Class Action Lawsuit Claims Casamigos Tequila is Actually Sugar Water

A recent class action lawsuit has uncovered shocking allegations about the composition of popular tequila brands like Casamigos and Don Julio. The lawsuit, filed in a U.S. federal court, claims that global spirits giant Diageo has been adulterating these luxury tequilas, misleading consumers through deceptive labeling practices. The lawsuit asserts that an investigation has revealed that these tequilas contain significant amounts of cane or other non-agave alcohols, rather than being pure tequila as advertised.

The plaintiffs, which include a Brooklyn sushi restaurant and a New York-based bartender, argue that they purchased these tequilas under the impression that they were made exclusively from Blue Weber agave, paying a premium price for what they believed to be high-quality tequila based on Diageo’s labeling. The lawsuit seeks $5 million in damages on behalf of consumers and an injunction to stop what they allege is deceptive advertising by Diageo.

Diageo’s global head of agave, Sophie Kelly, vehemently denies these claims of adulteration, calling them outrageous and categorically false. This revelation comes as no surprise to many in the industry, as Diageo has a history of acquiring authentic brands, gutting them, and marketing the hollowed-out versions as premium products. The lawsuit claims that the bottles labeled as “100% agave” actually contained “cane sugar distillates,” making them technically mixtos, an illegal practice.

The lawsuit was filed by three plaintiffs, including a mixology instructor, a bartender, and a sushi restaurant, who all feel deceived by Diageo’s alleged false advertising. The suit also implicates the official Mexican body that enforces tequila regulations, accusing them of turning a blind eye to Diageo’s supposed deceptive practices. These allegations have wider implications for the tequila industry, particularly for smaller, authentic brands that may benefit from increased consumer scrutiny and awareness following this lawsuit.

Despite Diageo’s denial of the claims, this lawsuit sheds light on the darker practices within the tequila industry. It highlights the importance of transparency and adherence to regulations in the production and labeling of spirits, particularly in a market increasingly focused on authenticity and quality. The outcome of this lawsuit remains uncertain, but it has already sparked conversations and raised awareness within the tequila community, potentially impacting consumer perceptions and choices in the future.