Last Updated on: 5th April 2024, 11:09 pm
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.
Sammy Hagar is back to Tequila with Santo Blanco, but is it better than his old Cabo Wabo? An in-depth comparison so you decide which 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 vs Santo Fino: Comparison
Cabo Wabo Blanco: A peppery tequila with agave and citrus notes, ideal for cocktails. Offers warmth and a lasting pepper finish.
Santo Fino Blanco: A clean, approachable tequila with agave sweetness, balanced by minerals and peppery notes. Smooth finish, great neat or on rocks.
Verdict: Both tequilas showcase unique qualities. Cabo Wabo Blanco excels in cocktails with its peppery kick. Santo Fino Blanco offers a smooth, authentic tequila experience. Each provides a distinct way to enjoy the spirit’s versatility, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Celebrity Tequila Top Choices
Cabo Wabo Blanco: A Peppery Tequila for Cocktails
- Nose: Alcohol, agave, citrus, smoke
- Palate: Alcohol, agave, black pepper, citrus
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Espolon Blanco
Aroma: Cabo Wabo Blanco presents an initial burst of alcohol that softens over time, revealing subtle hints of agave, citrus, and smoke.
Taste: This tequila offers a noticeable warmth upon first sip, transitioning to flavors of agave and black pepper with a touch of orange.
Finish: The finish lingers with warmth and a lasting peppery presence.
Decent Option with Alternatives: Cabo Wabo Blanco delivers a warm and peppery taste profile, making it a suitable tequila choice. However, given its price point, other options might offer better value.
Serving Tips: Chilling the tequila over ice can help temper the heat and spice, making it more enjoyable to sip neat. However, Cabo Wabo Blanco truly shines when used in cocktails, particularly enhancing the flavors of Margaritas.
More Cost-Effective Options: It’s important to note that tequilas like Espolon Blanco, produced at the same distillery, offer similar taste profiles at a more affordable price.
Cabo Wabo Blanco Facts:
- Launched in 1996 by musician Sammy Hagar, unintentionally pioneering the trend of celebrity-owned tequilas.
Santo Fino Blanco: A Clean and Approachable Silver Tequila
- Nose: Agave, cinnamon, melon
- Palate: Agave, mineral, black pepper
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Patron Silver
Aroma: Santo Fino Blanco opens with a welcoming aroma of cooked agave, offering a hint of cinnamon and a touch of melon in the background.
Taste: This tequila boasts a satisfyingly full-bodied mouthfeel. The flavor profile features the natural sweetness of blue agave, balanced by subtle mineral notes and a touch of peppery spice.
Finish: The finish is clean and smooth, with minimal heat and lingering peppery notes, leaving a pleasant aftertaste.
Easy to Enjoy: Santo Fino Blanco presents a smooth and approachable drinking experience. While it doesn’t boast any exceptional characteristics, it avoids any unpleasant flavors, making it a solid choice for those seeking a reliable silver tequila.
Authentic Experience: Unlike some celebrity-backed tequilas that might use artificial flavorings, Santo Fino prides itself on being additive-free and showcasing the natural agave flavors. This commitment to authenticity makes it a good option for those who appreciate genuine tequilas.
Serving Suggestions: This tequila is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, allowing its subtle flavors to shine. However, its lighter profile might not be the most suitable choice for creating complex cocktails.
Santo Fino Blanco Facts:
- Crafted by experienced Master Distiller Juan Eduardo Nuñez at the El Viejito Distillery in Jalisco, Mexico.
- El Viejito, meaning “The Old Man,” was founded in 1937, highlighting its long-standing tradition in tequila production.
What do these Tequilas have in common?
Sammy Hagar, famously known as the frontman of Van Halen, unintentionally sparked the celebrity Tequila movement when he launched Cabo Wabo Tequila back in 1996.
Inspired by the success of his thriving cantina in Cabos, Mexico, Hagar ventured into bottling his own tequila, giving birth to the Cabo Wabo brand.
Cabo Wabo Tequila became the trailblazer of celebrity-endorsed Tequilas, paving the way for many others to follow suit.
One notable success story is George Clooney, who made a lucrative deal by selling his brand, Casamigos, for a staggering $1 billion to Diageo, a British company.
This monumental achievement inspired numerous celebrities to enter the Tequila market, including Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kendall Jenner, The Rock, Kevin Hart, and many more.
In 2007, Hagar made the decision to sell Cabo Wabo to Gruppo Campari, an Italian-based company.
However, he has now made a comeback in the tequila scene with Santo Fino Tequila, collaborating with renowned chef Guy Fieri and Master Distiller Juan Nuñez.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Cabo Wabo Blanco | $37 |
| Santo Fino Blanco | $44 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | Cabo Wabo | Santo Fino |
| 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 | Stone Ovens |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Additives | Unsure | No |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |