My love for the writer and actor Danny McBride knows nearly no limits. The creator of Eastbound & Down, Vice Principals, Righteous Gemstones and other comedy classics took a swing at tequila with Don Gato, named after a fictitious cat-loving luchador. The brand’s slogan: “Made good for cool times” tells you right away they aren’t taking themselves too seriously with this project. However, “Made good” is a mixed bag here, as the production decisions for Don Gato are a tad contradictory. On one hand, it’s additive-free, and partially made with a tahona. On the other hand, it’s partially made with a diffuser. Combining these two is like having a pet rabbit and keeping it in a cage with a velociraptor. It’s made at Grupo Solave (NOM 1607) home of 818, which also falls into that velociraptor category. But Grupo Solave is also now making the pretty solid Señora Leona, and Lealia. Good price, too, at $36 for the blanco. Aroma: Light and clean. Fresh cotton sheets. Peppermint. Citrus. Very crisp. Flavor: Light mouthfeel. Herbaceous, lemongrass, with black pepper. Finish: Short finish with lingering sharp, bitter notes that leave a less than optimal last impression. Overall, this tequila is better than I expected it to be, and may be the best I’ve had that uses a diffuser. Perfectly acceptable for batch cocktails, although given the number of quality options in the market in the $30-$40 range today, it would be difficult to recommend as a sipper.

Had it the Flaviar agave calendar

Tastes to me like it’s been sitting in a 55gallon plastic drum baking in the sun and would produce one hell of a hangover.

Midrange palate has grapefruit, coriander & almond crème. The finish has spun sugar, clove & a hint of brioche bread. Aromas of fresh pear, cedar & lime zest. Additive free 80 proof 100% de agave azul

This tequila is delicious. Pure agave. Doesn’t have any of those sweet additives to ruin it. Bargain price point too. My new favorite. Compares to G4 and Fortaleza but better bang for my buck.

Very smooth. Natural tongue feel.