Ghost Tequila
Ghost Tequila (GT Spirits, Inc.) is a Boston-based privately held spirits company that manufactures and sells premium 100% blue agave tequila infused with ghost pepper under Blanco and Reposado expressions, distributed across all 50 U.S. states and 34 countries via a 15+ partner distributor network, retail partners, and direct-to-consumer e-commerce.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersBoston, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Ghost Tequila does
Ghost Tequila (operated by GT Spirits, Inc., a privately held Massachusetts corporation headquartered in Boston) manufactures and sells premium tequila under two core SKUs — Ghost Blanco and Ghost Reposado — both crafted from 100% blue agave sourced from the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, and infused with ghost pepper to create the brand's signature 'Perfectly Spicy®' flavor profile. Production takes place at the Casa Maestri / Casa Coloramor Distillery in Tequila, Jalisco, using a hybrid artisanal and modern process: slow-cooked agave (48-72 hours in ovens), Tahona juice extraction, dual fermentation with proprietary and commercial yeasts, hybrid copper/stainless pot-still and 20-plate column distillation, Jet Cooker sugar hydrolysis, and reverse osmosis water treatment. The Reposado expression is aged 4-6 months in American Oak Pipones, adding vanilla and oak complexity to the underlying agave and ghost-pepper flavor. Sustainability is a deliberate operational differentiator, with the distillery running on 70% solar energy, using approximately 15 liters of water per liter of tequila (versus an industry average of 22 liters), and operating a circular waste system in which agave bagasse is composted and used as biomass boiler fuel.
The company sells through a multi-channel go-to-market: a wholesale/distributor network of 15+ regional partners (RNDC, Horizon, Standard, Vinocopia, Lohr, Breakthru Beverage, Central Distributors, Multi, SO, DistCT, Allied, LNJ, Opici, Empire) that together cover all 50 U.S. states; an international footprint across 34 countries; direct-to-consumer e-commerce via ghosttequila.com (fulfilled by ReserveBar); off-premise retail at Total Wine and wine.com; and on-demand delivery aggregators including Uber Eats, DoorDash, Gopuff, Instacart, Grubhub, Postmates, Saucey, and Minibar. Target customers are spirits-enthusiast consumers, on-premise bars/restaurants building differentiated cocktail menus, and off-premise retailers seeking distinctive craft tequila SKUs with sustainability credentials. Pricing is not publicly disclosed. The company has raised approximately $14 million in disclosed funding across 2019, 2023, and 2024 rounds, with investors including LEAD and Locker Room Capital, and is led by CEO Jeff Popkin alongside a founding team that includes Co-Founder/Creator Chris Moran and Co-Founder/President David Gordon. Brand and product recognition is supported by editorial coverage in Forbes, Fortune Magazine, Men's Journal, Food & Wine, the New York Post, and others, and Double Gold awards at the 2026 Agavos Awards for both expressions.
Ghost Tequila firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Ghost Tequila
- Legal name
- GT Spirits, Inc.
- Website
- https://ghosttequila.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Ghost Tequila (GT Spirits, Inc.) is a Boston-based privately held spirits company that manufactures and sells premium 100% blue agave tequila infused with ghost pepper under Blanco and Reposado expressions, distributed across all 50 U.S. states and 34 countries via a 15+ partner distributor network, retail partners, and direct-to-consumer e-commerce.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Ghost Tequila industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Premium Tequila / Craft Spirits
- NAICS
- Distilleries (312140), Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing (312)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Spirits Distilling & Brands (CRADAIAC)
Keywords
Where Ghost Tequila is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Boston
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Ghost Tequila business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Direct Product Sales: Ghost Tequila generates revenue through direct-to-consumer sales via its e-commerce website (ghosttequila.com/shop-now), where consumers can purchase Blanco and Reposado expressions in sizes from 50ML to 1.75L. Orders are fulfilled through ReserveBar and delivery aggregator partnerships.
- Wholesale/Retail Distribution: Revenue is generated through wholesale distribution via a network of 15+ regional distributors covering all 50 U.S. states and 34 countries. Ghost Tequila products are sold through retail channels including Total Wine, wine.com, and restaurant/bar locations identified through the store locator tool.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Ghost Tequila product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Ghost Tequila manufactures and sells premium 100% blue agave tequila infused with ghost pepper under the 'Perfectly Spicy®' brand. The company offers two expressions — Ghost Blanco (unaged) and Ghost Reposado (aged 4–6 months in American Oak Pipones) — produced at Casa Maestri Distillery in Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico, and sold via DTC e-commerce, a broad U.S. distributor network, and international channels spanning 34 countries.
Product overview
Ghost Tequila is a craft spirits brand offering two premium tequila products: Ghost Blanco Tequila and Ghost Reposado Tequila. Both are made from 100% blue agave grown in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, and infused with ghost pepper for a signature 'Perfectly Spicy' flavor profile. Ghost Blanco is unaged and crystal clear with citrus and cooked agave notes, while Ghost Reposado is aged 4-6 months in American Oak barrels for added complexity with vanilla and sweet agave flavors. Both products feature the brand's distinctive ghost pepper infusion that provides a quick hit of heat followed by a smooth, fruity finish.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Ghost Blanco Tequila
Quantifiable outcome
- Ghost Tequila uses approximately 15 liters of water per liter of tequila, compared to the industry average of 22 liters — a ~32% reduction in water usage
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Ghost Tequila
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Ghost Tequila technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Ghost Tequila partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Casa Maestri Distillery / Casa Coloramor DistillerycoreGhost Tequila is crafted at the Casa Maestri Distillery (also referenced as Casa Coloramor Distillery) in Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico — the birthplace of authentic tequila. This distillery combines artisanal and modern production techniques including slow-cooked agave, Tahona extraction, hybrid distillation, and advanced water treatment. The distillery is also a leader in sustainability with 70% solar energy, circular waste management (agave bagasse composted and used for biomass boiler fuel), and significantly reduced water usage compared to industry norms.
- RNDC (Republic National Distributing Company)coreRNDC is one of Ghost Tequila's key regional distributors, covering 26 states including major markets CA, CO, FL, TX, IL, MI, NC, PA, WA, VA, and others. RNDC is one of the largest wine and spirits distributors in the United States.
- Horizon DistributorsmajorHorizon Distributors handles Ghost Tequila distribution in the Northeast U.S. states of MA, ME, NH, VT, and RI.
- Breakthru BeveragemajorBreakthru Beverage serves as a Ghost Tequila distributor in WI and NV, representing the brand in these key markets.
- Empire DistributorsmajorEmpire Distributors handles Ghost Tequila distribution in Georgia (GA), one of the brand's key U.S. markets.
- LNJ (Lenard, NJ)majorLNJ handles Ghost Tequila distribution in New York (NY), one of the largest spirits consumption markets in the U.S.
- Bad BirdyminorBad Birdy is a cocktail creator and influencer who collaborated with Ghost Tequila on the 'Perfectly Spicy Margarita' recipe, featured on the brand's website and Instagram. The recipe showcases how Ghost Tequila's ghost pepper infusion creates a balanced, spicy cocktail experience.
- @kentuckygingerminor@kentuckyginger is an Instagram cocktail creator who collaborated with Ghost Tequila on the Spicy Dill Pickle Margarita recipe, featuring the brand's Blanco expression. The recipe was shared via Instagram reel on the Ghost Tequila channel.
- Total Wine & MoremajorTotal Wine & More is a major U.S. spirits retailer and key retail partner for Ghost Tequila, offering the brand across its retail locations and online at TotalWine.com for at-home consumer purchase.
- wine.comminorwine.com is an online wine and spirits retailer that offers Ghost Tequila products for direct consumer purchase and delivery, expanding the brand's e-commerce reach.
- ReserveBarcoreReserveBar is the fulfillment partner for Ghost Tequila's direct-to-consumer e-commerce orders placed through ghosttequila.com. Consumers with questions about order status, delivery, and damaged items are directed to ReserveBar's support portal.
- ForbesminorForbes featured Ghost Tequila's Reposado launch (April 2024) in an editorial piece by Jeanette Hurt covering the brand's expansion into the aged tequila segment, and included the brand in anti-Valentine's cocktail coverage.
- Men's JournalminorMen's Journal included Ghost Tequila among the 'Best Tequilas of 2024 to Mix up a Better Margarita,' providing editorial credibility and reaching the brand's target spirits-enthusiast consumer demographic.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Ghost Tequila competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Casamigos Tequila: Premium tequila brand co-founded by George Clooney, acquired by Diageo for up to $1B. Compares directly to Ghost Tequila as a premium, brand-driven tequila with strong on-premise positioning and broad U.S. distribution — Casamigos represents both a peer benchmark and a key competitive threat.
- Teremana Tequila: Dwayne Johnson's celebrity-backed craft tequila brand. Compares to Ghost Tequila as a newer, personality/differentiator-driven premium tequila that scaled quickly through brand storytelling and broad retail distribution.
- 818 Tequila: Kendall Jenner's celebrity tequila brand (acquired by Sprinkles/Beam Suntory stake). Compares to Ghost Tequila as a premium, brand-led tequila targeting the same younger, cocktail-curious consumer base.
- Clase Azul: Ultra-premium tequila brand known for distinctive hand-painted decanters and limited releases. Compares to Ghost Tequila as a premium-positioned tequila competing on brand experience and visual identity in on-premise and gifting occasions.
- Código 1530: Premium tequila brand with roots in Jalisco and celebrity backers (George Strait, The Rocks). Compares to Ghost Tequila as a craft-heritage premium tequila sold through similar distributor networks and on-premise channels.
- Flecha Azul Tequila: Mark Wahlberg-backed premium tequila brand. Compares to Ghost Tequila as a newer celebrity/founder-driven tequila scaling U.S. distribution and competing for on-premise listings and younger consumers.
- Lobos 1707 Tequila: Premium tequila backed by Diego Luna and other celebrity investors. Compares to Ghost Tequila as a premium, brand-led tequila competing for the same off-premise and on-premise accounts with a focus on storytelling and craftsmanship.
Broad incumbents
- Don Julio: Diageo-owned premium tequila portfolio (Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, 1942). Compares to Ghost Tequila as a benchmark for premium tequila scale, distribution depth, and on-premise penetration — represents the dominant incumbent Ghost must compete against.
- Patrón Tequila: Bacardi-owned premium tequila portfolio with broad global distribution. Compares to Ghost Tequila as the long-standing category leader in premium tequila and a primary benchmark for distribution scale and on-premise presence.
Others
- Casa Maestri Distillery: Ghost Tequila's contract manufacturing partner based in Tequila, Jalisco. Included as the production partner and ecosystem enabler; also produces its own Casa Maestri tequila brand that competes indirectly in the same category.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Ghost Tequila social profiles
Digital presenceGhost Tequila financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Ghost Tequila leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Ghost Tequila funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Ghost Tequila M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Ghost Tequila
What does Ghost Tequila do?
Ghost Tequila manufactures and sells premium 100% blue agave tequila infused with ghost pepper under the 'Perfectly Spicy®' brand. The company offers two expressions — Ghost Blanco (unaged) and Ghost Reposado (aged 4–6 months in American Oak Pipones) — produced at Casa Maestri Distillery in Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico, and sold via DTC e-commerce, a broad U.S. distributor network, and international channels spanning 34 countries.
Is Ghost Tequila a public or private company?
Ghost Tequila is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Ghost Tequila founded?
Ghost Tequila was founded in 2016. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Ghost Tequila based?
Ghost Tequila is headquartered in Boston, United States, in the North America region.
How does Ghost Tequila make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Direct Product Sales are the primary driver. The others are wholesale/Retail Distribution.
Who are Ghost Tequila's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Casamigos Tequila, Teremana Tequila, 818 Tequila, Clase Azul, Código 1530, Flecha Azul Tequila and Lobos 1707 Tequila. Broad incumbents are Don Julio and Patrón Tequila. Casa Maestri Distillery is listed as an others.
Does Ghost Tequila have an API?
No public API is recorded for Ghost Tequila.
What industry is Ghost Tequila in?
Ghost Tequila's product category is Premium Tequila / Craft Spirits. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRADAIAC, Spirits Distilling & Brands. Its NAICS code is 312140 and its SIC code is 5180.