Breaking Bad stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul have sold a minority stake in their Dos Hombres Mezcal to Constellation Brands.
The figure of the transaction made between Dos Hombres Mezcal and Constellation Brands has not yet been disclosed, it is however a minority stake in the brand by the Canadian group.
Launched in 2019 by actors Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, stars of the Breaking Bad series, the brand has been gaining traction, with recently establishing itself in the US state of Connecticut, and with a UK debut last year.
The transaction between Dos Hombres and Constellation Brands will not affect the handling, marketing and production of mezcal, the beverage group said.
“We fell in love with everything about mezcal – the process, the community behind the spirit, the tradition,” Paul said. “We were just two guys looking for a spirit that everyone would love, and we put a ton of energy into this.
“We couldn’t be more excited about this new chapter with Constellation and continuing to build this brand. We have big hopes and dreams for Dos Hombres and are thrilled that Constellation Brands’ vision aligns with ours.”
The deal was done through Constellation’s private equity affiliate, which acquired a minority stake in Los Angeles-based brand Mezcal El Silencio in April 2019.
“Aaron and Bryan have turned their shared passion for mezcal into a truly unique brand and have created an exceptional liquid that receives frequent praise from both the industry and its consumers,” said Jennifer Evans, vice president of Constellation Ventures.
The mezcal market, a success story
It is an obvious opportunity for Constellation Brands to invest in Dos Hombres Mezcal. The company mentioned that the category in the U.S. has grown rapidly in recent years and is expected to continue its growth trajectory. In 2020, the U.S. mezcal category grew 14% according to figures from IWSR Drinks Market Analysis cited by the brand. Ultra-premium variants (above $30) are expected to be the fastest and largest growing segments of the category.
Evans added: “Our goal is to make strategic, minority investments in high-potential brands in growth categories, and the U.S. mezcal market continues to show great potential. We are delighted to continue to invest in the category with a great team and a brand that we believe has a lot of room for growth.”
Dos Hombres Mezcal
Dos Hombres has 42% alcohol content and is produced with espadín agave. The agave piñas are cooked in earthen pits to release their sugars before being crushed using a tahona wheel. After 10 days of fermentation, the mezcal is distilled in copper stills.
The brand is produced in the town of San Luis del Río, in Oaxaca, by third-generation mezcal creator Gregorio Velasco. In this way Dos Hombres Mezcal ensures a legitimate mezcal production worthy of its appellation.
The Dos Hombres range includes Dos Hombres Espadín and the limited edition Dos Hombres Tobala Mezcal, which uses 25-year-old tobala agaves “harvested and hand selected by our Maestro, Gregorio Velasco. Considered a sacred plant, each bottle of Tobala has hints of plums, chocolate and local lily flowers. The bold notes in Dos Hombres Tobala’s taste come from the Copal trees in the region which impregnate and perfume the soil where Tobala agaves are grown. Copal is a sacred tree which resin is used by people of the village to purify and bless the environment.”
Dos Hombres Mezcal Espadín
Appearance / Color
Clear
Nose / Aroma / Odor
Balanced nose of apple and Espadín agave aromas, followed by fresh fruity notes and a hint of sapote.
Flavor / Taste / Palate
Fruity, fresh and sweet palate with notes of mango and sapote, followed by a soft touch of wood.
Finish
Smooth and restrained woody smoky finish.
Don’t drink and drive. Enjoy responsibly.