Last Updated on: 6th April 2024, 01:40 am
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Cabo Wabo Blanco vs Espolon Blanco in this in-depth comparison and decide which Tequila is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Cabo Wabo Blanco vs Espolon Blanco: Head-to-Head
Cabo Wabo Blanco: Bold, warming with agave, black pepper, citrus. Suitable for cocktails. Best on the rocks for a softer experience. 80 proof.
Espolon Blanco: Smooth, balanced with agave, black pepper, citrus. Great for cocktails, offering sweetness and a well-rounded profile. 80 proof.
Verdict: Cabo Wabo Blanco and Espolon Blanco taste similar because they are made at the same distillery. So, when deciding which one to pick, it comes down to how much you want to spend and which brand you like more, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Smooth Tequilas to Shoot
Cabo Wabo Blanco Tequila: A Straightforward Sipping Experience
- Nose: Alcohol, agave, citrus, smoke
- Palate: Alcohol, agave, black pepper, citrus
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Hornitos Plata
Aroma: Cabo Wabo Blanco presents a bold first impression with a noticeable alcohol aroma that softens over time. Hints of agave, citrus, and a touch of smoke emerge, creating an inviting fragrance.
Taste: The first sip delivers a warming sensation, bordering on spicy. As the tequila settles on the palate, flavors of agave and black pepper come forward, along with a subtle touch of orange sweetness.
Finish: The finish is long and warming, with a lingering presence of black pepper.
Overall: Cabo Wabo Blanco offers a straightforward tequila experience, characterized by its peppery and warm notes. While this expression might not be the smoothest, it holds its own as a respectable tequila option.
Value: Considering its price range, other tequilas might offer a better quality-to-price ratio.
Serving Suggestions: To enjoy Cabo Wabo Blanco at its best, try it on the rocks. The ice helps to tame the initial warmth and allows the subtle flavors to shine through. Its peppery character also makes it a suitable choice for classic cocktails like Margaritas, Silver Tequila shots, or Ranch Water.
A Touch of History: Launched in 1996 by musician Sammy Hagar, Cabo Wabo Blanco unknowingly became the first celebrity-backed tequila, forever changing the industry’s landscape.
Espolon Blanco Tequila: Smooth and Balanced for Mixing
- Nose: Agave, black pepper, citrus, alcohol
- Palate: Agave, black pepper, citrus
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Milagro Silver
Aroma: Espolon Blanco greets the nose with a subtle blend of earthiness, black pepper, and a touch of alcohol. This light and inviting fragrance hints at the flavors to come.
Taste: The initial sip offers a gentle warmth that gives way to a pleasant sweetness. Fruity notes and a hint of vanilla emerge, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
Finish: The finish lingers moderately, leaving behind refreshing citrus flavors and a touch of warming pepper.
Overall: Espolon Blanco delivers a smooth and balanced taste experience, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a hint of sweetness in their tequila. While it presents a slight warmth and peppery character, these aspects are subtle and contribute to the overall complexity, not detracting from the enjoyment.
Mixing Magic: Espolon Blanco’s balanced profile shines when used in cocktails. Its affordability and versatility make it perfect for crafting delicious Margaritas or refreshing Ranch Water drinks.
A Legacy of Expertise: Developed by Cirilo Oropeza, a maestro who honed his craft at Jose Cuervo, Espolon Blanco embodies generations of tequila-making knowledge.
What do Cabo Wabo and Espolon have in common?
Both are owned by Campari and crafted at the same distillery.
Cabo Wabo and Espolon are owned by the Gruppo Campari headquartered in Milan, Italy, which also holds Wild Turkey among others.
They are both crafted at a distillery owned by Campari in San Ignacio Cerro Gordo in the Mexican state of Jalisco.
Are Cabo Wabo and Espolon the same Tequila?
These Tequilas offer similar tasting profiles as they are both somewhat warm and peppery making it hard to tell one from the other in a blind taste.
Cabo feels a bit warmer, though, but not by much.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Cabo Wabo Blanco | $37 |
| Espolon Blanco | $28 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | Cabo Wabo | Espolon |
| Type of tequila | Blanco | Blanco |
| Aging length | None | None |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Roller mill |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | Yes |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | No |
| Cooking method | Autoclave | Autoclave |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Additives | Unsure | Unsure |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |