Eva Longoria's New Premium Tequila Is Aged in French Oak Cognac Barrels

Brian Bowen Smith

You can make big money selling tequila — though it seems to be significantly easier if "you" are a celebrity. George Clooney is the model: Remarkably, in 2018, he was the world's highest-paid actor without appearing in any films thanks to the billion-dollar sale of the brand he co-founded, Casamigos. Since then, other big names have gotten on the tequila train like The Rock and Kendall Jenner (the latter of whom famously had to fend off cultural appropriation claims).

This week, another celebrity announced a new tequila brand: Eva Longoria. As the daughter of Mexican-American parents, she's touting the brand's heritage as a major selling point.

Casa Del Sol is billed as an "ultra-premium spirits brand ... made from the finest hand-selected 100-percent Blue Weber agave sourced from rich clay soil in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico." Beyond co-founder Longoria, the brand boasts two other key women members. Alejandra Pelayo — "protégé and goddaughter" of Patron creator Francisco Alcaraz — will serve as head of production, while Mariana Padilla — daughter of Jalisco's own Paco Padilla — will serve as "Artesana Tequilera," bringing "generations of rich culture and artistic heritage into Casa Del Sol's identity and product development."

"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," Padilla stated.

Courtesy of Casa Del Sol

As far as flavors are concerned, Pelayo pointed to these tequilas' "distinct aging process" which uses "Cognac barrels handcrafted with French Limousin Oak," creating what the brand describes as a "sophisticated duality of two designated regions protected by similar appellations of origin." The results are available across your usual three styles of tequila: a blanco ($64.99), a reposado ($74.99) — which spends at least four months in barrel — and an Añejo ($114.99) — which ages for at least 14 months.

"When creating Casa Del Sol, we wanted to deliver a brand that was set apart from the rest. From the liquid to the legacy, we took the time to develop an ultra-premium tequila focusing on authenticity and a distinct flavor profile," Longoria adds. "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. With Casa Del Sol, we are bringing together casual drinkers and tequila enthusiasts alike to enjoy a product with a bold taste that everyone will find unforgettable."

Casa Del Sol is currently available at select retailers and restaurants throughout the U.S. — or can be ordered online at casadelsoltequila.com.