Danny McBride Launches a Tequila for Cat Lovers

The American actor, comedian, producer, and writer best known for his roles in HBO television series Eastbound & Down and Vice Principals has a new passion project: bringing Don Gato tequila—”Good Tequila made for Cool Times”—to the U.S. If you’re a fan of cats, lucha libre (aka Mexican wrestling), and tequila, this is the drink for you.

“I think that might be part of what makes Tequila Don Gato truly amazing; it’s made in the vicinity of cats and by a person who digs cats. Cats are awesome, just like Don Gato and his tequila.”

Over the past few years, McBride has been working on this project, documenting his journey with the famous luchador and feline-lover turned tequila maker, Don Gato.

For those unfamiliar with Don Gato, the legendary larger-than-life wrestler never lost a match—and is known for his unwavering love for felines.

In the U.S., Don Gato is now poised to be known for his additive-free tequila too, thanks to McBride’s determination to drink lots of tequila  to bring the luchador‘s story and his tequila to an American audience.

A self-professed Don Gato “superfan” McBride, travelled to Mexico to follow Don Gato, intent on sharing his story with the world. The ‘tequila sagas’ shine a spotlight on Don Gato while “capturing his passions, impressive agave skills, tequila artistry, random party acumen, and unmatched catmanship,” states the press release. The videos, overseen by famed director David Gordon Green, feature McBride, his friend Steve, and, of course, Don Gato.

Modern Cat was granted as exclusive interview to break the story, because, of course. We asked McBride the questions any tequila-drinking cat lover needs to know.

On Cats and Tequila: Danny McBride x Modern Cat: an Exclusive Interview

Q: You’re obviously a tequila person. Are you a cat person also?

A: I AM a big tequila person, it’s my favorite thing to sip, drink and gargle… I live with two cats, Chacho and Ned. I like that cats don’t care what others think. They prance to their own tune, purr to the ones they love, and are distracted by balls with a feather attached, much like myself.

Q: What is the coolest thing about Don Gato? And how many cats does he have?

A: The coolest thing about Don Gato is that he doesn’t even think about the word cool. How many? Not sure, but legend has it, he has a cat for every person he’s defeated, inside and outside the ring.

Q: What sparked your obsession with Don Gato? Are you a lucha libre fan?

A: It’s simple, I tasted his tequila. One drop set me on this path. And as it turned out his history in the luchadorian sport was far more interesting than anything I have ever come across. Of course I’m a lucha libre fan, the role of the comedian and that of the luchador are not too different. Both require incredible acrobatic skills and a punch to the gut.

Q: How did it turn into a mission to bring Don Gato tequila to the U.S.?

A: The market is full of celebrity tequila brands, and so Don Gato brings a refreshing and unusual take on what tequila should be about—the cool times it creates when you open a bottle, the focus on making a liquid that tastes as great as it looks, and a personality that’s as bold and colourful as the place it’s made and the people it’s made by. Don Gato is the legend behind the liquid, the name, and the bottle.

As a tequila savant, Don Gato worships the agave as equally as he does his cats… which is a lot. My goal is to tell the story of the hero that is Don Gato and bring the personality of this incredible legend stateside. His award-winning Blanco and Reposado are now officially in the U.S., allowing us to bring cat-lovers and tequila lovers together… because they are both the best kind of people, obviously.

Q: “Catmanship” question: what role do cats play in Don Gato’s life/persona/tequila?

A: Don Gato’s cats are everything to him. Like anyone who’s a fan of cats, you know that they make life more exciting, more chill, and just all-around cooler. I mentioned that they like to hang out at the mansion, but you can also find them in the agave fields, too. They were just as much an inspiration for this tequila as any other moment in Don Gato’s existence. I think that might be part of what makes Tequila Don Gato truly amazing; it’s made in the vicinity of cats and by a person who digs cats. Cats are awesome, just like Don Gato and his tequila.

Q: What did you need to do to convince Don Gato to partner with you?

A: I don’t know if I’d say “partner.” I was out in Mexico just watching him in the agave fields and documenting the absolute epic-ness of his life. After a few Tequila Don Gato shots, I mentioned how much my friends back at home would love this stuff and much to my surprise—he gave me the go ahead to share it with the people back in the states. What I didn’t realize at the time was that all the tequila I was drinking wasn’t actually free and it was added to a hefty tab that I now owe Don Gato. By bringing this tequila to you guys, it’s helping me pay off my debts, so thank you in advance.

Q: Are there more tequila saga videos to come?

A: Do cats sh*t in a box that we have to clean up? Of course there are more videos. What we captured in Mexico of Don Gato, his cats, and his tequila… it has to be seen to believed. And soon enough you will see it all.

Q: Who is this tequila for?

A: It’s for people who have big dreams and even for those with no dreams. And for those who have an affinity for cats. And people who dig examples of nominative determinism. And for people who want a good, additive-free tequila that’s created by a legend. Overall, it’s for the cat lovers of the nation who enjoy having great times when sharing tequila with friends. And to be honest… even if you don’t like cats. You’re still invited to the party. Don Gato is for everyone.

Q: Anything else you want people to know?

A: Many of us may never meet Don Gato himself, but now we can try his tequila and get the chance to have Don Gato inside all of us.

The award-winning tequila—available as a Blanco and Reposado—are 100% additive-free and unquestionably the tequila mas gato. Find them in select states and online at DonGatoTequila.com. Follow them on Instagram at @dongatotequila.