Danny McBride launches Tequila brand

American actor and comedian Danny McBride is the latest celebrity to enter the Tequila category with Don Gato.

Don Gato Tequila is launching in the US with two expressions, Blanco (US$39.99) and Reposado (US$49.99). The brand is named after ‘legendary’ luchador wrestler Don Gato, who may or not be fictional, and whom McBride claims ‘never lost a match’ and had a reputation of being a man with an ‘unwavering respect for felines’, and love for Tequila. As an actor, comedian, screenwriter and producer, McBride is perhaps known for starring as Kenny Powers in Eastbound & Down and Neal Gamby in Vice Principals (both TV shows that he co-created), among roles in high-profile comedies such as This Is the End and Pineapple Express. He was inspired to start the brand after experiences from his time filming in Jalisco, Mexico, where he partied with a masked man he dubbed as ‘Don Gato’. He called these the ‘Tequila sagas'. He explained: “While I was filming Don Gato and having cool times, I was introduced to the best additive-free Tequila I’ve ever had. To pay homage to Don Gato… and to help pay for the tab I ran up while drinking his Tequila that I assumed was free… I am sharing the news of his Tequila with my friends in the States. “It’s for people who have big dreams. And for those who have an amazing affinity for cats. And people who dig examples of nominative determinism. Anyway, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.” The Don Gato range is additive free and made from 100% azul agave. McBride recommends it sipped neat. Both expressions are currently available in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Illinois and Michigan. Tennessee and Maryland will be coming soon. In his previous spirits endeavours, McBride starred in a campaign for Brown-Forman’s Southern Comfort brand. He joins a long list of Hollywood stars now involved in the Tequila business, including Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Mark Wahlberg, Eva Longoria, Kendall Jenner and Matthew McConaughey. IWSR data revealed that celebrity-backed Tequilas were up by 16% in 2023, which was significantly higher than the 3% growth for the category as a whole. Last year, we looked into how celebrities can make sure that their spirits brands are a success.