Blackeye Tequila Blanco – Mike Tindall, James Haskell and Alex Payne Launch a New Mexican Tequila

Blackeye Spirits, the drinks brand founded by former England rugby internationals Mike Tindall and James Haskell alongside broadcaster Alex Payne, has expanded its collection with Blackeye Tequila Blanco, a premium Mexican tequila produced using Blue Weber agave in Jalisco.

The new expression follows the brand's London Dry Gin and English Whisky, bringing a fresh Mexican spirit into a collection closely associated with rugby, friendship and supporting the sport's wider community.

Produced at Magdalena Distillery in the town of Tequila, Jalisco, Blackeye Tequila Blanco is bottled at 40% ABV in a 70cl format. The spirit delivers a fresh, agave-led profile with cooked agave, citrus, gentle herbal sweetness and black pepper.

The three founders were personally involved in selecting the tequila, evaluating numerous samples before choosing the final expression. Their involvement also extended to the bottle design and presentation.

Beyond the spirit itself, Blackeye has a wider purpose. The brand supports the Blackeye Rugby Fund, an initiative established to assist rugby players affected by injury and support research, risk reduction and recovery.

Blackeye Tequila Blanco at a Glance

What Is Blackeye Tequila?

Blackeye Tequila Blanco is a Mexican tequila developed by the founders of Blackeye Spirits, a British drinks company with strong connections to professional rugby.

The brand takes its name from the physical nature of the sport and was originally inspired by listeners of The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, the podcast featuring Mike Tindall, James Haskell and Alex Payne.

What began with a London Dry Gin has developed into a broader spirits portfolio incorporating English whisky and now tequila.

For the latest release, the founders turned to Mexico, choosing a Blanco expression intended to retain the character of Blue Weber agave while offering a balanced, approachable drinking experience.

Unlike aged Reposado and Añejo tequilas, Blanco tequila is primarily concerned with the character of the agave itself.

Without extended oak maturation contributing vanilla, caramel or wood spice, the profile places greater emphasis on the underlying spirit, its production and the quality of the agave.

Blackeye's expression is designed around that freshness, combining cooked agave with bright citrus and a lightly peppery finish.

Who Is Behind Blackeye Spirits?

Three prominent figures from the rugby world established Blackeye Spirits.

Mike Tindall MBE

Mike Tindall is a former England rugby union international and a member of the England squad that won the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Following his playing career, he has remained involved in rugby through broadcasting, media appearances and charitable initiatives.

James Haskell

James Haskell is a former England international who played professionally for clubs including Wasps and Northampton Saints.

Alongside his rugby career, Haskell has developed a substantial media presence through podcasting, entertainment and public appearances.

Alex Payne

Alex Payne is a sports broadcaster and presenter, recognised for his work covering rugby union and his role alongside Tindall and Haskell on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby.

Together, the three founders have developed Blackeye around their shared experience of the sport and an ambition to create spirits with a charitable purpose.

The decision to add tequila gives the brand another category beyond its established gin and whisky releases.

Where Is Blackeye Tequila Made?

Blackeye Tequila Blanco is produced at Magdalena Distillery in Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico.

Jalisco is the heartland of tequila production, with generations of agricultural and distilling knowledge surrounding Blue Weber agave.

The spirit begins with agave, the plant from which tequila takes its distinctive flavour.

Once harvested, the agave hearts are cooked to convert their natural carbohydrates into fermentable sugars. Those sugars are then fermented and distilled to produce tequila.

For a Blanco expression, the objective is to preserve the fresh and cooked-agave characteristics rather than develop additional flavours through prolonged ageing in wooden barrels.

Blackeye's founders selected their chosen liquid after reviewing multiple samples, looking for a combination of recognisable agave character, smooth texture and versatility.

The finished tequila is bottled at 40% ABV.

Blackeye Tequila Blanco Tasting Notes

The following profile reflects the tasting notes published by Blackeye Spirits.

Nose: Bright cooked agave, fresh citrus and clean mineral notes. A lively aroma with an emphasis on the natural character of the agave.

Palate: Smooth and rounded, with lime zest, subtle herbal sweetness and cracked black pepper. Fresh agave remains central throughout.

Finish: Clean and crisp, with lingering agave, gentle pepper and delicate mineral notes.

The overall style is fresh, citrus-led and approachable, making it suitable for sipping as well as cocktails.

The Blackeye Rugby Fund – More Than a Spirits Brand

One of the most distinctive aspects of Blackeye Spirits is its connection to the Blackeye Rugby Fund.

Established alongside the brand's commercial activities, the fund aims to support rugby players and their families while contributing to research and initiatives designed to improve safety within the sport.

Its work is built around three priorities:

• Research: Supporting work to understand rugby-related injuries and their long-term consequences.

• Risk: Helping improve awareness and reduce the risks associated with playing rugby.

• Recovery: Providing assistance to players affected by serious injury or medical challenges.

Blackeye has stated an ambition for the fund to invest £1 million annually across these areas.

The initiative has supported individuals within the rugby community, including players such as Lewis Moody, Ed Slater and Matt Hampson.

Purchases of Blackeye Spirits contribute to the wider fundraising initiative, connecting the drinks collection with a cause that remains important to its founders.