We started the proceedings with a flight of Mixto Tequila – Blanco, which produced a Gold medal in the form of Tequila Olmeca Blanco. The Tequila was said to have Complex” Tequila Gran Diamante – Reposado and Lokita Tequila Reposado, with its “nice texture”, received Silver medals. Two Gold medals were given to “classic, earthy” Matra Mezcal and “very smooth” Mezcal Artesanal Noble Coyote Espadín‐Tobalá, with “ripe banana” notes. A Silver medal went to Mezcal Artesanal Noble Coyote Jabalí. The Spirits Business held its annual Tequila & Mezcal Masters last month, where an experienced panel of judges uncovered some of the category’s best expressions available on the global market.

The Sierra Unidas distilleries, located in Guadalajara, have reached the third generation of producers. The current Master Distiller is the creator of the exceptional flavor of Tequila Sierra. Tasting noteThe judges then turned their attention to aged Tequilas, beginning with a flight of Mixto Tequila – Reposado. In this round, two Silver medallists were discovered. Sierra Tequila Reposado secured Silver for aromas of “fruit, vegetal notes and a touch of pepper”, leading to “some warming spice” on the palate. El Sueño Tequila Gold also took home Silver for delivering “some grassy notes” on the palate, and a “nice spiciness”. Lobos 1707 Extra Añejo Tequila also gained a Master title for being “elegant”, with a “nice balance of flavours”. Silky texture The number of excellent Tequila and mezcal bottlings on the market has been increasing at an impressive rate, with producers bringing interesting expressions to keen consumers, as this year’s blind-tasting competition showed. This year’s Tequila & Mezcal Masters received a record number of entries Sierra Milenario Extra Añejo also received the top award for its “complex” profile. Tasting notes included: “Resinous, rich and bold nose with some dates and dried fruits. Spiciness has mellowed wonderfully, leaving toffee and subtle wood influence. Well‐rounded, balanced and delicious.”

In the 100% Agave Mezcal – Joven, a Master medal was awarded to Mezcal Artesanal Noble Coyote – Coyote de Amatlán. Athavia found this to be “quite salty on the nose, with sea aromas”, leading to “lots of character and funky notes” on the palate.The judges found the quality improved as they progressed to 100% Agave Tequila – Premium Reposado. A Master was bestowed upon Tequila Dahlia Cristalino. Rodriguez found this expression had an “explosive nose” full of “roasted agave, pepper and floral notes”. The palate had a “touch of sweetness” and “lingering” flavour. “This shows Tequila’s immense complexity, playful aromas and notes reminiscent of other spirits categories,” he enthused. “This feels more like a sipping liquid than a mixing liquid.” Mixto tequila is made with caramel coloring, artificial flavorings and other additives, and is considered less desirable relative to 100 percent blue agave. What Type Of Tequila Is Meant For Sipping? Sierra Tequila Reposado is traditionally twice distilled in copper pot stills. The Mexican tequila is matured for up to 9 months in toasted ex-American oak barrels, giving this incorruptible, gold brown color. This type of production is known as "Reposado", meaning "recovering, calm or approved". The special feature of the production of the Sierra Tequila Reposado is that only blue agave are used which have grown more than eight years in the province of Jalisco. Silver medallist in El Tequileño Blanco was found to have “classic aromas” on the nose leading to “fresh agave” and a “peppery finish” on the palate, and was deemed to be “good for mixing”. El Tequileño Reposado Rare received a Gold in this flight, hailed for its “slightly floral aroma” with “pepperiness” on the palate and a “long finish”. Fellow Gold medallist The Bad Stuff Reserva Especial Extra Añejo had plenty of “lime zest and pepper” on the nose, which led to a “well rounded and balanced” spirit. Tequila Avíon Reserva 44 was awarded a Silver medal, with its “agave aromas mixed with some icing sugar sweetness”.