(Photos: QUI Tequila)
KAWS and Nobu — two mainstays of the Instagram-ready celebrity realm — are joining forces for what might be the oldest tequila ever released to the public.
On Tuesday, the renowned pop artist and the Japanese fusion restaurant chain unveiled 2025 Nobu Rare, a trio of extra añejos distilled by QUI Tequila. Though the liquid inside the bottles is identical, each features a different colorway of KAWS' iconic X-eyes design superimposed on bubbly Nobu lettering. Their price? $3,000 for a collector's set containing all three.
Beyond the superficial flash and glamor, the contents of the bottles may do enough to justify their entry fee. The tequilas were distilled in 1999 before aging in oak barrels and resting in stainless steel tanks. Though the liquid is ambiguously described as "one of the oldest tequilas available" by QUI co-founder Medht Ibrahim, there's a chance they may be the oldest available.
Fuenteseca Reserva 21 Year is often heralded as the oldest aged agave spirit on the market; 2025 Nobu Rare, by comparison, boasts 25 years. The amount of time spent in oak barrels versus stainless steel would determine if it unseats the reigning champ.
“This collaboration represents the intersection of culinary excellence, artistic innovation, and our mission to bring the rarest aged tequilas to the world," Ibrahim remarked in a news release. "It’s a tremendous honor to have Chef Nobu, known for his exceptional palate and commitment to excellence, and KAWS, one of the most influential artists globally, join us in this venture.”
Most consumers know Nobu best for its eponymous line of luxury hotels and restaurants dotted worldwide. Founded in 1994 by chef Nobu Matsuhisa, film producer Meir Teper and actor Robert De Niro, the chain's ever-trendy miso cod and spicy tuna with crispy rice are regular sights on the social media feeds of Leonardo DiCaprio, the Kardashians, Rihanna and more.
KAWS, real name Brian Donnelly, holds a similar level of ubiquity among A-listers. His flagship design — a Mickey Mouse-esque statue with Xed-out cartoon eyes — is particularly popular among musicians like Drake and Pharrell Williams.
[callout-app-promo]
Donnolly's contributions to limited edition drops have led to some of the most coveted collector's items in circulation. His pair of grey suede Air Jordan 4's currently catch $5,000 and more on resale. 2025 Nobu Rare may soon witness a similar fate.
“I’ve long admired Nobu’s culinary artistry, and this collaboration brought my vision to life by blending my passion for art with Nobu’s dedication to excellence. It is an honor to release this special bottle in celebration of Nobu’s 30th anniversary," KAWS added.
The spirits are said to boast flavors of cherry, honey, toffee, dried orange, white pepper and cooked agave. For more information on the release, find the QUI Tequila website here.
KAWS, real name Brian Donnelly, holds a similar level of ubiquity among A-listers. His flagship design — a Mickey Mouse-esque statue with Xed-out cartoon eyes — is particularly popular among musicians like Drake and Pharrell Williams.
[callout-app-promo]
Donnolly's contributions to limited edition drops have led to some of the most coveted collector's items in circulation. His pair of grey suede Air Jordan 4's currently catch $5,000 and more on resale. 2025 Nobu Rare may soon witness a similar fate.