Famous Faces Behind the Bottle: 8 Celebrity-Owned Alcohol Brands

Celebrities have always found ways to extend their influence beyond the entertainment industry. In recent years, one of the most popular avenues has been the alcohol business. From tequila to whiskey to mezcal, several high-profile celebrities have invested in or founded alcohol brands that have quickly become household names. These brands often reflect the personality and brand of the celebrity behind them, and fans love feeling connected to their favourite stars by sipping their signature drinks.

In this article, we’ll explore eight of the top celebrity-owned alcohol brands that have made a significant impact on the industry.

1. Casamigos by George Clooney

‍

George Clooney’s Casamigos is perhaps the most well-known celebrity-owned alcohol brand in recent history. Clooney co-founded the tequila brand in 2013 with his friends, Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman. What started as a private passion project—meant for their personal use—quickly gained traction in the public market.

In 2017, Clooney and his partners sold Casamigos to Diageo for a staggering $1 billion, proving that the tequila was more than just a passion project. The brand’s smooth and rich flavour, paired with its sleek marketing, made it a hit among tequila enthusiasts.

Key Features of Casamigos

• Smooth Taste: Casamigos is renowned for its smooth, easy-to-drink profile, making it popular for sipping and cocktails alike.
• Price Range: Casamigos is considered a premium brand but remains relatively affordable compared to other high-end tequilas, with prices ranging from $45 to $70 depending on the type (Blanco, Reposado, or Añejo).

‍

2. Dos Hombres Mezcal by Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston

‍

If you loved watching Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston team up on Breaking Bad, you’ll be excited to know that the duo reunited to launch Dos Hombres Mezcal in 2019. Unlike tequila, mezcal is made by smoking the agave plant, which gives it a distinctive, rich flavor. The two actors ventured into the alcohol industry not for a quick cash grab, but out of a shared passion for mezcal and its artisanal roots.

Paul and Cranston personally visited villages in Mexico to find the perfect mezcal, ensuring their brand was as authentic as possible. The result? Dos Hombres quickly gained a following, thanks to both its founders' fame and its smooth, smoky flavor.

What Makes Dos Hombres Unique?

• Smoky Flavor: Mezcal is known for its smoky taste, and Dos Hombres strikes the perfect balance between smokiness and a smooth, earthy flavour.
• Craftsmanship: Each batch of Dos Hombres is handcrafted, using traditional methods that have been passed down for generations.

‍

3. Aviation American Gin by Ryan Reynolds

‍

Ryan Reynolds is as famous for his humour as he is for his acting, and he brought that same witty charm to his involvement with Aviation American Gin. While Reynolds didn’t find the brand, he became its co-owner in 2018 and quickly turned it into a pop culture sensation through clever and often hilarious marketing campaigns.

Thanks to Reynolds’ personal involvement and social media presence, Aviation Gin saw an incredible rise in popularity, leading to its sale to Diageo in 2020 for an estimated $610 million.

Aviation’s Craftsmanship

• Botanical Blend: Aviation Gin stands out due to its unique blend of botanicals, which gives it a smoother and less juniper-forward taste than traditional London dry gins.
• Small-Batch Production: Aviation is produced in small batches, ensuring consistent quality with each bottle.

‍

4. Teremana Tequila by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

‍

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has never been shy about his love for tequila, so it wasn’t a surprise when he launched Teremana Tequila in 2020. Johnson wanted to create a high-quality yet accessible tequila, and Teremana delivers on both fronts. The name "Teremana" comes from a combination of Latin words meaning "earth" and "spirit," reflecting the brand's commitment to sustainability and quality.

The Distinct Flavor of Teremana

• Taste Profile: Teremana boasts a clean, crisp flavor with citrus and agave notes, making it perfect for sipping or mixing in cocktails.
• Affordable Luxury: While Teremana is premium in taste, its pricing is quite accessible, with bottles typically ranging from $30 to $50.

‍

5. 818 Tequila by Kendall Jenner

‍

Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila, launched in 2021, quickly gained attention—but not all of it was positive. The brand faced criticism for its marketing, with some accusing Jenner of cultural appropriation for her portrayal of Mexican traditions in the brand’s promotional materials. Despite the controversy, 818 has been a commercial success, with its smooth and approachable taste making it a favorite among younger consumers.

What Sets 818 Apart

• Smooth Tequila: 818 is known for its smoothness, making it an easy choice for those new to tequila.
• Sleek Packaging: The brand’s minimalist, Instagram-friendly packaging has made it a hit among Jenner’s social media-savvy fan base.

‍

6. Heaven’s Door Whiskey by Bob Dylan

‍

Bob Dylan isn’t just a music legend; he’s also made his mark in the world of whiskey with Heaven’s Door. Launched in 2018, Heaven’s Door is a collection of handcrafted American whiskeys, including a Tennessee Straight Bourbon and a Double Barrel Whiskey. Dylan was heavily involved in the creation process, from the blend of the whiskey to the design of the bottles.

The name "Heaven’s Door" is a nod to one of Dylan’s most famous songs, “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” adding an extra layer of nostalgia for fans of his music.

The Uniqueness of Heaven’s Door

• Handcrafted Whiskey: Heaven’s Door is all about craftsmanship, with each batch carefully created to ensure top-notch quality.
• Flavor Profile: These whiskeys are known for their complex flavors, with notes ranging from rich caramel to toasted oak and spice.

‍

7. Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey by Conor McGregor

‍

Mixed martial arts superstar Conor McGregor took his fighting spirit to a new level when he launched Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey in 2018. Named after the Crumlin neighbourhood in Dublin where McGregor grew up (Dublin 12), the whiskey aims to represent his heritage and love for Ireland.

McGregor was involved in crafting the whiskey alongside master distillers, ensuring it had a smooth yet robust flavor that could hold its own in a competitive market. Proper No. Twelve quickly gained popularity among fans of McGregor, as well as whiskey enthusiasts, thanks to its approachable taste and smart marketing campaigns.

In 2021, McGregor and his partners sold a majority stake in Proper No. Twelve to Proximo Spirits in a deal reportedly worth $600 million.

What Makes Proper No. Twelve Stand Out?

• Smooth Irish Whiskey: Proper No. Twelve is triple-distilled, giving it a smooth, warm finish with notes of vanilla, honey, and toasted wood.
• Accessibility: One of McGregor’s goals with the whiskey was to create an affordable yet high-quality product, with most bottles priced at around $30.

‍

8. Haig Club Scotch Whisky by David Beckham

‍

‍

David Beckham isn’t just a global sports icon—he’s also ventured into the world of fine whisky with Haig Club Scotch. Launched in collaboration with drinks giant Diageo in 2014, Haig Club is known for its distinctive square blue bottle and smooth, approachable flavor. Beckham was involved in every aspect of the brand’s development, from its design to its marketing campaigns.

Haig Club appeals to whisky drinkers who may not typically go for traditional Scotch. Its lighter, smoother taste is perfect for those new to whisky, or for whisky lovers who want something different from the heavier, more intense flavors of traditional Scotch.

Haig Club’s Unique Appeal

• Beginner-Friendly Whisky: Haig Club is designed to be a more approachable Scotch, ideal for those who may find traditional Scotch whisky too strong or overpowering.
• Stylish Design: Beckham’s influence is evident in Haig Club’s bold and stylish packaging. The cobalt blue bottle is as much a statement piece as it is a container for fine whisky.

‍

Conclusion

The celebrity alcohol trend shows no signs of slowing down. These stars aren’t just putting their names on bottles—they’re actively involved in crafting, marketing, and promoting their brands, often to great success. Whether it’s the smooth, approachable flavor of Casamigos or the artisanal craftsmanship of Heaven’s Door, these celebrity-owned brands are shaping the future of the alcohol industry. Celebrities are not just lending their names to the labels; they are deeply involved, making sure the products reflect their personal style and commitment to quality.

From George Clooney's legendary Casamigos to Conor McGregor’s fiery Proper No. Twelve, celebrity-led alcohol brands offer a unique fusion of star power and craftsmanship. Whether you’re looking for a smooth tequila, a refreshing gin, or a fine whisky, these brands have something for every palate—and every fan.

‍