Sammy Hagar & Guy Fieri Santo Fino Tequila Review

Last Updated on: 16th May 2024, 12:34 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.

Discover everything about Santo Fino Blanco, Sammy Hagar & Guy Fieri Tequila, in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!

Reviewed by: J Highland

Santo Fino Blanco Tequila: Smooth and Additive-Free (Higher Price Point)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Tequila expert Neil Coleman suggests Santo Fino Blanco as a smooth and approachable option for those new to tequila. Here's a breakdown to help you decide if it's the right Blanco for you:

Strengths:

Smooth Operator: Santo Fino Blanco boasts a smooth and easy-drinking character, making it enjoyable for a wide range of palates, even those unfamiliar with tequila.
Pure Agave: This Blanco is free from additives and artificial sweeteners, ensuring a natural agave experience.

Weaknesses:

Celebrity Status: Santo Fino is a celebrity-owned brand, which can influence buying decisions for some consumers.
Mixing Potential (or Lack Thereof): While Santo Fino Blanco can be used in cocktails, its flavor profile might be less complex compared to other tequilas. This could result in less flavorful mixed drinks.
Price Point Ponderings: Be aware that Santo Fino Blanco falls within a higher price range for Blanco tequilas. You might find other Blanco tequilas offer a better value, especially if you plan on using it for cocktails.

Verdict:

Santo Fino Blanco caters to those who prioritize a smooth and additive-free Blanco tequila experience. The easy-drinking character and lack of additives might be a major draw for specific consumers. However, the higher price point and potentially simpler flavor profile compared to other options are worth considering when making your choice. Neil Coleman suggests keeping these factors in mind to ensure you get the best value for your budget and taste preferences.

Related: Top Celebrity Tequila Picks

Tasting Notes

Nose: Agave, cinnamon, melon
Palate: Agave, mineral, black pepper
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Rocks
Similar to: Cabo Wabo

The nose displays cooked agave at first, with hints of cinnamon and a touch of melon.

Upon tasting, the body is oily providing a good texture.

The flavor offers natural sweetness from blue agave, along with a mineral and peppery note.

The finish is satisfying with a decent length, subtle spiciness, and minimal heat.

How did I review Santo Fino Blanco Tequila?

I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller.

My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and Tequila expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.

I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.

Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.

⭐ - Poor, ⭐⭐ - Average, ⭐⭐⭐ - Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Excellent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alternatives

Fortaleza Blanco, Lalo Blanco, and G4 Blanco are excellent alternatives to Santo Tequila, especially in the same price range of around $45. These Tequilas are highly regarded for their rich, nuanced flavor profiles and smoothness, and they are free of additives, making them superior choices compared to Santo.

How to Drink

Santo Tequila is well-suited for sipping, particularly on the rocks, to enjoy its flavor profile. However, it might not be the best option for crafting cocktails, as it lacks the boldness required for a standout cocktail experience. There are more suitable and affordable Blancos under $30 that could better enhance your cocktails.

Craftmanship

Santo Tequila is produced at the Tequila El Viejito (Old Man) Distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. This distillery is known for crafting a range of Tequila brands, though many of them are not particularly remarkable in the Tequila industry.

Ownership

Santo Tequila is a collaborative effort between Sammy Hagar, former Van Halen vocalist, and Guy Fieri, a renowned American restaurateur, author, and Emmy Award-winning television presenter. Hagar previously founded and sold the Cabo Wabo Tequila brand, and Santo represents an improvement over Cabo Wabo in terms of smoothness and flavor.

Price

Santo Tequila is priced at approximately $45 at Total Wine, placing it in the mid-range category for premium Tequilas.

Alcohol Content

Santo Tequila is bottled at the standard 80 proof (40% ABV), which is typical for most Tequilas.

Does it Expire?

Tequila, including Santo, does not expire and can last indefinitely if stored properly. However, once opened, it's recommended to consume it within a reasonable timeframe, especially as the bottle nears 25% full, to maintain optimal flavor.

Does it Freeze?

Like many Tequilas, Santo can be stored in the freezer without freezing due to its high alcohol content. This method is preferred by some as it chills the Tequila without dilution, unlike adding ice.

Does it Have Additives?

Santo Fino Blanco Tequila is free from additives, which is notable given that celebrity-backed Tequilas sometimes rely on artificial enhancements. This absence of additives contributes to Santo's authentic taste profile.