7 Best Tequila Alternatives To LeBron James' 'Lobos 1707' NBA Finals Drink
If you were among the millions who watched the nerve-wracking NBA Finals Game 5, then you know it was filled with twists and turns. From the Bucks' 16 point deficit comeback to the Jrue Holiday-Giannis Antetokounmpo alley-oop that sealed the win for Milwaukee, it was one of the best NBA Finals games in recent memory.
A high-stakes game like the NBA Finals surely deserves the presence of greatness, like LeBron James. While we're not used to seeing "The King" sitting on the sidelines during the NBA Finals, he still grabbed people's attention when he was seen with his bottle of Lobos 1707 Tequila.
Curious about LeBron James' tequila company? The name "Lobos 1707" was derived from the Spanish word for "wolves" and aside from James, other NBA stars have also invested in the company like Anthony Davis and Draymond Green. Lobos 1707 uses a century-old distillation process through a unique barrel-aging process that combines techniques from both Mexico and Spain. The brand recently released its four flagship tequilas including the one James brought.
LeBron's Game 5 Drink - Lobos 1707 Tequila Extra Añejo
Made from 100% blue Weber agave, this fine drink was aged in American white oak barrels for roughly three years. It is aged through a solera method that allows it to have a lasting and flavorful taste while being undeniably smooth. The Tequila Extra Añejo is fragrant with rich agave, sherry and tobacco notes. These aromatic flavors are tied with a bit of sweetness creating harmony in its flavors.
If you also want to try more affordable alternatives to this drink, check these out:
1. Lobos 1707 Tequila Reposado
The Reposado is aged for six months using the same American white oak barrel. Unlike the smooth blend of the Extra Añejo, this one has a more robust flavor thanks to its slow resting method. One sip of this tequila and you get a distinct profile of a bold yet spicy flavor. It has notes of wine, wood and medium roast cocoa giving it a humid forest aroma.
2. Lobos 1707 Tequila Joven
The Tequila Joven is a premium tequila that combines the methods of unaged (blanco) and rested (reposado) tequila. The Joven is carbon-filtered that uses a Pedro Ximénez (PX) wine barrel that provides a more mature flavor profile. It has a blend of tobacco, herb and earth note that gives a balanced and slight balsamic tone in its flavor.
3. Lobos 1707 Mezcal Artesanal
The Mezcal Artesanal gives an elegant vibe with its crisp black bottle coloring. Like its bottle, it has a scent of smokiness that lingers coupled with hints of pepper. It has an intense smoky flavor that can be attributed to the 100% Espadin agave roasted in an Oaxacan fire pit preparation. The drink is finished with the warmth of spice that is perfect for Mezcal lovers.
4. Casamigos Blanco Tequila
The Casamigos Blanco Tequila is a product of George Clooney and Rande Gerber that was established in 2013. What makes this drink a fine alternative to the Lobos 1707 is that it also gives out a bright agave, subtle smoke and nutty flavor for a lesser price.
5. Espolòn Tequila Añejo
The Espolòn Tequila Añejo is aged in American oak for 11 months. It gives out a complex flavor thanks to its aging process that involves being placed in a deeply charred Wild Turkey Bourbon barrel for at least a month, giving a richer character.
6. Hornitos Reposado Tequila
The Hornitos Reposado is one of the oldest reposado tequilas on the market, having been around since 1950. The tequila is made from 100% blue agave that is baked in small ovens and is later double-distilled. After aging for two months to a year, you now get the Hornitos Reposado that is 80-proof and definitely provides a soothing punch.
7. Cazadores Reposado Tequila
The Cazadores Reposado Tequila is made in small batches. The blue agave is first baked then shredded before undergoing a double-fermentation process that is consistent with the company's original recipe. As a reposado, which means it is rested, it takes roughly a year of aging prior to being bottled. It has warm notes that give out a hint of cinnamon and baked pear, giving it an oaky and earthy flavor.