IN THE NEWS
Two new lawsuits filed against Diageo amid tequila adulteration claims
Published: August 13, 2025
Two new class action lawsuits have been filed against Diageo North America, accusing the global spirits giant of misleading consumers by branding Casamigos and Don Julio tequilas as “100% agave” despite evidence to the contrary.
The suits—filed in Miami-Dade County, Florida, and San Francisco, California—were brought by customers who claim they would have paid less for, or not purchased, the products had they, as one Florida complaint states, “known the truth of the ingredients.”
These suits follow a similar case lodged in New York in May. The California filing is notable for being a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) class action, a designation typically reserved for organized crime, which can lead to triple damages. It’s also the first of the three lawsuits to incorporate laboratory test results of four Diageo products.
According to the complaint, testing found:
- Casamigos Blanco: approx. 33% ethanol from agave
- Casamigos Reposado: approx. 42% ethanol from agave
- Don Julio 1942 Blanco: approx. 42% ethanol from agave
- Don Julio 1942 Añejo: approx. 33% ethanol from agave
If true, these numbers would undercut the very definition of “100% agave” enshrined in tequila standards—standards meant to protect both the craft and the consumer.
Both the Florida and California suits have demanded jury trials. Following the initial class action complaint, Diageo strongly refuted the claims. A statement from the North American subsidiary of the group said: “These claims are meritless, and we plan to vigorously defend ourselves in court.”
Why it matters: For drinkers, this is about transparency and truth in labeling. For the industry, it’s about preserving the integrity of a category rooted in tradition, terroir, and trust. Misrepresentation erodes that foundation and misleads the very people fueling tequila’s global rise.
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Fortaleza Tequila Making a Big Splash
Published: August 1, 2025
Fortaleza Rises as Global Symbol of Tequila Authenticity
Jalisco, Mexico — For decades, the romance of traditionally made tequila has been woven into the industry’s marketing — scenes of jimadors harvesting agaves beneath the sun‑drenched fields of Jalisco, and master tequileros patiently tending copper stills. Few producers embody that heritage as faithfully as Tequila Fortaleza.
In a sector often criticized for questionable production methods and high‑profile celebrity endorsements, Fortaleza’s commitment to additive‑free craftsmanship has set it apart. The brand’s authenticity has fueled a surge in global demand, with bottles now considered prized finds among collectors and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
On social media, tequila forums and bartender circles, Fortaleza’s signature labels frequently appear in proud “bottle shots.” But this rising prestige has come with scarcity. Once a quiet favorite among aficionados, the brand has become one of the most highly allocated agave spirits on the market — eclipsing other additive‑free tequilas in both desirability and difficulty to acquire.
Industry observers note that Fortaleza’s meteoric rise reflects a broader consumer shift toward transparency and tradition. For tequila lovers, however, the challenge remains the same: finding a bottle before it disappears from the shelf.
To learn more about Tequila Fortaleza, vist their website at www.tequilafortaleza.com
