Cabo Wabo Tequila Blanco Review
The 1996 launch of Cabo Wabo tequila by musician and former Van Halen vocalist Sammy Hagar preceded the current explosion of celebrity-led spirit brands. Although our tasting panel had conflicting opinions about some of its other attributes, the producer still releases reasonably priced, mid-range tequila that is best enjoyed in cocktails, even though the rocker sold Gruppo Campari his remaining share of the company in 2010.
Tasting Notes for Cabo Wabo Blanco
Color: Clear
Nose: Agave, ethanol, vanilla
Palate: A mix of vanilla, petricol, black pepper, jalapeño, peppermint, and lime
Finish: The initial heat dissipates quickly, leaving a peppery finish
Suggested Uses: Ideal for citrusy cocktails like Margaritas and Palomas, or a Red Snapper
Similar Bottles: Espolòn, Casamigos
Cabo Wabo Blanco is generally regarded as a solid mid-range tequila, particularly suited for cocktails. However, opinions diverge when it comes to sipping it neat. Reviewers noted a strong burn on the nose, with some, like Jacques Bezuidenhout, feeling the vanilla notes overshadow the agave, which should be more pronounced in a blanco.
Jeffrey Morgenthaler pointed out that while the fresh, bright agave flavor is somewhat muted, the pleasant hints of black pepper and jalapeño provide a nice counterbalance. Julie Reiner, on the other hand, described the finish as metallic and tannic, leaving a medicinal aftertaste.
All reviewers agreed on its cocktail potential, especially in citrus-forward drinks. Morgenthaler noted it worked well in a Tommy's Margarita, while Reiner suggested its peppery notes make it a good candidate for a Red Snapper. However, sipping it neat is generally not recommended due to its metallic finish.
Overall, Cabo Wabo Blanco is a good-value option for novice tequila drinkers. Morgenthaler mentioned that for just a bit more—about $10–15—you can find unaged tequilas that offer a more refined expression of the agave flavor.
Cabo Wabo Blanco is crafted from 100% blue agave at Destiladora San Nicolás in Tequila, Mexico. The apple matures for eight to twelve years and is baked in wood-fired ovens. The juice is extracted using roller mills, naturally fermented, and then distilled twice in stainless steel stills. True to most blanco expressions, it is unaged.
Sammy Hagar, the former lead singer of Van Halen, launched Cabo Wabo in 1996. In 1990, Hagar opened the Cabo Wabo Cantina, which was inspired by his trips to Cabo San Lucas, where he had his first taste of 100% agave tequila. For his establishment, which started importing to the United States in 1999, he collaborated with distiller Juan Eduardo Nuñez to develop an in-house tequila. Cabo Wabo gained popularity fast, and by 2006, it was the second-best-selling tequila in the United States. Hagar sold most of the brand to Gruppo Campari for $100 million in 2007 and the remaining 20% in 2010.
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