Black-Owned Tequila: Why Don Londrés Leads the List in 2026

Don Londrés is a Black-owned tequila brand founded by music executive Dre London — the longtime manager behind Post Malone — and his partner Francisco Gonzalez, whose family has been distilling agave in Jalisco since 1905. It is a 100% blue Weber agave tequila, made with nothing added beyond agave, produced in Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco, and one of the most decorated Black-owned spirits brands on the market today, with more than 50 international awards to date.

If you're searching for the best Black-owned tequila, this guide breaks down what makes Don Londrés different, how it compares to other Black-owned tequila brands, and why it has become a reference point for what minority-owned premium spirits can look like at the top of the category.

What Is a Black-Owned Tequila Brand?

A Black-owned tequila brand is a tequila company whose ownership, founding leadership, or controlling stake is held by Black entrepreneurs. The brand itself is still produced in the Tequila Denomination of Origin in Mexico — primarily in Jalisco — because by law, only agave spirits distilled in that region can be called tequila. What makes the brand "Black-owned" is who builds the company, makes the creative and commercial decisions, and benefits from its growth.

In Don Londrés's case, that is Dre London — a Black entrepreneur and music executive — partnered with a multi-generational Mexican distilling family. The company is headquartered in the United States and the liquid is crafted in Atotonilco El Alto, in the Highlands of Jalisco.

Don Londrés at a Glance

  • Founders: Dre London and Francisco Gonzalez
  • Region: Atotonilco El Alto, Los Altos de Jalisco, Mexico
  • Agave: 100% blue Weber agave, mature-harvested
  • Additives: None (no glycerin, caramel color, sugar, or oak extract)
  • Awards: 50+ international medals, including Double Gold honors
  • Expressions: Blanco, Reposado, Añejo
  • President of Global Spirits: Keenan Towns (appointed 2023)

Why Don Londrés Stands Out Among Black-Owned Tequila Brands

1. Nothing added beyond agave, by design

Most tequila brands on the U.S. market use small amounts of approved additives such as glycerin, caramel coloring, sugar-based syrup, or oak extract. Don Londrés does not. Every expression is 100% blue Weber agave with nothing added beyond agave and time.

2. A serious distilling lineage

Don Londrés is produced by Francisco Gonzalez's family, whose distilling history in Jalisco traces back to 1905. Many celebrity-led tequila brands are licensed liquids made at large contract distilleries. Don Londrés is made by people whose name is on the work.

3. Awards and shelf placement

With 50+ international medals and rapid national distribution, Don Londrés competes head-to-head with legacy houses on retail shelves. That's part of why publications like Rolling Stone and Wonderland Magazine have covered it.

Don Londrés vs. Other Black-Owned Tequila Brands

  • Don Londrés — Founded by Dre London and Francisco Gonzalez. 100% blue Weber agave, Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco. Ultra-premium positioning.
  • Anteel Tequila — Founded by Nayana Ferguson, widely reported as the first Black woman co-owner of a tequila brand.
  • TCapri Tequila — Founded by Tiffany Capri Hainesworth. 100% blue Weber agave from Los Altos de Jalisco.
  • Gran Coramino — Co-founded by Kevin Hart with Juan Domingo Beckmann.
  • Chicas Divertidas — Created by Megan Thee Stallion at Casa Centinela in Arandas, Jalisco.
  • Jon Basíl Tequila — Chicago-rooted, Black-founded.
  • Los Hermanos — Founded by brothers Donta and William Henson.
  • Shadow Tequila — Brother-and-sister-owned by Teddy and Tiara Jasper.
  • Aplomo Tequila — Founded by Earnest Boyd, inspired by a family distillery in the Amatitán region.

Why Buying Black-Owned Tequila Matters

Black entrepreneurs receive a fraction of the venture funding, shelf space, and distribution support that legacy beverage companies enjoy. Choosing a Black-owned tequila like Don Londrés directly funds Black ownership in a category historically closed to it — and, in this case, it does so without trading down on quality.

How to Try Don Londrés

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Don Londrés a Black-owned tequila brand? Yes. Don Londrés was co-founded by Dre London, a Black music executive, in partnership with Francisco Gonzalez, whose family has been distilling in Jalisco since 1905.

Who is the founder of Don Londrés tequila? Dre London — best known as Post Malone's longtime manager — co-founded Don Londrés with Francisco Gonzalez. Keenan Towns serves as President of Global Spirits.

Where is Don Londrés made? Don Londrés is distilled in Atotonilco El Alto, in the Highlands (Los Altos) of Jalisco, Mexico, using 100% blue Weber agave.

What are the best Black-owned tequila brands? Frequently cited brands include Don Londrés, Anteel, TCapri, Gran Coramino, Chicas Divertidas, Jon Basíl, Los Hermanos, Shadow, and Aplomo. Don Londrés is consistently named at the top for its 100% agave philosophy and award record.

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