Quick Facts
| Type | Añejo Cristalino |
| Aging | Aged 14 months in American whiskey barrels |
| Distillery | Destilería La Cofradia, Jalisco, Mexico |
| Price | $60–$75 |
| Best For | Sipping Neat |
Pros
- One of the smoothest cristalinos available
- Rich caramel and vanilla from whiskey-barrel aging
- Long velvety finish
- Strong brand recognition
Cons
- Whiskey-barrel sweetness not for purists
- Less agave-forward than some competitors
Expert Tasting Notes
Nose
Caramel, toasted oak, vanilla bean, and light agave with a hint of butterscotch
Palate
Incredibly smooth — warm caramel, brown butter, light cinnamon spice, and creamy vanilla
Finish
Long and velvety with toasted oak, lingering caramel sweetness, and subtle agave
Expert Review
Casamigos Cristalino, co-founded by George Clooney and Rande Gerber, is aged 14 months specifically in American whiskey barrels — longer than most cristalino añejos and in barrels chosen for their caramel and vanilla influence. The result is one of the smoothest, most dessert-like cristalinos available. The whiskey-barrel character is unmistakable: caramel and brown butter dominate in the best possible way. It's the cristalino for anyone who loves smooth, sweet spirits but is ready to explore premium tequila.
— Cristalino Tequilas Expert Panel
Signature Cocktail: Casamigos Cristalino Old Fashioned
Stir 2 oz Casamigos Cristalino with 0.25 oz agave syrup and 2 dashes Angostura bitters over ice. Strain into a rocks glass. The whiskey-barrel character makes this the most whiskey-like cristalino cocktail.
More cristalino cocktails →Casamigos Cristalino vs. Other Cristalinos
Don Julio 70
Don Julio 70 has greater overall complexity and a longer finish; Casamigos wins on smoothness and caramel-forward sweetness.
Full comparison →Patrón Cristalino
Patrón is lighter and more fruit-forward; Casamigos is richer, sweeter, and more influenced by whiskey-barrel character.
Full comparison →1800 Cristalino
Casamigos is significantly richer and more complex; 1800 Cristalino is more agave-forward and better value for everyday sipping.
Full comparison →Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Casamigos?
Casamigos was co-founded by George Clooney, Rande Gerber, and Mike Meldman in 2013. The brand was acquired by Diageo in 2017 for up to $1 billion.
Why does Casamigos Cristalino taste like caramel?
Casamigos Cristalino is aged in American whiskey barrels for 14 months. American oak, especially ex-bourbon barrels, imparts pronounced caramel and vanilla flavors. This is the defining characteristic that sets it apart from most other cristalinos.
Is Casamigos Cristalino the smoothest tequila?
It's widely regarded as one of the smoothest cristalinos available. The 14-month whiskey barrel aging followed by filtration creates an exceptionally smooth, velvety texture.
How does Casamigos Cristalino compare to Don Julio 70?
Both are top-tier cristalinos, but with distinct characters. Casamigos leans into caramel and whiskey-barrel sweetness; Don Julio 70 is more refined with classic vanilla and oak complexity and a longer finish.