The world of agave spirits is certainly having a moment, isn't it? Tequila and mezcal, those vibrant exports from Mexico, are showing no signs of slowing down in popularity. It’s fascinating to see how these drinks, steeped in tradition and regulated by strict rules, continue to capture our imaginations and palates. Even with consumers being a bit more mindful of their spending, the demand for tequila and mezcal in places like the US is still remarkably strong, growing by a significant margin last year.
This enduring appeal is precisely why The Spirits Business hosts its annual Tequila & Mezcal Masters blind tasting. It’s a chance for seasoned judges to dive deep into the category and unearth those truly exceptional bottles. I always find it interesting to see who’s leading these panels – spirits writers, bar managers, consultants – they’re the ones with their fingers right on the pulse of what’s exciting in the drinks world. For the 2025 competition, they gathered in London, ready to put some of Mexico’s finest to the test.
The tasting journey began with 100% Agave Tequilas, where expressions like Casazar Tequila Joven impressed with their "vegetal agave notes" and a "soft sweetness." Moving into the more accessible premium blancos, Olmeca Blanco stood out, described as having "peppery agave" and "vegetal notes" – a well-balanced flavor profile that judges clearly appreciated. It’s a testament to how even at a more affordable price point, quality can shine through. Other Gold winners in this category, like Jose Cuervo Tradicional Blanco and Sierra Tequila Blanco, were noted for their cocktail-friendliness and vibrant character, while Cabrita Blanco offered intriguing "orange zest and earthy spices." Espero Blanco, another Gold recipient, presented a complex nose with "citrus and broken pine needles and cooked plantain."
As the price brackets climbed, so did the complexity. The Super-Premium Blancos, priced between £26 and £39, saw Golds awarded to expressions like 1800 Blanco, Desdeya Uno, and Sierra Antiguo Plata. Desdeya Uno was particularly lauded as an "elegant Tequila" with "delicate fruit and earthy agave." It’s worth noting that while consistency was generally high, some judges expressed a desire for more pronounced agave notes in certain 100% agave Tequilas, with one being, as one judge put it, "completely masked by vanilla icing sugar notes." That’s the beauty of these blind tastings – they highlight both the triumphs and the areas for potential growth.
The pinnacle of the competition, however, was the Ultra-Premium 100% Agave Blancos (£40 and above). This is where the true gems often emerge, and this year was no exception, with four Master winners taking home the top accolades. Diageo-owned Casamigos Blanco Tequila was celebrated for how cask influence "enhances the Tequila’s profile beautifully," offering a delightful blend of agave sweetness, tropical fruit, and gentle spice. The Lost Explorer Tequila earned its Master for a "superb nose, absolutely textbook, grassy and citrusy, earthy, salty," which carried through to a palate with light spice. El Tequileño Still Strength, at a robust 50% ABV, was praised for its "earthy, peppery and vegetal" nose and a "good balance of sweet vs earthy" on the palate. Finally, Tanteo Blanco rounded out the Masters with a "very fresh and green palate," offering "great complexity for this price point" with notes of spice, cloves, and aniseed.
Beyond the Masters, a significant number of Golds were awarded, including to Volcan de mi Tierra Blanco for its "classic nose with earthy spice," Casa Obsidiana Blanco for its "cloves, some spice, vanilla, green pepper," and Trulussó Tequila Blanco for its "slightly floral palate and some liquorice." Patrón El Cielo was enjoyed for its "creamy palate with a line of white pepper," and even lighter styles like Kah Blanco and Herradura Blanco were recognized for their moreish qualities. It’s clear that the dedication to quality and the diverse expressions within the tequila and mezcal categories continue to impress, offering something for every discerning drinker.
