Quick answer: Casamigos is the cheaper, easier to find bottle: a Diageo-owned brand founded by George Clooney, Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman, with blanco around $35 to $50. Don Londrés costs a bit more ($49 suggested retail for Blanco) and is an independent, family-distilled tequila from estate agave matured 7 to 10 years. Both cook agave in brick ovens and use pot stills; the differences are ownership, agave and price.
Don Londrés vs. Casamigos at a glance
| Don Londrés | Casamigos | |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | Independent; founded by Dre London with master distiller Francisco González | Diageo (bought in 2017 for up to $1 billion); founded 2013 by George Clooney, Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman |
| Distillery (NOM) | NOM 1518 | NOM 1609 (previously NOM 1416) |
| Town | Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco (Highlands) | Jalisco, with agave from Los Altos (Highlands) |
| Agave | Single-estate blue Weber agave, matured 7 to 10 years | Blue Weber agave from Los Altos |
| Cooking | Brick ovens, 48+ hours | Brick ovens, about 72 hours (brand claim) |
| Fermentation | Natural fermentation | Stainless steel tanks, about 80 hours (brand claim) |
| Distillation | Pot still, distilled twice | Stainless pot still with copper coil, distilled twice |
| Reposado aging | Several months in American oak ex-bourbon barrels | About 7 months in ex-whiskey barrels |
| Blanco price (750ml) | $49 suggested retail | About $35 to $50 |
| Reposado price (750ml) | $72.80 online | About $45 to $55 |
How they differ
Ownership. Casamigos started as a celebrity project and has been owned by Diageo, the world's largest spirits company, since 2017. Don Londrés is independent: founded by music executive Dre London with master distiller Francisco González, whose family has distilled tequila since 1905.
Process. On paper the two are closer than most people expect. Both roast agave in brick ovens, crush it with a roller mill and distill twice in pot stills. Casamigos says it roasts for about 72 hours and ferments for about 80. Don Londrés roasts for 48+ hours and ferments naturally, using single-estate agave matured 7 to 10 years.
Flavor. Casamigos is known for a soft, sweet, vanilla-leaning profile that many drinkers love and some enthusiasts find too sweet. Don Londrés Blanco leans toward cooked agave, citrus and pepper, and the Reposado picks up vanilla and caramel from ex-bourbon barrels.
Price and availability. Casamigos is in almost every liquor store and usually costs less. Don Londrés is in 900+ U.S. retailers, including Total Wine, Spec's and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, and ships direct to eligible states.
Which should you buy?
- Buy Casamigos if you want the lowest price, a bottle you can find anywhere, or a familiar crowd pleaser for a party.
- Buy Don Londrés if you want estate agave, a family distiller and a brand that is not owned by a multinational, and you sip your tequila neat or over one cube.
- For margaritas, either blanco works. Fresh lime matters more than the brand.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Casamigos tequila?
Diageo owns Casamigos. It bought the brand in 2017 for $700 million up front plus up to $300 million more based on performance, from founders George Clooney, Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman.
Where is Casamigos made?
Casamigos is currently made at NOM 1609 in Jalisco, Mexico, with agave from the Los Altos Highlands. Earlier bottles came from NOM 1416.
Is Don Londrés better than Casamigos?
It depends on what you want. Casamigos is cheaper and easier to find. Don Londrés uses single-estate agave matured 7 to 10 years and a family distiller, and many sippers prefer its drier, more agave-forward taste.
Is Casamigos or Don Londrés better for margaritas?
Both blancos make a good margarita. Use 2 ounces tequila, 1 ounce fresh lime juice and 3/4 ounce orange liqueur or agave syrup.
Full disclosure: we make Don Londrés. We have tried to be fair: the facts about each brand come from public sources listed below, and we say plainly where the other bottle is the better pick.
More comparisons: Don Londrés vs. Don Julio · Don Londrés vs. Clase Azul · Don Londrés vs. Lalo · Best Casamigos alternatives · Tequila questions, answered · Tequila by the numbers. Leer en español.
Sources
- Diageo buys George Clooney's tequila company (AP via WGBH)
- Casamigos Blanco production details (Agave Matchmaker)
- Casamigos Reposado (Caskers)
Don Londrés facts: how Don Londrés is made · Blanco · Reposado.
Last reviewed October 2026 by the Don Londrés team. Prices are typical U.S. retail as of October 2026 and vary by state and store. Brand names are trademarks of their owners; this page is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.