July Bottle of the Month: El Bandido Yankee

At Three Sip Society, we believe the best tequila stories begin with people.

Every bottle represents generations of tradition, countless hours of craftsmanship, and individuals who refuse to compromise quality. El Bandido Yankee is no exception. While the name may be bold and the branding playful, what’s inside the bottle is rooted in authenticity.

That’s why El Bandido Yankee is our July Bottle of the Month.

The People Behind the Bottle

El Bandido Yankee was founded by Jim Bob Morris and Chris Chelios, two longtime friends who set out to create a premium tequila that respected Mexico’s traditions while remaining approachable for everyone. Their vision wasn’t simply to launch another celebrity-backed spirit. It was to build a tequila brand centered on quality, authenticity, and giving back through charitable partnerships.

The tequila itself is crafted under the direction of Master Distiller Karina Rojo at El Viejito Distillery. With nearly two decades of experience, Karina has become one of the most respected women in the tequila industry. Her attention to detail and commitment to traditional production methods have helped define the signature style that El Bandido Yankee has become known for: exceptionally smooth tequila that never loses sight of the agave.

The Philosophy

El Bandido Yankee’s slogan is simple.

“So Smooth, It’s Criminal.”

But beneath the slogan is a philosophy that resonates with us at Three Sip Society.

Respect the agave.

Respect the people who make it.

Create tequila that can be enjoyed by experienced enthusiasts and first-time drinkers alike.

Rather than overpowering the spirit with excessive oak or artificial sweetness, each expression is designed to showcase balance, texture, and the natural character of cooked Blue Weber agave.

Production

Current bottle’s on shelf production took place at El Viejito Distillery in Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco, one of the region’s historic tequila producers, originally founded in 1937.

General production highlights include:

100% Blue Weber agave

Traditional masonry ovens (hornos)

Roller mill extraction

Stainless steel fermentation

Double distillation in copper pot stills

Oxygenation to create the brand’s signature silky mouthfeel

No artificial flavorings or sweeteners used in production

Many bottles currently available were produced at NOM 1107, while newer releases are transitioning to NOM 1614 following the brand’s move to a new production facility.

The Lineup

Blanco

The foundation of the lineup.

Fresh cooked agave leads immediately, supported by citrus, black pepper, fresh herbs, and subtle minerality. The finish is crisp, clean, and remarkably smooth, making it equally enjoyable neat or in cocktails.

Plata 47

Bottled at 94 proof, Plata 47 takes everything people enjoy about the Blanco and turns up the intensity.

Expect richer cooked agave, orange zest, white pepper, minerals, and a creamy texture. Despite the higher proof, it remains balanced and approachable, making it an excellent introduction to higher-proof tequila.

Reposado

Rested in re-charred American oak bourbon barrels, the Reposado adds layers of vanilla, baking spice, caramel, and light oak while allowing the agave to remain the focal point.

It’s an outstanding everyday sipping tequila and one of the most versatile expressions in the lineup.

Añejo

Aged for approximately one year in American oak barrels, the Añejo develops notes of vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, cinnamon, and baking spices without becoming overly woody. The finish is long, elegant, and still unmistakably agave-driven.

Featured Cocktail

The Break Out the Bandido Margarita

Ingredients

2 oz El Bandido Yankee Blanco

1 oz fresh lime juice

¾ oz premium orange liqueur

½ oz 1:1 agave syrup

Shake with ice and strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass with a half salt rim. Garnish with a fresh lime wheel.

Simple. Balanced. Agave-forward.

Exactly the way a great margarita should be.

Why We Chose It

At Three Sip Society, our mission is to help people discover tequila that tells a story.

El Bandido Yankee is more than clever branding. It’s a lineup built around quality production, thoughtful craftsmanship, and a genuine respect for tequila’s heritage.

Whether you’re trying your first additive-free tequila or expanding a growing collection, there’s an expression in this lineup worth exploring.

Take your time. Enjoy three intentional sips. Let the agave do the talking.