Lalo Released a New High Proof Blanco Tequila

Over the past few years, high-proof tequila has become a lot more popular. The number of brands releasing this style doesn’t come anywhere close to those releasing cask-strength whiskey (and neither does the proof for the most part), but it’s definitely a growing trend. Today it was announced that one of the best new tequila brands on the market, Lalo, is releasing the second edition of its High Proof blanco expression. So if you’re looking for something a bit stronger than usual, this is one worth seeking out.

Lalo was founded in 2020 by two friends, “Lalo” González and David “R” Carballido, and it became available in every state as of last year (Proximo Spirits, which controls Jose Cuervo here in the U.S., is part of a group of investors that owns 20 percent of the brand). González is actually the grandson of Don Julio González, the namesake of the best-selling Diageo-owned brand. Don Julio is currently facing a class action lawsuit alleging that its tequila is not actually “100 percent agave” as it is labeled and marketed, something that the company firmly denies. Lalo, however, is unlikely to face a similar accusation, as the production methods it claims to follow seem to be true. The brand says it uses just three ingredients—mature agave, well water, and Champagne yeast—and no additives. The agave is cooked in brick ovens and distilled twice before bottling. And there is no maturation involved, as Lalo is focused on only releasing blanco, or un-aged, tequila.

The difference between the High Proof expression and the regular blanco is that the former is not diluted with water before bottling. That means it clocks in at 100 proof (the proof to which it is distilled) rather than 80 proof. As mentioned before, high-proof tequila, sometimes known as still strength, has been having a moment. Some prominent examples in the category include El Tequileño Still Strength (100 proof), Fortaleza Still Strength (92 proof), Suerte (104 proof, one of the higher examples), and Cazcanes No. 10 (108 proof, even higher!).

So what’s the point of drinking high-proof tequila? As with any other spirit, less dilution means more flavor, and bartenders appreciate the fact that it cuts through other ingredients to let the agave character shine through. The 2025 edition of Lalo High Proof is actually not as strong as the inaugural 2024 release, which was bottled at 54 percent ABV or 108 proof. Still, this new tequila stands out, and the lower proof actually allows more flavors to pop with less burn, with notes of citrus, sweet roasted agave, grass, vanilla, and black pepper in every sip. Lalo 2025 High Proof is available now in most states (SRP $75), and you can find the regular blanco and the 2024 edition of the High Proof available at websites like Total Wine now.