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Home / Recipes / How the Best Tequila is Made

How the Best Tequila is Made

September 07, 2019

To create our new line of tequila cocktail mixers, we wanted a partner that knew tequila through and through. Casamigos the award-winning, ultra-premium Tequila and Mezcal by George Clooney, Rande Gerber, and Mike Meldman proved to be the perfect collaborator. Inspired by the brand’s rigorous attention to quality and premium ingredients, we created a new line of mixers and salts that pair perfectly with fine tequila.

Here, we explore the materials and distilling process that makes Casamigos so special.

The Founders

Brought to you by George Clooney, Rande Gerber, and Mike Meldman, tequila-filled nights with friends is how Casamigos was born back in 2013. It has since become a coveted brand known for its premium-quality tequila and mezcal.  

Our idea was to make the best-tasting, smoothest tequila and mezcal that didn't have to be covered up with salt or lime. So we did, says Co-Founder Rande Gerber.

The Materials

Casamigos uses only 100% Blue Weber agaves and they are highly selective choosing agave for tequila, even going so far as to hand-pick each agave plant based on size and quality. And while many other tequila companies use whatever they can get out of the plant, Casamigos uses only the “pi?a,” the heart of the agave and the best and juiciest part of the plant.

The Process

Casamigos researched master distillers and distilleries throughout Mexico before selecting Jalisco, Mexico, to base its own distillery. Jalisco’s location in the highlands of Mexico, known for its rich, red, clay soil and cool climate, made it the best choice.

Once the agave is selected, they’re roasted in traditional brick ovens for 72 hours. (Other tequila companies steam theirs for a mere 7 hours.) Casamigos’ Master Distillers uses a special yeast blend to ferment the agave for 80 hours, resulting in a consistent, refined flavor.

Casamigos tequila, which includes Blanco Tequila, Reposado Tequila, and A?ejo Tequila, is then aged from 2 to 14 months.

The Casamigos Collection with Williams Sonoma

The new Williams Sonoma Casamigos collection includes four Casamigos cocktail mixes, three Casamigos cocktail salts, and one Casamigos cocktail gift set.

Handcrafted in small batches, the cocktail mixes are designed to be enjoyed by adding ice and Casamigos Tequila or Mezcal. With flavors including Casamigos Cocktail Signature Margarita, Casamigos Cocktail Blackberry Basil Smash, Casamigos Cocktail Ginger Lime Mule, and Casamigos Cocktail Grapefruit Orange Paloma, there’s something for every palate.

Check out the entire collection, premium bar tools, and tips for making the best tequila cocktails here.