The Celebrity Tequila Craze: Three Bottles I’d Pass On

In the world of spirits, tequila has undergone a transformation from a simple party drink to a sophisticated spirit that pairs well with food and can be sipped straight. As a tequila enthusiast myself, I've sampled my fair share of brands, and while there’s no shortage of celebrity-endorsed bottles on the market, not all of them deserve a spot on your shelf. Here are three celebrity tequilas I would never drink, starting with the most infamous: 818 Tequila by Kendall Jenner.

818 Tequila: A Cream Soda Faux Pas

Let’s kick things off with the much-talked-about 818 Tequila. This spirit has garnered a tremendous amount of attention thanks to its celebrity backing, but the reality is starkly different from the buzz. It tastes less like the authentic, rich tequila aficionados long for and more akin to a bizarre cream soda with a boozy twist. Imagine pouring this into a perfect margarita only to have it ruin the whole experience—it's a nightmare for any cocktail lover. The smell is overpowering, reminiscent of harsh alcohol rather than the nuanced aromas you expect from a quality tequila. If I had to describe it, I would say its qualities might serve as an alternative fuel source rather than a delightful sipper. At the end of the day, there's a vast sea of better options out there.

Teremana Tequila: The Rock’s Mixed Bag

Next up, we have Teremana Tequila by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Now, I want to make it clear that I adore The Rock—I respect his work ethic and dedication to his craft. However, when it comes to his tequila, I have to express some reservations. While it's not outright terrible, it doesn’t stand out in the crowded tequila landscape. It’s drinkable, sure, but considering the incredible variety of tequilas available, this one just doesn’t cut it for me. The taste is palatable, which perhaps places it in the upper tier of celebrity tequilas, but the fact remains that there are far more complex and flavorful options waiting to be explored.

Casamigos: Not the Grande Finale I Hoped For

Last but certainly not least is Casamigos, founded by none other than George Clooney. While it has undoubtedly earned a sizeable fan base and is frequently mentioned in conversation around celebrity tequilas, I still wouldn't recommend it as the go-to. Although it’s probably the most drinkable of the three, I always find myself asking, “Why settle?” There are artisanal tequilas with distinctive flavors and artisanal craftsmanship that shine far brighter. The hype behind Casamigos may lead you to believe it's a top-shelf choice, but its sweet profile doesn’t suit everyone’s palate and lacks the character that true tequila lovers crave.

In a market saturated with celebrity-endowed brands, it's easy to get caught up in the allure of celebrity endorsements. Yet, as a tequila connoisseur, I urge you to explore the myriad of fantastic tequila brands that celebrate the spirit's rich heritage instead of settling for a celebrity's latest venture.

 And if you're on the lookout for tequilas worth sipping, stay tuned for my recommendations on alternatives to Casamigos here on our TikTok. 

 Cheers!