Who Owns Cincoro Tequila? Unveiling the High-Profile Ownership
Cincoro Tequila is owned and operated by five prominent figures: Michael Jordan, Jeanie Buss, Wes Edens, Emilia Fazzalari, and Wyc Grousbeck. This partnership blends the worlds of sports and business to create a luxury tequila brand with a significant presence in the premium spirits market.
The Birth of Cincoro: A Shared Passion
The genesis of Cincoro Tequila is a compelling story of friendship and shared appreciation. These five individuals, brought together through their connections to the NBA, discovered a mutual love for tequila during a casual dinner. This initial spark ignited the desire to create their own exceptional tequila brand, focused on quality, authenticity, and craftsmanship. Instead of simply endorsing an existing brand, they sought to build something from the ground up, participating in every stage of the process.
The Founders: A Powerhouse of Influence
The ownership group behind Cincoro is a testament to the brand’s ambitious vision. Each founder brings unique skills and experiences to the table, contributing to the brand’s overall success.
- Michael Jordan: The basketball legend is the most globally recognized face associated with Cincoro, bringing unparalleled brand recognition and marketing power. His commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with Cincoro’s focus on producing premium tequila.
- Jeanie Buss: As the controlling owner and president of the Los Angeles Lakers, Buss offers extensive experience in managing a high-profile organization and navigating the entertainment industry. Her strategic insights are invaluable to Cincoro’s market positioning.
- Wes Edens: A co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks and Aston Villa F.C., Edens brings significant financial expertise and a proven track record in investment and management. His business acumen contributes to Cincoro’s financial stability and growth.
- Emilia Fazzalari: As CEO and co-founder of Cinco Spirits Group and the wife of Wyc Grousbeck, Fazzalari is actively involved in the day-to-day operations and strategic planning of Cincoro. Her passion for the brand and dedication to quality are integral to its success.
- Wyc Grousbeck: The lead owner of the Boston Celtics, Grousbeck brings a deep understanding of team building and brand management. His experience in the sports industry provides valuable insights into marketing and fan engagement.
The Cincoro Production Process: A Commitment to Quality
Cincoro Tequila is produced at Destiladora Fabrica de Tequilas Finos, a renowned distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. The process involves a meticulous selection of blue Weber agave, slow cooking in traditional brick ovens, and careful distillation. This dedication to traditional methods, combined with modern techniques, ensures a tequila of exceptional quality and flavor.
- Agave Selection: Only the finest, fully mature blue Weber agave plants are chosen.
- Cooking: Agave is slow-cooked in traditional brick ovens for approximately 40 hours, extracting maximum flavor and sweetness.
- Fermentation: Natural yeast is used for fermentation, allowing the agave’s flavors to fully develop.
- Distillation: The tequila is distilled twice in copper pot stills to achieve optimal purity and smoothness.
- Aging: Depending on the expression, the tequila is aged in American oak barrels or a combination of American and French oak.
Cincoro’s Product Line: A Spectrum of Exquisite Tequilas
Cincoro offers a diverse range of tequila expressions, each with its unique character and flavor profile. The product line includes:
| Expression | Aging Process | Tasting Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blanco | Unaged | Fresh agave, citrus, light pepper |
| Reposado | Aged 8-10 months in American oak barrels | Cooked agave, vanilla, caramel, hints of spice |
| Añejo | Aged 24-28 months in American oak barrels | Dark chocolate, dried fruits, oak, roasted nuts |
| Extra Añejo | Aged over 40 months in American oak barrels | Rich caramel, vanilla, maple syrup, toasted oak |
| Gold | A blend of all four tequilas | Smooth and complex, combining the best qualities of each expression |
Cincoro’s Brand Identity: Luxury and Refinement
Cincoro has successfully positioned itself as a luxury tequila brand. Its sleek, minimalist bottle design, developed in collaboration with Mark Smith, Nike’s Vice President of Innovation Special Projects, reflects the brand’s commitment to sophistication and elegance. The name “Cincoro” is derived from “cinco” (Spanish for five) and “oro” (Spanish for gold), symbolizing the five founders and the exceptional quality of their tequila.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cincoro Tequila
Who is the public face of Cincoro Tequila?
Michael Jordan is undoubtedly the most prominent and widely recognized public face of Cincoro Tequila. His involvement significantly boosts the brand’s awareness and credibility, attracting a broad audience.
Does Michael Jordan own the majority stake in Cincoro Tequila?
While Michael Jordan is a significant stakeholder, Cincoro Tequila is jointly owned and managed by all five founders. The precise ownership percentages are not publicly disclosed.
Where is Cincoro Tequila produced?
Cincoro Tequila is produced at Destiladora Fabrica de Tequilas Finos in Jalisco, Mexico, known for its commitment to quality and traditional tequila production methods.
Is Cincoro Tequila additive-free?
While the specific details of Cincoro’s production are proprietary, the brand emphasizes the use of traditional methods and high-quality agave. Whether it’s strictly “additive-free” isn’t explicitly stated, but the focus is on pure agave flavor.
What makes Cincoro Tequila different from other premium tequilas?
Cincoro distinguishes itself through its unique blend of traditional production methods, modern innovation, and the combined expertise of its high-profile ownership team. The brand’s focus on quality and craftsmanship sets it apart.
How much does a bottle of Cincoro Tequila cost?
The price of Cincoro Tequila varies depending on the expression. The Blanco typically starts around $70, while the Extra Añejo can exceed $1,500. The Gold blend also carries a premium price tag.
Is Cincoro Tequila available internationally?
Cincoro Tequila is primarily available in the United States, but the brand has plans for international expansion in the future. Distribution is gradually expanding to select global markets.
What are some popular cocktails that can be made with Cincoro Tequila?
Cincoro Blanco is excellent in classic tequila cocktails like margaritas and palomas. The Reposado and Añejo expressions are best enjoyed neat or in simple cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a tequila Manhattan, allowing their complex flavors to shine.
How did the founders of Cincoro Tequila meet?
The five founders of Cincoro Tequila met through their connections to the NBA. They bonded over a shared love for tequila and decided to create their own brand together.
Does Cincoro Tequila have any charitable affiliations?
Cincoro Tequila has participated in various charitable initiatives, often supporting causes related to sports and community development. Specific partnerships are announced on their website and social media.
What are the future plans for Cincoro Tequila?
Cincoro Tequila aims to continue expanding its reach both domestically and internationally. The brand is also focused on developing new expressions and product innovations to further enhance its premium tequila offerings.
Is Emilia Fazzalari the CEO and co-founder of Cinco Spirits Group?
Yes, Emilia Fazzalari serves as the CEO and co-founder of Cinco Spirits Group, which is the company that owns and operates Cincoro Tequila. Her role is crucial in guiding the brand’s strategy and operations.