique Cristalino expression, which starts as an Añejo tequila but undergoes a special charcoal filtration process to remove the color. This spirit maintains the aged complexity of the Añejo and comes out with a surprisingly light and bright profile. You'll find vanilla and caramel aromas leading to a taste of elevated agave flavors and a clean, refreshing finish. The Cristalino is a versatile option that can be enjoyed on its own or used to add nuance to cocktails.

Popular Casamigos Cocktail Recipes

Spicy Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Casamigos Blanco
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.75 oz agave nectar
• 3 cucumber slices
• 2 jalapeño slices
• Tajín rim

Method:

Muddle cucumber and one jalapeño slice in a shaker. Add remaining ingredients with ice. Shake well. Strain into a Tajín-rimmed glass with fresh ice. Garnish with cucumber and jalapeño.

Smoky Manhattan

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Casamigos Reposado
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 dash chocolate bitters
• Orange peel

Method:

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well-chilled. Strain into a coupe glass. Express orange peel oils over drink and drop in as garnish.

Casa Paloma

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Casamigos Blanco
• 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.5 oz agave nectar
• Top with club soda
• Grapefruit wedge
• Salt rim

Method:

Salt half the rim of a highball glass. Fill with ice. Add all ingredients except soda. Stir well. Top with club soda. Garnish with grapefruit.

Casamigos Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Casamigos Añejo
• 0.25 oz agave nectar
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• Orange peel

Method:

Add all ingredients to a rocks glass. Add one large ice cube. Stir until well-chilled. Express orange oils over drink.

Mezcal Mule

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Casamigos Mezcal
• 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
• Ginger beer
• Lime wheel

Method:

Fill copper mug with ice. Add mezcal and lime juice. Top with ginger beer. Stir gently. Garnish with lime.

How to Store and Serve Casamigos?

Tequila doesn't age in the bottle, so proper storage maintains its quality. Keep bottles upright in a cool, dark place. Avoid temperature swings and direct sunlight. An opened bottle stays good for about a year.

Serve Blanco and Cristalino slightly chilled at 55-60°F. This temperature brings out their crisp agave notes. Reposado and Añejo show best at room temperature, around 65-70°F. Their oak character opens up as they warm. Serve Mezcal at room temperature to appreciate its complex smoke notes.

Casamigos Awards and Industry Recognition

Casamigos Blanco earned a gold medal at the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition for its clean, crisp profile. The Reposado received double gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, where judges praised its smooth finish and perfectly balanced oak notes.

The SIP Awards gave the Añejo multiple platinum medals through their unique blind tasting format. These tastings put the tequila in front of regular spirits enthusiasts rather than industry experts, making the recognition particularly meaningful. Their Mezcal also impressed at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, scoring 95 points and getting high marks for staying true to traditional production methods.

Beyond competition circles, Casamigos gained recognition from influential voices. Men's Journal's "Best Tequila in the World" title came after they noted how the brand kept its artisanal touch even as it grew. Oprah Winfrey's endorsement as "The Smoothest, The Best" on her "Favorite Things" list brought the brand to an even wider audience. In 2022, The Spirits Business capped off this acclaim by naming Casamigos the Supreme Brand Champion, while The Robb Report placed it among their "Best Tequilas to Drink Right Now."

Visit Big Bear Wine & Liquor for Premium Tequila Selection

Find the full lineup of Casamigos tequilas at Big Bear Wine & Liquor on South Pueblo Boulevard and in Pueblo West. Our team can help you find the right bottle for your home bar or a thoughtful gift.

Visit Big Bear -- South at 2037 S Pueblo Blvd, Pueblo, CO, or Big Bear -- Pueblo West at 940 Hailey Lane, Pueblo West, CO. For availability and pricing, call us at (719) 547-1786 or email info@bigbearwine.com.

Contact Information

Locations: 940 Hailey Ln, Pueblo West, CO 81007 and 2037 S Pueblo Blvd, Pueblo, CO

Website: https://bigbearwine.com/

Phone: 719-547-1786

Email: info@bigbearwine.com