Another day, another celebrity tequila. This time, it’s Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria launching Casa Del Sol, an ‘ultra-premium’ agave spirit inspired by the Aztec goddess of agave, Mayahuel, and golden hour, that time of day favored by photographers for soft, beautiful lighting.
The brand is the latest in the celebrity agave craze, which many believe was started by Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo tequila. Longoria joins the ranks of Dwane “The Rock” Johnson, George Clooney, Toby Keith, Nick Jonas, Rita Ora, Kendall Jenner, Michael Jordan, The Chainsmokers, Shay Mitchell, AC/DC and more.
We’re not here to rain on anyone’s celebrity parade, but it’s worth noting that there’s a lot of backlash to these products. The arguments against these mass-produced, mainstream tequilas are many. To summarize the basics: celebrity tequilas are often appropriative, unsustainable, unethical (in terms of how they support the local communities) and their flavor profiles can be drastically different to traditional tequila, which many fear will change the future of tequila production. You can more about the arguments against celebrity agave spirits here.
But back to Casa Del Sol… Read on to find out what we know so far.
The Co-Founders
Ava Longoria, the actress best known for her role on Desperate Housewives, is the celebrity face of the brand. "It is always my mission to uplift the voices of women and celebrate my Mexican heritage, so that others may be inspired by the limitless genius and artistry that is rich in our communities."
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Alejandra Pelayo is the Head of Production for Casa Del Sol. Pelayo is following in the steps of her late godfather and mentor, Francisco Alcraz, master distiller and creator of Patrón. "Our long-standing Mexican roots, rich heritage and distinct aging process has paved a way for the future, helping to create a brand unlike others in the space.”
Mariana Padilla is the brand’s Artesana Tequileria. She is a Mexican-based designer behind popular brands Mapache and House of Cuca, and daughter of Paco Padilla, the cultural ambassador of Jalisco, Mexico. "Legacy and authenticity are huge components of Casa Del Sol, and it was important for us to pay homage to the past through every facet of the brand, including our logo, which is visibly inspired by Mayahuel, 'The Goddess of Tequila'”.
The Facts
Casa Del Sol is a female-owned agave spirits brand made from 100% Blue Weber agave, sourced in Jalisco, Mexico. The brand partnered with Laurent Martell, the 9th generation of the Martell family in France, to source their Cognac barrels, made from French Limousin Oak. Casa Del Sol has three products on the market: Blanco, Reposado and Añejo, ranging from $60 - $100.
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The Spirits
Blanco was crafted to deliver the pure essence of agave with its smooth and complex body. Complete with pleasant hints of fresh agave and mint, and warmed by notes of spice and caramel green apple. Their Reposado rests for a minimum of four months in Select French Oak and Cognac barrels, made from French Limousin Oak. The woody aroma evokes soft vanilla with hints of raisin and sweet tobacco. To taste, it has notes of wild honey, raisin, and butterscotch. Finally, the Añejo. This Tequila is matured for more than 14 months. On the nose, it is elegant, sweet and indulgent, with notes of dark cacao, dried fruit, toasted oak, and vanilla. On the palate, it has notes of toffee, apricot, oak and chestnut.
The Community
According to their press release, “Casa Del Sol prioritizes social, economic and environmental practices which includes providing healthcare opportunities to its Jimadors, exclusively partnering with a 100% Mexican-owned distillery that has been awarded the distinctive ESR® (Empresa Socialmente Responsable) award, and prioritizes the sustainable cultivation of agave. The brand is also currently developing programs to help level the playing field for women in the Altos de Jalisco region, who have historically had limited access to services and resources to improve both their personal and professional development.”
Casa Del Sol will be available nationwide in 2023. It is currently available at select retailers and restaurants in California, Colorado and Florida
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