diddy-deleon

UPDATE: It’s official. But before I get to the quote from the man himself (and his partners), a little info on the tequila’s pricing: DeLeón has five different kinds with retail prices with ranges in the ballpark of $120.00 to past $1,000.00 a bottle. Happy drinking…

“The joint venture with Combs Wine & Spirits and its purchase of DeLeón is Diageo’s latest step toward returning to a leading position in tequila in North America,” said Larry Schwartz, President, Diageo North America. “Expanding our relationship with Sean Combs into tequila was a natural choice given Sean’s ability to galvanize support for luxury brands, as we’ve seen with our work together on Cîroc. Ultra-premium and above tequila is a very exciting segment – we already have a strong brand there with Don Julio and are pleased to complement that offering with DeLeón.”

“Celebration is a cornerstone of all my businesses, and this joint venture is a natural extension of that portfolio,” said Sean Combs, Chairman, Combs Wine & Spirits. “DeLeón is an outstanding brand that appeals to those who love exceptional tequila in a distinctive bottle. Together with Diageo, we will take DeLeón to new heights.”

Brent Hocking, founder of DeLeón tequila, added: “In creating DeLeón, I brought the skills of fine wine-making and natural barrel aging to the art of tequila. The result was a spirit unparalleled in purity and taste. I am entrusting DeLeón Tequila to the capable hands of Diageo and Sean Combs as both have demonstrated a commitment to luxury and quality which reflects my own commitment to the DeLeón brand.”

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Spotted on Page Six:

Sean “Diddy” Combs is expanding his empire into the tequila market — and has partnered with high-end DeLeon Tequila to do so.

The mogul, who has turned his Ciroc Vodka into a $100 million franchise, has just sealed a deal to partner with DeLeon, which was founded by Brent Hocking in 2008 and was introduced to the US market on Cinco de Mayo, 2009. It has since won a string of awards.

After spending Christmas with his kids in Los Angeles, Revolt TV founder Diddy is celebrating the deal by throwing a lavish New Year’s party at his mansion on Miami’s exclusive Star Island, which will be awash with the flashy tipple that sells from $140 to $825 a bottle.

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