Tanner said: “These Tequilas were worth the price point. If I were able to buy any of these in the lower, mid‐range of the price point especially, I’d be stoked.” Winemaking process: double distillation in copper stills, aging for 9 months in toasted oak barrels. A further two Gold-worthy entrants were unearthed in the following flight, 100% Agave Tequila – Ultra-Premium Blanco. The first Gold medal was awarded to El Tequileño Platinum, which had “grassy fresh notes” and “nice agave flavours” on the palate. The second Gold went to Borco International’s Sierra Milenario Tequila Fumado, enjoyed for its “classic agave aromas and citrus”. The palate was said to be “well balanced” with

Chambers said: “Quality‐wise, this was a solid tasting. And you’re starting to see one or two producers pushing the boundaries of what can be done.” There’s a reason celebrities are eager to claim a stake in the Tequila category, and that’s because the agave‐based spirit is soaring in popularity. Four Gold‐standard mezcals were also tasted. A Gold medal went to 400 Conejos Mezcal with its “new‐make aromas” and “fruity palate, with mild, dry smoke”. A single flavoured mezcal entry, Ojo de Dios ODD Café Mezcal, delivered a strong finish to the tasting. The Gold winner delighted the panel with its “rich, chocolatey” palate, full of “comforting coffee notes and balanced sweetness”. Lobos 1707 Extra Añejo Tequila also gained a Master title for being “elegant”, with a “nice balance of flavours”. Silky texture

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 note 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 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 ultra-premium añejo round also supplied three Gold medallists: Tequila Gran Diamante – Añejo, Sierra Milenario Tequila Añejo, and Corralejo 99,000 Horas. Tequila Gran Diamante – Añejo was described as being “beautifully rounded, complex and balanced”. Meanwhile, Sierra Milenario Tequila Añejo’s “oily texture” gave a “luxurious feel” to the Tequila, and was said to be simply “delicious”. Corralejo 99,000 Horas was found to be full of “raisins and dried fruit” on the nose, with “medjool dates and a good overall balance” on the palate.

A Silver medal was given to coffee‐flavoured Sierra Milenario Tequila Cafè. Two more Silver medals were hailed in the Tequila Liqueur round. El Sueño Watermelon Liqueur pleasantly surprised the judges with its “fresh watermelon notes” and some “light earthiness”. Silver winner Horus was likened to a “very well done chocolate cream”. Two Tequilas proved they have the credentials to win a Master medal in the following flight: 100% Agave Tequila – Ultra‐Premium Reposado. El Tequileño The Sassenach Select Double Wood Reposado bagged the top award for its “clean and fresh palate with increasing savoury notes, honey, vanilla, late pepper and bitter herbals”.In the following flight, Mixto Tequila – Reposado, a Gold medal was awarded to Tequila Olmeca Reposado, with its “caramel and woody aromas” and “great mouthfeel”, which led to an overall “nicely rounded Tequila”. A Silver medal was delivered to Sierra Tequila Reposado. “This had some nice vegetal notes that were well balanced with the wood and caramel,” noted Gomez. Four Silver medals were also awarded to San Cosme Mezcal, The Lost Explorer Mezcal Espadin, Recuerdo Joven and Lokita Tobala. Creyente Mezcal also joined the Master winners. The expression offered “punchy pepper on the palate, smoke and some agave syrup sweetness. Bold, long and flavoursome,” noted the judges. All of the Tequilas were very good, but [Patrón Reposado Tequila] came up as the best because it tasted like a product that has been carefully produced and the barrels have been used very well,” Gomez added. “It was quite spicy, mineral. These were good representations of Tequila at this price.”

After assessing all the Tequila submissions, a series of mezcals were put to the taste test. Up first was a large flight of 100% Agave Mezcal – Joven. The flight produced a Master medal in the form of The Lost Explorer Mezcal Salmiana. “This has a very beautiful Tooty Frooty nose,” said Gomez. “This would be perfect for someone who doesn’t know mezcal; it’s a very entry-friendly mezcal but still a fantastic product. It does everything I would expect at this level; it’s got a sweetness, but it keeps a good mouthfeel and is full of flavour.” One of four Gold medals in this flight went to stablemate The Lost Explorer Mezcal Tobala. This mezcal had a “chocolatey aroma, slight vegetal notes and a hint of smoke” creating a “complex and well balanced” mezcal. Yola Mezcal 1971 also received the Gold seal of approval, with its “fruity pear drops” nose and “ripe agave”, which again would make it accessible for those new to the mezcal category. Tequila has come a long way in the past decade. From its shot‐slamming party days, the spirit has enjoyed a major glow‐up, and is now revered as a serious spirit. And the medals speak for themselves. This year’s Tequila & Mezcal Masters welcomed a record number of entries, which showcased the high calibre of offerings coming from Mexico.In the bar and party scene, the gold tequila is often served as a short shot and is always the highlight of any celebration. Tastes especially good with a fresh slice of orange and a little cinnamon. This Mexican premium tequila is the perfect companion for any occasion! The 100% agave Tequilas continued with a flight of premium reposado expressions. El Tequileño Reposado received a Gold medal in this round. “Reposado can be from two months old, so the colour was very light but you get complexity, green notes and you can taste strong agave notes,” Gomez said. “You get the aged notes, the caramel from the barrel, but very subtle, it doesn’t overpower the Tequila.” On to the 100% Agave Mezcal – Reposado flight, and a Gold medal was awarded to Zignum Reposado, with an “enticing vanilla sweetness” on the palate. Señorío Reposado received a Silver in this flight. In the more costly super‐premium price range, a Master was awarded to Olmeca Altos Reposado. Athavia noted the “fantastic integration of the oak on the palate”, which she said gave the Tequila “body, texture and a hint of sweetness”. Reflecting on the 2021 tasting and the standard of entries, Gomez noted the resilience of Tequila and mezcal to continue to connect with consumers – particularly given the challenges of 2020.